KCON LA 2025 wasn’t just about arena headliners and blockbuster sets. This year marked the arrival of X Stage – a brand-new platform dedicated to rookies and rising stars – and it might have been the most exciting corner of the festival. Across three days in the West Hall of the LA Convention Center, ten emerging acts turned a convention floor into a discovery zone, giving international fans a first look at what could be the next big names in K-pop.

Day 1: Kicking Off with Soul and Spark

Kik5o opened the inaugural X Stage with smooth, soulful vocals that cut through the convention chatter. Her cover of 2NE1’s “Ugly” landed as an early highlight, setting a warm, high-energy tone for the day. HITGS followed with a set full of girlish elegance and quiet charisma – impressive considering they debuted only 95 days ago. A special fan meeting with Yim Siwan gave the crowd a breather before ifeye took over, turning the floor into a whirlwind of energy. Their setlist – NERDY, BUBBLE UP, BTS’s Dope, and the electrifying r u ok? – showcased both tight choreography and infectious personality. The BTS cover in particular had fans screaming along, proving ifeye could hold their own against even the biggest global acts.

So Soo Bin shifted the atmosphere entirely, trading pounding beats for acoustic warmth and ballad sensibility. His clear, emotive vocals carried even through the bustle of the convention, holding a steady audience despite a surprise appearance from P1Harmony nearby. NEWBEAT closed the day with pure adrenaline – fan anticipation peaked before they even stepped out, and their mash-up of “GNARLY,” “CRAZY FORM,” and “BOUNCY” sealed a standout debut showing.

Day 2: Raising the Bar

The day began with from20 and HELLO GLOOM, who delivered a meaty, dynamic set spanning seven tracks: Blue, WEOL, Dancing In The Dark, viral fan-favourite Eye Candy, Your Love, Chemical, and MAMACITA. Their alternating performances showcased both pop polish and experimental flair, making their stage a highlight of the morning.

82MAJOR followed, opening with “TAKEOVER” before powering into “Heroes,” a tight cover of ATEEZ’s “The Real,” and closing with “Stuck.” Their precision choreography and commanding energy made them one of the weekend’s most polished acts. Kik5o returned for a second showcase, leaning further into her expressive style, while HITGS wrapped the day with more confidence and stage presence than their first outing.

Day 3: Closing Statements

ifeye returned for a final set, repeating their four-song run (NERDY, BUBBLE UP, Dope, r u ok?) with the same wild energy and fan engagement that had made their debut set feel electric. from20 and HELLO GLOOM followed, again cycling through their seven-track set, the chemistry between the soloists and duets keeping the transitions seamless. NEWBEAT brought the tempo back up before the schedule paused for izna’s UNESCO Girls’ Education stage, blending social impact with a rare opportunity to learn more about the individual members in an intimate setting. 82MAJOR closed the weekend with the same four-song run from Day 2, delivering it with even greater punch – a confident, tightly executed closer that suggested this might be the smallest stage they’ll play for a long while.

More Than Just Performances

Beyond the music, X Stage doubled as an interactive hub. Signed giveaways, quick-fire “Time Attack” games, and on-stage banter gave fans rare, up-close glimpses of each act’s personality. It felt less like a showcase and more like a direct handshake between rookies and the international audience they’re hoping to win over.

With KCON positioning X Stage as an annual fixture, it’s already proving to be more than a side attraction. For the right artist, it’s a launchpad – and for fans, it’s the place to say, “I saw them before they blew up.”