<KCON JAPAN 2026> Highlights of 'FESTIVAL GROUNDS' Unveiled: A Comprehensive Festival Covering K-Beauty, K-Food, and K-Story!
CJ ENM has announced details for KCON JAPAN 2026's FESTIVAL GROUNDS at Makuhari Messe from May 8-10. Highlights include the first 'OLIVE YOUNG FESTA' in Japan and an AI-driven cinema showcase.
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- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 23:00
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CJ ENM has unveiled various programs for the 'FESTIVAL GROUNDS' at 'KCON JAPAN 2026,' ranging from the 'K-CINEMA SHOWCASE' to 'OLIVE YOUNG FESTA JAPAN 2026.'
Held for three days from May 8 to 10 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, 'KCON JAPAN 2026' (Every K FESTIVAL) will offer an experiential space covering the latest trends in K-beauty, K-food, and K-story through its evolved 'FESTIVAL GROUNDS.'
First, in the 'K-BEAUTY ZONE,' 'OLIVE YOUNG FESTA JAPAN 2026'—the first leg of the 'OLIVE YOUNG FESTA WORLD TOUR'—is drawing significant attention. It will recreate popular OLIVE YOUNG shops previously only accessible in Korea, providing a 'visiting Korea' experience locally. The zone will feature highly reliable curation including 'Oli-Young Sales,' various events linked to the global app, and beauty know-how lectures by experts. Additionally, exclusive 'K-BEAUTY GOODY BAGS' available only at the KCON venue are heightening fan expectations.
The 'K-FOOD ZONE' will recreate a space inspired by bustling Korean streets and street food alleys. Trending K-dessert brands will participate, featuring items such as the 'Dubai Chocolate Mochi' and 'Krungji' (a crispy snack combining croissants and scorched rice). Tasting corners for various Korean street foods will also be available, allowing visitors to experience Korean food culture through all five senses.
The newly established 'K-STORY ZONE' will offer deep immersion into K-scripted content such as dramas and movies. A 100-seat 'SCREENX' theater will be installed, utilizing CJ 4DPLEX’s three-sided multi-projection system for overwhelming immersion. Concert footage from INI and JO1 in 2025, along with highlight stages from 'KCON JAPAN 2025,' will be screened with on-site realism.
On May 8, the 'K-CINEMA SHOWCASE' in the 'K-STORY ZONE' will reveal next-generation films that introduced AI technology into their production processes. Behind-the-scenes looks at the production of works like 'The Sword: Rebirth of The Red Wolf' and 'Aden Bay: The Last Mission' will be shared. Renowned directors such as Kim Han-min (Hansan: Rising Dragon), Kang Yun-sung (The Outlaws, Casino), and Lee Chul-ha (OK! MADAM), along with rookie directors involved in AI, will discuss the present and future of K-content and announce new projects.
On May 9, a global premier highlight screening of the TVING original 'Legendary Kitchen Soldier' will take place. For the 'BEYOND THE SCREEN' fan meeting program, actors Park Seo-ham (You Are My Star) and Lee Chae-min (The Tyrant’s Chef) will visit on the 8th and 10th respectively to share behind-the-scenes stories and interact deeply with fans.
KCON has been a leading festival model for Korean culture—including music, beauty, food, and content—since its inception in 2012 in Irvine, USA.
Held for three days from May 8 to 10 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, 'KCON JAPAN 2026' (Every K FESTIVAL) will offer an experiential space covering the latest trends in K-beauty, K-food, and K-story through its evolved 'FESTIVAL GROUNDS.'
First, in the 'K-BEAUTY ZONE,' 'OLIVE YOUNG FESTA JAPAN 2026'—the first leg of the 'OLIVE YOUNG FESTA WORLD TOUR'—is drawing significant attention. It will recreate popular OLIVE YOUNG shops previously only accessible in Korea, providing a 'visiting Korea' experience locally. The zone will feature highly reliable curation including 'Oli-Young Sales,' various events linked to the global app, and beauty know-how lectures by experts. Additionally, exclusive 'K-BEAUTY GOODY BAGS' available only at the KCON venue are heightening fan expectations.
The 'K-FOOD ZONE' will recreate a space inspired by bustling Korean streets and street food alleys. Trending K-dessert brands will participate, featuring items such as the 'Dubai Chocolate Mochi' and 'Krungji' (a crispy snack combining croissants and scorched rice). Tasting corners for various Korean street foods will also be available, allowing visitors to experience Korean food culture through all five senses.
The newly established 'K-STORY ZONE' will offer deep immersion into K-scripted content such as dramas and movies. A 100-seat 'SCREENX' theater will be installed, utilizing CJ 4DPLEX’s three-sided multi-projection system for overwhelming immersion. Concert footage from INI and JO1 in 2025, along with highlight stages from 'KCON JAPAN 2025,' will be screened with on-site realism.
On May 8, the 'K-CINEMA SHOWCASE' in the 'K-STORY ZONE' will reveal next-generation films that introduced AI technology into their production processes. Behind-the-scenes looks at the production of works like 'The Sword: Rebirth of The Red Wolf' and 'Aden Bay: The Last Mission' will be shared. Renowned directors such as Kim Han-min (Hansan: Rising Dragon), Kang Yun-sung (The Outlaws, Casino), and Lee Chul-ha (OK! MADAM), along with rookie directors involved in AI, will discuss the present and future of K-content and announce new projects.
On May 9, a global premier highlight screening of the TVING original 'Legendary Kitchen Soldier' will take place. For the 'BEYOND THE SCREEN' fan meeting program, actors Park Seo-ham (You Are My Star) and Lee Chae-min (The Tyrant’s Chef) will visit on the 8th and 10th respectively to share behind-the-scenes stories and interact deeply with fans.
KCON has been a leading festival model for Korean culture—including music, beauty, food, and content—since its inception in 2012 in Irvine, USA.
FAQ
What brand is launching its first 'OLIVE YOUNG FESTA' in Japan at KCON JAPAN 2026?
OLIVE YOUNG is launching its first 'OLIVE YOUNG FESTA' in Japan at KCON JAPAN 2026.
When will KCON JAPAN 2026 take place at Makuhari Messe?
KCON JAPAN 2026 will take place from May 8 to May 10, 2026, at Makuhari Messe.
Which company announced the details of FESTIVAL GROUNDS for KCON JAPAN 2026?
CJ ENM announced the details of FESTIVAL GROUNDS for KCON JAPAN 2026.
What new experience featuring AI technology will be showcased at KCON JAPAN 2026?
An AI-driven cinema showcase will be featured at KCON JAPAN 2026's FESTIVAL GROUNDS.
Where will the FESTIVAL GROUNDS of KCON JAPAN 2026 be held?
The FESTIVAL GROUNDS of KCON JAPAN 2026 will be held at Makuhari Messe.