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KCON LA 2025 celebrated 30 years of Mnet with powerhouse stages from KEY, MONSTA X, HWASA, I-DLE, and more.
KCON LA 2025 was more than just a K-Pop and artist festival—it was a celebration of K-pop’s past, present, and future. As Mnet marked its 30th anniversary, the weekend’s nightly M COUNTDOWN stages were elevated with nostalgia, surprise collaborations, and bold showcases of what’s next in the genre. From explosive fan-favorite tracks to emotional solo moments, this year’s performances were a true tribute to the legacy Mnet has built and the artists carrying it forward.
Here are the standout stages that defined the weekend, along with the songs that made a lasting impression on us.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1: Energy, Elegance, and Edge
P1Harmony – “Pretty Boy”
P1Harmony radiated charisma with their performance of “Pretty Boy.” The track’s bold, brash energy was matched by their stage presence, with confident movements and expressive delivery that fired up the crowd. Their synergy as a group stood out, effortlessly moving from hard-hitting choreography to smooth transitions. The performance felt like a celebration of individuality and self-assuredness—exactly what the song is all about.
NCT 127 – “Walk”
NCT 127 hit the stage with full force during their performance of “Walk.” The track’s pulsing bass and bold choreography brought an intensity that had the entire arena moving. Their sharp transitions and commanding presence made the performance feel powerful and precise, with just the right amount of edge. It was a reminder of how effortlessly NCT 127 blends style, strength, and stage mastery.
IVE – “I AM”
“I AM” felt like a declaration of confidence and self-worth and IVE embodied that completely. From the commanding choreography to the flawless live vocals, every beat of the performance reinforced the empowering message of the song. The group’s synchronization and stage charisma lit up the arena, proving why they’ve become one of K-pop’s top-tier girl groups. It was a bold, polished set that had fans on their feet.
NOWZ – “MANIAC” (Stray Kids Cover)
NOWZ took on Stray Kids’ “MANIAC” and made it entirely their own. Their cover was daring and executed with a level of polish that showed just how far they’ve come since debut. From the glitchy, aggressive choreography to the explosive energy onstage, every moment felt deliberate and high-impact. It wasn’t just a tribute—it was a statement that NOWZ can go toe-to-toe with the heavy-hitters.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2: Unexpected Pairings and Showstopping Flair
from20 & HELLO GLOOM – “MAMACITA”
from20 and HELLO GLOOM proved they’re not just artists—they’re a creative force. As co-CEOs of the label WAY BETTER, they’ve been hustling to grow their agency across the globe, and their joint stage at KCON was a bold introduction to their vision. Though “MAMACITA” is originally HELLO GLOOM’s track, the two performed it together with a smooth, stylish chemistry that carried over into their live renditions of two from20 songs as well. If this set was even a glimpse of what fans in Europe and Latin America experienced on their recent tours, the U.S. better be next in line.
JO1 – “BE CLASSIC”
JO1’s “BE CLASSIC” was polished, pristine, and dripping with elegance. The group’s stage presence was captivating, with flowing formations and impeccable timing that complemented the refined energy of the song. Their harmonies were rich and emotionally resonant, giving the performance a graceful weight. It felt like watching a well-rehearsed musical come to life—with just the right touch of JO1’s signature charm.
YUQI x ZHANG HAO – “Now” (Trouble Maker Cover)
YUQI and ZHANG HAO set the stage on fire with their Trouble Maker cover, “Now.” Their rendition retained the original’s seductive playfulness but added a sleek, fresh twist that felt perfectly in sync with 2025’s sensibilities. Their chemistry was electric—subtle glances, synchronized movements, and effortlessly blended vocals kept everyone watching closely. It was flirty, theatrical, and absolutely unforgettable.
IDID – Predebut Performance
IDID may have been new to most in the audience, but their performance felt anything but amateur. They introduced themselves with a sleek, high-energy set that balanced clean choreography with undeniable charisma. Even though their debut is still weeks away (mid-September), they captured attention with their confidence and presence. It was a glimpse at a group that’s ready to make serious waves.
MONSTA X – “Beautiful Liar”
MONSTA X tore up the stage with their intense performance of “Beautiful Liar,” delivering the kind of high-impact, high-drama energy that has defined their career. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the group showed exactly why they’ve remained fan favorites for a decade, blending polished choreography, fierce charisma, and vocals that hit hard. Every moment felt explosive, yet intentional, as if they were performing with something to prove. And judging by their very casual spoiler during sound check about a future U.S. tour, it looks like we won’t have to wait long to see them again.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3: Icons, Powerhouses, and 96-Line Royalty
HWASA – “Maria”
“Maria” took on new life in HWASA’s live rendition—raw, passionate, and magnetic. Her vocals soared with emotion, weaving between vulnerability and strength in a way that only she can. Every movement felt deliberate, yet completely in the moment, giving the performance a captivating authenticity. It was a true highlight, layered with personal expression and artistic confidence.
i-dle – “Super Lady”
i-dle’s “Super Lady” was an all-out explosion of girl power and unfiltered attitude. The group took control of the stage with intensity, matching the boldness of the track’s lyrics with commanding presence and fiery choreography. Their vocals cut through the heavy beats with precision, creating an empowering, almost defiant atmosphere. It was one of the most electrifying and unapologetic performances of the weekend.
KEY – “Gasoline”
KEY’s performance of “Gasoline” was a masterclass in stage presence and artistry. Without relying on elaborate costumes or flashy effects that fans have grown accustom to from his performances in Korea, he captivated the audience purely through his charisma, flawless vocals, and precise movements. His ability to command the stage with such effortless confidence proved why he’s one of K-pop’s most respected soloists. The tease of an upcoming U.S. tour only added to the excitement, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next.
HxW SEVENTEEN – “96ers”
HxW, SEVENTEEN’s newest subunit featuring Hoshi and Woozi, brought a fresh yet intimate vibe with their performance of “96ers.” The duo’s chemistry was undeniable, showcasing their unique synergy through smooth vocals and understated choreography. Their stage felt like a cozy moment amidst the festival’s high energy, allowing fans to appreciate their artistry and friendship up close. It was a perfect closer to the weekend’s diverse performances.
Final Thoughts
As Mnet celebrated 30 years of music, milestones, and unforgettable stages, KCON LA 2025 became a true reflection of what K-pop has grown into. From the commanding presence of icons like KEY, Jackson Wang, MONSTA X, and HWASA to the fresh energy of rising acts like izna, NOWZ, and IDID, each performance paid tribute to the genre’s rich history while pushing it boldly forward.
Every artist brought something personal to the stage, whether it was through explosive anthems like “Beautiful Liar,” moody bangers like “MAMACITA,” or sultry, soul-baring moments like “Maria.” For fans, it was more than just a concert. It was a celebration of a legacy that continues to evolve, inspire, and connect people across the world.
Image Credits: KCON
Video Credits: KCON, bellank18
English (US) · 