by HASSAN BEYAZ
If Day 1 of KCON LA 2025 was about generational handovers and genre defiance, Day 2 widened the lens — tapping into the global ripple effects of K-pop, and spotlighting the form’s full range, from acoustic sincerity to high-octane swagger.
Things kicked off before the main show even began. from20 and HELLO GLOOM set the early tone, stealing attention in the pre-show with enough energy to rival any headliner. from20’s cult, viral hit “Eye Candy” — performed as a duet — had the crowd screaming like it was already 8PM; a clear signal that the line between opener and main act is blurrier than ever at KCON’s flagship event.
SHOWNU X HYUNGWON of MONSTA X opened the concert in style — crisp white shirts, unshakable chemistry, and a slow-burn version of “Love Me a Little” that dripped with seductive cool. It was a veteran opening that oozed polish and confidence.
Starship’s rookie boy group IDID took the baton with two strong performances: “Step It Up” and a sharp cover of ENHYPEN’s “XO.” Still early in their rise, they showed flashes of presence and hunger, the kind of rookie act that may look entirely different by next KCON.
izna returned to the stage for Day 2 with “BEEP” and “SIGN,” radiating an understated, refreshing charm that cut through the noise. They’re not here to overpower — they’re here to grow on you, and it’s working.
One of the night’s most buzzed-about moments came via YUQI and ZHANG HAO, who teamed up for a cover of Trouble Maker’s infamous hit “NOW.” The choice was bold — that track isn’t just a duet, it’s a legacy performance — and they rose to the challenge with chemistry that paid homage without mimicry. It was sexy, stylish, and surprisingly effortless.
From Korea to Japan: JO1’s set added a cross-cultural dimension to the night. As leaders of KJ-pop, their presence was strategic. Their inclusion was a testament to K-pop’s influence beyond borders, and they more than held their own, delivering on choreography, charisma, and crowd command.
Then came the wildcard: Roy Kim. Armed with just a guitar and a voice that can cut through anything, he offered a much-needed tonal shift. His performance was stripped down and deeply felt — not idol pop, but still unmistakably part of the K-canon. “K-pop is getting bigger,” he told the crowd. “Fans are now embracing all kinds of music.” The moment was enhanced by a special stage featuring CHOIHOJONG, whose interpretive dancing turned Roy’s acoustic textures into something dreamlike.
<h3>But if anyone redefined “headliner,” it was Jackson Wang. The GOT7 alum and solo global force delivered what was arguably the standout set of the entire weekend. From the second he rose onstage in all-black, he exuded superstar command.</h3>
In a quick tonal pivot, ZB1’s MATTHEW and GUN WOOK brought the swag with a special stage of “BACK PACKER,” introduced playfully by MCs Ricky and Hanbin. It was a fun injection of attitude — a mid-show reminder that idols can shapeshift at will.
NMIXX delivered one of their tightest sets to date, with “DASH” easily drawing the biggest reaction from the crowd. Lily, widely praised for her live vocals, didn’t disappoint — every note was precise, yet effortless, anchoring the group’s ever-evolving performance style.
Then came YUQI’s solo stage — and it hit like a statement. “Tomorrow I’ll bring my girls,” she teased, referencing her i-dle roots. But tonight was hers alone. Sporting a platinum-blonde cut and that unmistakable husky vocal tone, she tore through “Red Rover” and “Radio” with stage presence that felt more like a headliner than a feature.
But if anyone redefined “headliner,” it was Jackson Wang. The GOT7 alum and solo global force delivered what was arguably the standout set of the entire weekend. From the second he rose onstage in all-black, he exuded superstar command. “GBAD” hit hard. “BUCK” hit harder. He never let the crowd rest — constant engagement, constant movement, all at the highest level of live performance. More than just hype, it was control. Jackson also took the chance to reveal that he’s heading out on tour — and after a performance like that, you’d be a fool to miss it.
JO1 made a surprise return for a cover of SEVENTEEN’s “Fear” — a risky move, given the original’s intensity, but they pulled it off with reverence and style.
To cap it all off, MONSTA X returned in full force, this time to celebrate their 10th anniversary. “KCON has been part of our journey,” they told the crowd. “Today feels extra special to us.” They weren’t lying — their set was a celebration, a flex, and a thank-you. “Beautiful Liar,” “WHO DO U LOVE?”, “Play It Cool,” and “GAMBLER” ripped through the venue, each track upping the tempo and sending the floor into chaos.
<h3>One of the night’s most buzzed-about moments came via YUQI and ZHANG HAO, who teamed up for a cover of Trouble Maker’s infamous hit “NOW.”</h3>
Throughout it all, MCs Ricky and Hanbin of ZB1 kept the pacing light and the energy up — their chemistry had only sharpened from the night before, making them one of KCON’s most charming constants.
If Day 1 was about scale, Day 2 was about scope. From stadium-filling veterans to indie-leaning curveballs, KCON’s second night proved just how wide the world of K-pop has become — and how ready audiences are to follow wherever it goes next.
