Disclaimer

The F10$$ Series is written in an informal tone meant to sound conversational. It includes a DIML (“Day in My Life”) style with opinion. This review is not sponsored by KCON, the Crypto. com Arena, or the Los Angeles Convention Center! Okay let’s get into the review and my experience! (pictures and edits coming soon!)

Okay let’s go back to the review! So, if you haven’t seen the first installment of this, you missed out a bit. Check it out to get the full day!

Inside the venue

I know we’ve been waiting for this instead of decent etiquette lessons with A.P. (I’m sorry). This can be an Uncomfy Cushion on it’s own so it is! Let’s get in here.

CYPTO. com ARENA

By this point, we were just upset. People were telling us about how their friends couldn’t come in on time. Missing the soundcheck as well. And others were just feeling bad about the whole thing. We all were just sitting on the floor waiting for the night to truly begin.

I really enjoyed the view from that close. It felt like school when sitting waiting for the movie to begin in the auditorium. Sometimes they would let us sit on the floor. Good times. People file in pretty good. You always have the people ready to jump in front of you. Since we’re taller we leave space for people to come to the front. Another Uncomfy Cushion hot take: There are a lot more other slots, people just really enjoy cutting. You can see pretty well with how it was set up this year. A lot of space for the artist to come over there.

We didn’t get refreshments this time, but now when you’re at an event, food is always pricey.

Repeated Con: I think it can be easier to have the info of where you need to stand (when it comes to lines) within the ticket information. Possibly in a email? I think that would help a lot of people.

Con: Staff was clueless about a lot of things or did things their own way.

Con: Most staff were very rude this year.

Pro: Nice stage view

Pro: Pretty ventilated

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. My feet felt broken to another level this time around. Being petty, It wouldn’t had felt so bad if I wasn’t waiting in a line I wasn’t supposed to be in. Thanks for coming to my speech.

SHOW TIME!

One thing I truly love about KCON is, you discover so much. I am a fan of listening to new music and artist. I always discover something else to go on my playlist. This makes me happy. And KCON always has someone new for you to discover. Unless you literally listen to every release ever, they is something for you to discover.

Alex Reid was there again and I was so happy! She wore something pink and green like Olive Young who was the sponsor of KCON. The bag that caused so much trouble lol. Though this has to be one of the best additions. I just wish we could do thorough bag checks. I know the floor wouldn’t be able to bring them as that wouldn’t be safe, but seated sections should. They can put them in their seat. It’s not that serious.

I think Alex has to be one of the best MCs as she has the energy to take up space and let you listen. To be fair she is an actress. And she was a KPOP idol, so she’s pretty good at slaying on stage.

KCON 2025 LINEUP (DAY 1)

OPENING ACTS:

THE SHOW:

If you are new to KCON, you might be wondering what a Dream Stage is. Well to put it simply, it’s a stage where fans get to collaborate through the art of dance with the idol(s) having the dream stage! There’s a total of three. King’s Crown performed with Taemin Day 1 of KCON! Check it out below!

I have to talk about the MC ments and VCRs because this is something that is kind of a problem. I will preface this by saying: I like them. I think a good show should have a lot of elements in it to tie everything together. When I say I want the show, I don’t want it immediately, it will look awkward. I think MC’s something are necessary to gather us back and give us more energy to go back to the show. But at some point it was giving ads. You’re asking me to scan the QR code and waiting, it felt like a unskippable ad. At least as the VCRs to do it. We will record the idol’s segment and during that time the QR code is right there-hard to miss. And boom, we’re seeing the link. Again…wonderful ideas, just hit me up! XD

But with all seriousness, it’s annoying waiting in silence because you have to plug whatever you’re promoting. We know most of the sponsors already, and the brands you collab with. We know them because we see them. You don’t need to ruin the show by adding it in the script making extra minutes of silence. Because, no offense, the audience doesn’t receive it well. They are silent (except for them talking to their fellow audience members…they aren’t reacting to you. And I don’t like that the energy is low and no one responds, because I’ve been there on a smaller scale (daily conversations), it hurts. Or as a performer and a joke doesn’t land well…I’ve been there before too. It hurts. So the best thing we can do is know our audience. The MC thing with promo and VCRs that don’t connect well needs to feel more sincere. Right now it feels like an insincere template.

