KCON has expanded beyond its origins as a K-pop concert into a platform connecting music, lifestyle products, and international trade. At KCON LA 2026, 144 companies participated across 724 booths, reflecting the growing commercial presence of Korean beauty, food, and lifestyle brands. Government-supported programs such as K-COLLECTION also provide Korean SMEs with opportunities to meet overseas buyers, showcase products, and explore export partnerships. With the United States serving as a major export market for Korean cosmetics and agrifood, KCON offers new opportunities to connect K-pop fandom with consumer demand and business transactions. Korean content and lifestyle companies should leverage these connections to expand market access, strengthen brand visibility, and develop tailored sourcing and distribution strategies.
• Why It Matters, Summary, Key Implication for Buyers
• Stage and floor at KCON LA, 2025 and 2026
• Korean cosmetics and agrifood exports, H1 2026
• K-COLLECTION export consultations at KCON, 2026
• The virtuous cycle, and how to enter it
Sources: CJ ENM (Aug 2025, Aug 2026); Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Jul 2026); Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Jul 2026); Ministry of SMEs and Startups (May 2026, Aug 2026); Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership (May 2026, Aug 2026); KOTRA (May 2026, Aug 2026); CJ Newsroom (May 2026).
This report was prepared based on the above sources.
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