CJ ENM's largestK-culture festival, KCON 2024, will open in five overseas places this year, starting from Hong Kong, followed by Japan, Los Angeles, Europe and Saudi Arabia.

This year’s KCON will take place in Hong Kong on March 30 and March 31 at AsiaWorld-Expo, making it the first time the festival is held in the area.

KCON Japan will be held for three days from May 10 to May 12, following KCON Hong Kong. The LA festival will take place from July 26 to July 28. The locations of both events have not been disclosed.

CJ ENM plans to also hold KCON in Europe and Saudi Arabia in the latter half of the year, but specific dates were not disclosed.

This year’s KCON will showcase K-pop content and expand its star lineups, the company said in a news release.

It also plans to introduce curated content for K-pop fans, which will draw K-pop fandom to the festival, it added.

The festival started in 2012 in the United States, introducing K-pop and Korean culture — including food, fashion and more — to overseas audiences.

KCON 2023 was held in Thailand, Japan, Los Angeles and Saudi Arabia.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]