This time I felt the VCRs just weren’t as good as last years. I know it sounds biased, but it really didn’t have that connected feeling like last year. Did I enjoy seeing my favs on the screen? Sure, but I didn’t feel a connect to it like last time.

Here’s an example. They got Jaehyun of NCT last year to talk about KCON. It was throughly planned out. They had all the idols talking, but Jaehyun was basically the host of the VCR. And on the actual stage it was Alex Reid, Johnny of NCT and Mark, and Somi. And it felt like someone really tried to tie everything together. So it has a beginning, middle, and end. So I felt like “Oh, so this is KCON!” This time felt like reheated nachos. Maybe it might be because I have only seen this one and the last one. Did it feel the same for 2023 and before that? Let me know.

I think idols are what people are here for. And you guys highlight this before we buy our seats. And market it as a once in a lifetime opportunity (which it is!) And that being said, people will do anything for their bias to be next too them. And like that meme sound “blah blah blah backstory stuff” they mean it. THERE IS YOUR CHANCE! You can add all of the sponsors and QR scanning there. More seconds with their idol (and for others to see the idol even if it’s on the screen), the better. This year I can’t say there was a complete connection between the stages, KCON, and the VCRs reflecting it all. I don’t like beating a dead horse, so let me clarify. I think like anyone else, there is room to improve, even myself. And there are a lot of good things about the show. These are just my opinions looking back.

I will say they upped their game 1000% with the Dream Stage performers. They got a lot of things they can look at as time goes on. I loved that for all of the dancers. Those keepsakes mean a lot for the performers. I also loved the clip before the collaboration between Hanbin of ZB1 (ZEROBASEONE) and Lee Young Ji. They both are amazing at holding a stage individually, so seeing them together made it even more powerful. That was really good, and the performance was top tier. It might have been one of the best performances that night. I was glued to the stage the whole time.

Let’s show a few more photos of the show:

The Honmoon was broken:

Then restored

And then broken again (the next week ;)) Wanna know where we went? Wait for the next F10$$ episode! And we will tell you!

The show so far has been great! But by the first few acts, I needed a-

Small break…

So my break came early. My feet were in so much pain to the point I was shaking. I saw others takaing off their shoes as well. And I did it. I know, I know don’t clock me. I am a germaphobe, but I just couldn’t take the pain. I quickly put my shoes back on though as I just hated feeling the floor. I couldn’t do it. Please if you remember anything, remember to bring comfortable clothing. You can only be a baddie for so long. Pain is not beauty especially when you have to grow old. My later years are: gonna be, gonna be GOLDEN (ha). And I will try to do better.

BACK TO THE SHOW!

HAECHAN and mark were performing at this moment. I can hear the show going on while I was sitting down, but coming back was so lit. You can see what each section’s view is like since you have to walk down the stairs. If you recall, last year we were in a seated section. And though we didn’t get a pop-up appearance in our section, I think that section is pretty GOATED. I like seeing different views of these shows, especially when returning to a venue so we can show you the “best view”. Or the “best experience”. So I can tell you, I don’t think KCON has a “best view”. I tried out 2 sections this time.

Experience-wise, it depends on what you want. A lot of people want to be by their faves. But also keep in mind if you are lucky, they will be right by your seat. And if you are by a tunnel, there’s another chance. To be next to your artists? Pit. As you can see, standing doesn’t work for me.

Another not so small break…

So my pain in my feet didn’t go away whatsoever. Instead, it decided to intensify. So I took matters into my own hands and go back up the stairs to rest. however, this time, they didn’t let me go through. Reason being, it was almost the end of the show so if I left now, they wouldn’t allow reentry. So, I typed to them my situation (since the music was so loud), and the security guard was very sweet. I asked him if I could just sit in one of the seated sections for a while and he let me. I truly appreciated this because I was in excruciating pain like tear-jerking pain. No one was occupying the seats in the row where I was sitting so I got to sit for a little bit and enjoy the show. IVE was playing during this part and they killed it.

