A Variety of Musical Events Aim to Beat the Heat

Courtesy of HYBE

A series of prominent summer music festivals are set to commence this month across South Korea, offering a diverse range of performances designed to help attendees escape the summer heat.

The Weverse Con Festival, an annual music event organized by K-pop company HYBE, is scheduled to take place at the Inspire Entertainment Resort in Incheon on June 15 and 16. Initially launched as a year-end concert in 2021, the festival has since evolved into a broader celebration that transcends musical genres and generations. Last year’s event attracted approximately 20,000 attendees.

This year’s lineup features 24 acts, including prominent HYBE groups such as SEVENTEEN, Le Sserafim, ENHYPEN, TWS, and ILLIT. The festival will also showcase performances by artists outside of HYBE’s roster, including Kwon Eun-bi, Chuu, and Billlie, as well as Japanese acts imase and Yoasobi, and the virtual boy band PLAVE. Additionally, XIA and Kim Jae-joong of JYJ are slated to perform, with JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young set to make a special appearance.
 

▲ A poster for the upcoming Weverse Con Festival / Courtesy of HYBE

"‘The past and future’ are the keywords for my upcoming show," Park Jin-young said in a statement, indicating a blend of nostalgia and new collaborations with younger artists. According to HYBE, "The Weverse Con Festival is the only place where audiences can enjoy performances from such a diverse lineup including Park Jin-young, ILLIT, PLAVE, and 10CM."

For fans of electronic dance music (EDM), the World DJ Festival will take place at Seoul Land amusement park in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, on June 15 and 16. The event, recognized as the largest DJ festival in Korea, draws approximately 100,000 fans from around the globe each year. This year’s lineup includes internationally renowned DJs and producers such as Eric Prydz, Alan Walker, The Chainsmokers, and Gryffin, with Prydz performing in Korea for the first time. 

Following that, the inaugural Asian Pop Festival will be held at Paradise City resort in Incheon on June 22 and 23. The event aims to highlight a diverse array of Asian musicians, featuring performances by the Kim Chang Wan Band and Baek Ye-rin from Korea, the Taiwanese indie band No Party for Cao Dong, and Japanese singer-songwriter Ayano Kaneko.
 

▲ Singer PSY performs his 2012 hit "Gangnam Style" during the Summer Swag show / Courtesy of P NationAdditionally, the Summer Swag concert series, hosted by PSY, known for his 2012 global hit "Gangnam Style," will commence on June 29 in Wonju, Gangwon Province. This year’s tour will include stops in eight other cities, including Gwangju, Daegu, Busan, and Suwon. Established in 2011, Summer Swag is a popular water-themed event that typically attracts around 30,000 attendees per show. PSY’s concerts are known for their energetic performances and water-drenched audiences, who often dress in blue.

"The best thing about my show is that it brings together people of all ages," PSY remarked during his 2023 performance at Jamsil Olympic Main Stadium in Seoul. "There are many more talented singers, rappers, and dancers in Korea, but I am grateful for your continued support."

PSY’s management company, P Nation, confirmed that preparations for the 46-year-old artist’s upcoming concerts are well underway. "PSY is dedicated to delivering another memorable performance, with a set list of his biggest hits and impressive stage management," the company stated.

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Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com