After its launch last year, “KCON All Things Hallyu,” a large-scale K-pop and K-culture convention, is making its return to Los Angeles for a two-day star-studded second round of hallyu madness.

KCON was first established to allow hallyu enthusiasts from around the world to experience the full extent of Korea’s culture. Unlike the previous year’s all-day event, this year’s KCON festival will be a two-day weekend K-culture experience, jam-packed with a wide range of activities related to Korean music, drama, films, cuisine, fashion and more.

“Hallyu fever, which began with dramas and shifted to K-pop in the last few years, has expanded to an interest in Korean culture in general, and now K-culture is quickly taking over as a new global culture trend,” said Hwang Jae-sang, director of CJ E&M’s Global Business department. “We expect KCON to not only play a large role in spreading hallyu content and establishing hallyu business in L.A. but around the world.”

“M! Countdown,” one of the nation’s top live music-ranking shows, will be shot in L.A. for the first time during the convention, where fans can see their favorite stars perform on the stage.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet their favorite K-stars in person and participate in various celebrity panels, autograph sessions, fan workshops and Korean food tasting events, as well as attending a star-studded K-pop concert.

Last year’s festival reportedly attracted more than 10,000 people and brought in big-name acts such as 4Minute, G.Na, B.A.P., Exo-M and VIXX. This year’s lineup has yet to be announced.

The two-day “KCON All Things Hallyu” convention will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on Aug. 24 and 25.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)