Petty side note: See how amazing people can be?

I returned to my seat shortly after. A few songs so I got to see them up-close as well.

I truly think that so far from all the sections I have sat in, there isn’t a bad seat. As long as you are having a good time, the setlist and performers are on point, and there’s a screen to see everything, I really think you will have a good time regardless.

Last came NCT 127. And that’s where I think I was fully drained with the pit. I love seeing my biases in front of me to a point I can see every pore I’ve seen on vlogs. However, it comes to a point with fans where I cannot deal with some energy. I love turning up, I love the cheering to give the performers energy, but there’s etiquette with everything. Some of the pit goers kept ramming into everyone and everything to get to both sides of the stage. Wherever they went, they went. And will bump into you (not apologizing) to get closer to them. No offense, they are not going to pick you. Period. Maybe some people like rude people, but most people don’t.

And the reason everyone switches sides during stages anyways is to give an opportunity for everyone on each side of the stage to see them at least 1-2 times. You don’t need to be on both sides. If you were there to support them, be there. Have fun. If you are there to be noticed, I’m sorry Y/N…the camera usually wins. And though people receive interactions in the pit, you being obnoxious isn’t going to get you any more attention than if you were polite. Mini Uncomfy Cushion there…sorry. We can talk more about it later. But that was my experience. Mainly with their one girl and her friend. At some point I just looked at her, she didn’t care at all and kept bumping. Once they came back to our side to perform another number, I just accepted my faith. I will not be kicked out after already having a crappy day over someone who decided to be rude from the beginning.

Back to the focus…NCT 127! They were the highlight for me since I really wanted to see them. It’s my first time seeing them irl since standing them in 2019. It was a good time. And despite my previous paragraph, the vibes were immaculate. Everyone was giving energy to the boys and I’m sure they were happy to receive this energy. We were missing Jaehyun and Taeyong for this one, but-Spoiler alert! They came back to KCON! But…we were missing Doyoung and Jungwoo. Maybe they will come back as a full group again? We’ll see! Back to 2025 KCON…

It was a ride, but it was very fun. Again, just like asI say at my job…it’s the people that really make or break an experience. Plus the shoes…and the lockers…and other elements (but you get the point!).

The acts were fantastic. The whole day. Even thought was a long one, so many performers did their thing! And I discovered new music. And fits were fitting!

Let’s get into the F10$$ scale! If you are unfamiliar with F10$$, you can find out more about it here!

F10$$:

FAN: As a fan…I will say…okay wait. There’s two parts. As a fan of KCON. Completely disappointed. With everything except the show itself. The show was pretty good. I do wish it had the beauty of 2024. But that’s not realistic, but it can be possible again with the much need attention to detail and what fans want. I do think many people enjoyed this year’s KCON, but with the people I have talked to (complete strangers by the way), I think it was lacking. I really do and that hurts to say. Genuinely, as I adore KCON. I don’t want it to be associated with negative things. But missing Soundcheck with ZB1 had me all the way messed up. You get that wouldn’t make any sense right? Like as a fan of the artist…you paid for…you weren’t able to see them? What the flying-

FAN part2… : (don’t worry no part 3 for now lol) as a fan of the artist and music, I was completely more than satisfied. I got to see a lot of amazing people and learn so much new music which is now on my rotation.

BOSS: As a boss, terrible. Why? I mean no offense, if you read the previous article all the way through-thank you (if you did by the way, I know it’s a lot)-you will see why. I wasn’t even able to talk about Soundcheck which was one of the only perks of the show??? Something I paid for??! HELLO?!! Ugh anyways, yeah I wasn’t even able to tell you if it’s worth it or not which is one of the most important parts of this vlog.

$$$: Wasn’t worth the money no offense. If you can’t get the expense perks that you paid for…would you justify it? And this anger isn’t towards the reader. I would never give you bad vibes. It’s just…me trying to really make sense of what I am even rating today. Even when I look at this many months later…I am so confused.

