The festival for K-pop fans and artists, KCON, will be held in Japan in 2026. CJ ENM announced on the 22nd that 'KCON JAPAN 2026' will take place from May 8 to 10 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. This event highlights that KCON is being utilized as a trend-leading platform as K-pop has become mainstream in the global music market.

CJ ENM plans to showcase an even more evolved 'K-experience' at this KCON. Various participatory contents will be prepared alongside the stage performances. KCON has previously been held in Japan and the United States, introducing various Korean lifestyles such as K-beauty, K-food, and K-content.

The first artist lineup for KCON JAPAN 2026 has also been announced. It includes &TEAM(&TEAM), the first Japanese artist to achieve million-seller status in both Japan and Korea; ALPHA DRIVE ONE, who recorded a million-seller with their debut album 'EUPHORIA'; and CORTIS, who entered the US Billboard 200 at number 15 with their debut album 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES.'

Additionally, INI, who achieved million-seller status within four days of releasing the single 'THE WINTER MAGIC'; JO1, the first Japanese artist nominated for the US 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards; and TWS, who ranked second in the Oricon annual 'Rookie Ranking,' will also perform. CJ ENM plans to reveal more artist lineups in the future.

CJ ENM also plans to hold 'KCON LA 2026' this year. The event will take place in Los Angeles, USA, from August 14 to 16. More detailed information about the event will be announced later.

At 'KCON JAPAN 2025,' held last May, the cumulative offline audience exceeded 2 million. Following that, at 'KCON LA 2025' held in August last year, the city of Los Angeles designated August 1, 2025, as 'KCON Day.' KCON has established itself as an important platform for promoting K-pop and Korean culture worldwide.