Before the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” dominated Netflix and music charts, presenter MNKPopConnect spent about a year and a half putting together KPop MinneCon, a convention celebrating the Korean pop genre and fan culture.
Hosted at the St. Paul RiverCentre on Saturday, the event offers K-pop dance competitions, panels and a performance by K-pop group BE:MAX. The event starts at 10 a.m. outside at Rice Park, where attendees can take part in the all-day dance party and exchange photocards — a tradition within the K-pop community.
The panels range from K-pop trivia to Korean culture’s global influence to a panel titled “All Things KPop Demon Hunters.” K-pop dance choreographers and YouTubers Ellen and Brian will host a dance workshop at the convention’s main stage.
Boba franchise Niko Niko Boba will be among the almost 50 vendors at KPop MinneCon.
MNKPopConnect President and founder Toby Vang and chief operating officer Andrew Melendres told the St. Paul Pioneer Press they were tired of having to travel to the coasts to go to major K-pop events. They wanted to have something similar for fans in the Midwest.
Melendres said they hope KPop MinneCon will continue for years to come and slowly build a long-term hub for K-pop fans in the Midwest.
Tickets are $65 for adults, $33 for kids 11 and under accompanied by a paid adult. More information about KPop MinneCon can be found on their website.