And again, it wasn’t just our group. I say this because I know how it was earlier in the day. My fault with timing, and my fault with a lot of things that I decided not to do last minute. But this one was out of our control as we were on time and instead all staff cared about was making sure everyone put their bags into that mobile locker I mentioned earlier (in the previous article). By the way, will not be the last time I see this truck. I see it again at another concert we attended this year. I think it will be a new staple. We can discuss that in another article though, this one is getting wayyyy too long.

It’s sad because it wasn’t just a one case scenerio, it was other audience member’s upset. People in line with us who also double checked. Even if they run back the money…which we’ll see. IF they run it back, it’s not giving ZEROBASEONE’s performance. Like you do understand why this was significant right? Literally ZB1 might not perform again altogether since their contract is done by the end of next year.

UPDATE: WELL WELL WELL! Weren’t we unfortunately correct? KCON you messed up.

That’s frustrating as a fan. Sure, you got the performance we were getting regardless (I hope), but not soundcheck with solely them and Zerose (the fans). I don’t want to drag this out, but if you read all of that, I thank you and apologize. Yes, both are included, unlike my show and soundcheck.

IS IT WORTH WATCHING?

They also had the show stream on their YouTube channel. So, this is a great way to still see your favs. I think both options are amazing when done right. Obviously, watching something live does have this factor that cannot be replicated; however, you do have options. And it’s great to know there are so many ways you can connect through music and culture. So, I say the price is justified (usually).

I’m starting to think packages simply don’t work for KCON right now. The Festival grounds plus the meet and greet were not timed right. And then the Soundcheck plus the show wasn’t organized either. What was going on this year? They have a lot to rework. Even before the bad taste they left (even though of course, that adds up).

And finally, your favorite segment! The VLOGS! Now you can see how it went through the video.

OUR HOST POV:

My performance pick:

Of course! In the sea of green, I was there for them!!! Though I really loved the lineup this year! Everyone did so amazing. And I left with a lot of favs to Stan and most importantly, new music to listen to!

ENDING THOUGHTS:

Personal opinions:

Going back home, traffic is wild around this time. Also the line to grab our bags was horrific. I will say, they did their best trying to hand them out, but it’s just not a good time. I hate that this was implemented. It’s cool for them, but not fun for us. We should at least get a discount code or something since we are forced to put them there. If it’s an Olive Young bag, we should get another product. People would want to go over there to put up their bag. And you just promoted your product. We need some kind of incentive if we are forced to put our gift away. If you wanted to be even nicer, you could give 2 for Olive Young bags, and a mini gift for none OY bags. Just to promote two products. Just an idea.

They need to have some kind of membership thing where you can pick your day. Pick your experience. Not everyone will like all of the things you offer. It’s okay, we are human. I have some good ideas, please contact me.

I think as an introvert, you might want to bring others with you. It’s just easier to get through the day. Also, with the fact around the venue, you are in the heart of downtown LA… umm…yeah, I don’t have to say much about security, do I?

Would I go again? Short answer: …eh. I don’t really see a point at the moment. I love KCON, I love the idea of it. But this year really left a bad impression. Going back to what I said in the previous article, you know what I am unfortunately going to say. I probably will because I mean, I like going out and discovering new KPOP artists and Olive Young products. That does not take away from what they did. That does not make it do anything except dilute the intensity. I am not saying bring out the pitchforks and torches on anyone. I am only hear to explain my experience. And overall, they have to do better seriously.

What are your thoughts on KCON? Specifically what are your thoughts on KCON 2025? What artist did you enjoy and want to hear more of? Any fun moments? What would you like to see for upcoming KCONs? That last one is important. KCON, LEARN FROM THIS!

FOR MORE CONCERT AND FESTIVAL REVIEWS:

Written by: A.P.