▲ K-culture fans gather at the 2025 Korean Wave Expo in Canada in this undated photo provided by the South Korean culture ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will hold a government-led Korean Wave expo in the United States later this month to support the overseas expansion of Korean companies tied to the global popularity of K-culture, the culture ministry said Friday.

 

The K-EXPO USA 2026 will take place in Los Angeles from May 23-27 local time, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other government agencies, including the agriculture, oceans, health and SMEs ministries.

 

The K-Expo is a comprehensive Korean Wave event aimed at promoting exports in related industries such as K-content, food, fisheries products and cosmetics through interministerial cooperation.

 

Previous editions were held in countries including Vietnam, Thailand, France, Canada, Spain and the United Arab Emirates, but this year's event marks the first time the expo will be hosted in the United States.

 

The Los Angeles City Council has shown strong interest in the event, officially designating it as a city event on May 8.

 

▲ K-culture fans gather at the 2025 Korean Wave Expo in Spain in this undated photo provided by the South Korean culture ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

Major domestic and overseas companies will participate in exhibitions showcasing advanced technologies and the latest trends in K-culture.

 

Netflix will present an exhibition featuring Korean original productions and Korean pop culture artists, along with food products developed using Netflix intellectual properties.

 

Naver Webtoon will operate a convergence exhibition space featuring webtoon content themed around food and beauty, while the Korea Football Association will run a pavilion dedicated to the national football team.

 

A variety of K-culture experience programs and K-pop performances are also planned.

 

BBQ will operate food trucks and tasting events, while chef Song Hoon and actor Ryu Soo-young will host K-food experience programs.

 

A concert featuring singer Jay Park and groups P1Harmony and Long Shot will be held May 24.

 

Export consultation sessions involving 63 content and beauty companies will take place May 26-27.

 

Kim Young-soo, first vice culture minister, said the expo carries special significance as it is being held in the United States, the global center of the entertainment industry, in conjunction with momentum surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.

 

Kim added that the government will continue to provide multifaceted support to help K-culture companies expand further into the North American market through interministerial cooperation.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]