2020 has been rough. From Covid-19 to racist murdering cops, I have officially decided to throw this whole year away. In an effort to hang on to some thread of sanity, I wanted to check in on social media and see what has been happening in the world of k-pop. Fans are toxic towards each other, comebacks are still happening, and rookie groups are debuting even though they can’t perform in front of crowds. In other words, right on par with 2020.

Since conventions and concerts are canceled until further notice, companies have been scrambling to figure out ways to have their artists connect with their fans. Enter online concerts. I’ve already talked about how much I enjoyed the Wayv – Beyond Live event, so I was looking forward to seeing what else would come over the horizon.

Enter KCON:TACT 2020. As you know, I’ve been attending KCON since 2014, and breaking my streak was heartbreaking. KCON decided that it would not let the state of the world stop them from bringing artists to their fans, so they created an online event that will surely be something you haven’t seen before. 

It will take place on June 20 – 26 for 24 hours each day. KCON:TACT 2020 will reportedly offer a highly immersive experience using the latest VR and AR technology to bring fans watching worldwide the option to be even closer to their favorite stars. Fans will be more than just audience members. They can participate in and influence the show by participating in live fan polls to decide the next song performed live on the broadcast. Fans will also be able to interact and communicate with the artists in real-time via an AR live chat board, and artists will create new fan songs based on the messages they receive.

ARTISTS

So who’s coming? Male artists ASTRO, ATEEZ, CRAVITY, JO1, KANG DANIEL, KIM JAE-HWAN, N.FLYING, ONEUS, ONF, SF9, STRAY KIDS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, VERIVERY, VICTON, AB6IX, GOLDEN CHILD, MONSTA X, PENTAGON, THE BOYZ, and TOO. 

If that isn’t enticing enough, female artists BVNDIT, CHUNG HA, EVERGLOW, (G)I-DLE, ITZY, MAMAMOO, NATTY, OH MY GIRL, GFRIEND, IZ*ONE, LOONA, and NATURE will also be performing. A total of 32 groups for the whole week.

PRICING

The entire program will be streamed exclusively on the Mnet K-Pop YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/mnet) globally with English subtitles. For the whole month, fans can enjoy the entire lineup of exclusive live shows and VOD content for a membership of $19.99. Content available for members include the daily live concert, artist meet & greets, behind the scene footage, stage prep/practice videos, and much more. The show will also provide multiple points of view angles focused on each artist member.

Twenty dollars seemed like a good deal, so I bought the membership as soon as I could. Once I did, I had access to the members-only community tab. You can apply to be part of the live audience (I’m assuming via Zoom), apply to be on a 1:1 video call, and even have your favorite artist answer your question. 

Since this is the first time KCON has done something like this, I’m very interested in how it will turn out. Be sure to check my social media and blog for updates. So tell me, who’s going to KCON:TACT 2020 this year?