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3,500 global influencers to gather at DDP for SeoulCon 2024

Published: 14 Oct. 2024, 16:02 Updated: 14 Oct. 2024, 16:02

CHO JUNG-WOO
[email protected]

People watch a K-pop performance and countdown event held as part of the SeoulCon 2023 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung District, central Seoul, on Dec. 31, 2023. [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

Some 3,500 global influencers are set to gather for the second edition of SeoulCon, a content fair for influencers, this year.

SeoulCon 2024 will be held from Dec. 28 to Jan. 1 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung District, central Seoul. This year’s SeoulCon will feature 17 sessions and 25 programs, expanding from last year’s three-day event to five days.

According to the city government, 3,161 influencers from 58 countries participated in last year’s three-day event, which attracted around 102,000 visitors despite heavy snowfall in the area. Most of the influencers volunteered to participate. Five international influencers who participated in last year's event also joined the New Year's Day bell-tolling ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion in downtown Seoul.

K-pop concerts, a countdown event, a street fashion exhibition and e-sports festivals were held during last year’s event, generating over 430 million social media posts, according to the city government.

A new feature of this year’s SeoulCon will be a program that matches companies with influencers for promotional opportunities. Additional sessions, such as talk shows and conferences with influencers, will also be held at the venue.

The 2024 SeoulCon Apan Star Awards, marking its 10th year, will take place on Dec. 28 as part of the event. The awards, co-hosted by the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) and the Korea Entertainment Management Association, recognize actors who have influenced hit drama series aired across all media, including television and OTT services, over the past year.

The LCK Awards, which honor the top players and teams from the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), will be held on Dec. 29.

People watch dancers participate in a random dance challenge held as part of the 2023 SeoulCon at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung District, central Seoul, on Dec. 31, 2023. [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

On Dec. 30, an exhibition of beauty brands called K-beauty Boost will offer visitors the chance to try Korean beauty products.

Performances and a countdown event featuring K-pop stars will also take place from the night of Dec. 31 until 2 a.m. on Jan. 1.

“SeoulCon is not just an event; it plays an important role in establishing the capital as the center of global K-culture,” said Kim Hyun-woo, CEO of SBA, in a press release.

“The 2024 SeoulCon will once again showcase the charm of Seoul to the world while also becoming a meaningful festival where influencers and citizens come together to create economic value.”

In a report released in May 2022, the Export-Import Bank of Korea revealed that Korea gains a fivefold economic boost — around 510 million dollars — for every 100 million dollars in Korean content exports.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [[email protected]]