More than 50 Korean Startups Poised to Meet Young American Consumers At KCON 2015 LA

Asia's leading content and media company CJ E&M has announced that 51 small- and medium-sized Korean companies are joining KCON 2015 LA, which will take place for three days from July 31st at the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles.
 
The 51 startups, which have been officially selected by CJ E&M, Korea's Small and Medium Business Administration along with the Large and Small Business Cooperation Foundation and KOTRA, are mostly manufactures of consumer products ranging from beauty and fashion items to trendy household gadgets. In particular, 8 of them are returning participants who have taken part in either KCON 2014 or KCON 2015 Japan.
 
"KCON has become a popular business venue for Korean companies who seek to expand their business abroad. In fact, a number of successful business deals were made with local companies and investors at our recent KCON event in Japan", said Hyung Kwan Shin, Executive Vice President in charge of KCON 2015 USA at CJ E&M.
 
"KCON can be used for Korean companies to test-market their products targeting young American K-POP fans who are already fond of Korean culture and products. It's a win-win situation both for the companies and the American consumers who are interested in discovering Korea beyond K-POP", Shin added.
 
INCORPORATING K-POP INTO CONSUMER GOODS
Manufacturers of Korean culture products are ready to meet American K-POP fans at KCON 2015 LA. They are showcasing products like Korean language education program and character goods of K-POP artists. A small startup called 'Neofect' will present its innovative digital sunglasses, Chemi-On, which is equipped with Bluetooth and LED lamp to enable festival audiences to easily root for their favorite artists using the digital texting functions.
 
IT'S ALL ABOUT KOREAN BEAUTY NOW
In recent years, Korean beauty and cosmetics products have become a growing phenomenon around the world. American K-POP fans have a tendency to be familiar with Korean makeup styles or are much interested in Korean beauty items. At KCON 2015 LA, visitors will get to meet 14 beauty product makers that will present such items as facial masks, natural soaps and eco-friendly shampoos to wireless curling iron.
 
Besides the startup beauty manufacturers, IOPE, a cosmetics brand owned by Korean beauty giant AMORE PACIFIC will join as official sponsor of KCON 2015 USA. The company has successfully made inroads into the American cosmetics market, and the brand's cushion compact is already creating buzz in North America.