The first KPOPWORLD Festival & Worldwide Dance Competition lands at San Antonio's Alamodome from 28–31 October, with the promise of two action-packed nights of live music. With a total of eleven acts, the festival will see the full range of what Korean music has to offer – from K-pop to the genre hybridity of K-rock, K-hip-hop and K-R&B – alongside artists pushing the boundaries of wider idol pop in Southeast Asia.

Each will take to the Alamodrome stage for a 45 minute set – beyond the genre’s festival norm – to provide an all-encompassing experience. Whether you are new to K-pop and K-pop adjacent sounds or a seasoned listener, the diverse range of artists will offer energy and excitement in an area of the U.S. that rarely sees such an array of talent all in one place.

K-hip-hop is a rapidly growing genre, and its international success owes a lot to Jay Park. Whether the Korean-American rapper chooses bass-heavy instrumentals or smooth contemporary R&B, Jay Park rides any beat seamlessly with his signature laid-back, self-assured flow. “FLIRTY,” his recent collaboration with DAYOUNG, makes for a visually and musically powerful dynamic that will see both thrive on stage.

The raw, passionate expression of The Rose cannot be easily defined. With a combination of alt-rock and indie-pop, the indie-rock band blurs the lines to take emotional storytelling to new, heart-wrenching heights. Vulnerability, authenticity and growth have become their trademarks. Prepare to fly and fall throughout their set – and be sure to bring tissues.

Labelmates DEAN & Tabber share a dark, experimental approach to R&B that makes for the perfect collaboration. DEAN's melodic vocal delivery contrasts with the raspy, gritty textures of Tabber's hip-hop-inspired cadence for a multilayered effect that represents the pinnacle of the South Korean underground R&B scene, carried straight to Texas.

Fresh off a recent rebrand, CRAVITY are ready to bring a signature K-pop, rookie-like energy to a festival setting. Over the years, the nine-piece have experimented with every shade of pop music – from bright, feel-good tracks to glam rock to pounding EDM anthems. With a strong performance presence and sharp choreography, that variety from our inaugural cover star will have your heart racing throughout their 45 minute showcase.

WONHO – our Issue 2 cover star – has always known how to catch the eye. But on stage, he offers more than just visuals, his image expanding through sleek electro-pop and driving house beats. Percussion and R&B inflections are anchored by the ever-evolving smooth vocals that have spurred WONHO to fame, and he's ready to use that voice to transport the audience to the club for a moment of letting loose.

As a lead vocal of WJSN, DAYOUNG and her bright stage presence have made a mark on the history of K-pop girl groups. Ten years later, she returns reinvented. Led by her viral solo debut "body," DAYOUNG's sound transforms the breezy coolness of early-2000s R&B styles into a contemporary, rhythmic dance-pop twist, while the uplifting narrative throughout her discography drives confidence and body positivity – she'll have you on your feet before you know it.

Filipino boy group SB19 showcases what it means to push boundaries in the idol space. A signature dance-pop, EDM, and hip-hop sound merges with distinct Filipino cultural sentiments, putting P-pop on the map. Armed with sweeping, stable vocals and multi-part harmonies alongside dynamic choreography, the quintet are flying the flag for the wider Asian pop sphere, and arrive in Texas ready to make their mark internationally.

It's impossible not to think of Jessi when considering the powerhouse soloists thriving in the Korean music scene. The Korean-American rapper and singer-songwriter is the definition of an all-rounder, with twenty years of experience to match. Her bold yet raspy vocal tone drives a unique rap delivery, which finds a place upon sharp trap beats and catchy pop instrumentals alike – as well as amongst a register of iconic hip-hop artists on our stage.

ARTMS has built a consistent atmospheric, experimental sound that's difficult to replicate. Synth-pop and hyperpop intricacies allow for soaring vocals to shine, supported by lore-heavy visuals that reach new conceptual heights. Mystical, virtual and human: ARTMS are ready to put every side of themselves and their sound forward this October.

Bringing a high-energy, upbeat tone is HEYOON, a dancer and singer who reinvented herself as a soloist in 2024 and has never looked back. Raw, autobiographical narratives translate into electronic-leaning club anthems that emphasise the importance of staying in the moment, and in doing so, encourage the audience to join her for instinctual, live joy.