The New York Times explored "K-pop superfans" at KCON NY over the weekend.

On August 9, the prestigious newspaper highlighted K-pop's growth in the United States while covering KCON's debut on the East Coast. Along with sharing pictures from the event, The New York Times explored the passion that was visible at KCON, and importance of online communities for K-pop fans.

"For the fans, obsession with the music weaves its way into everyday life," wrote Joshua Barone in the article titled "K-Pop Fans Swoon During East Coast KCON."

Barone highlighted the importance of fashion and beauty in the K-pop fandom, and explored how the average K-pop fan is closely connected to not only music but also television shows.

"These people are more passionate than [Justin] Bieber fans," said Angela Killoren, the marketing chief for the American branch of CJ E&M, the company that sponsors KCON.

The article continued to explore the online communities of K-pop fans, highlighting the popularity of YouTube and Twitter for fans of K-pop to connect with each other from around the world.

"A 19-year-old student named Alex Vongkhamheuang, said that he knows many other K-pop fans not by their names but by their Twitter handles," wrote Barone. "Referring to a moment earlier in the day, he said: 'I was talking to someone, and I thought he was a stranger. Then I saw his user name pinned to his shirt and I realized, Oh, I know you.'"

The New York Times also published a photo slideshow from KCON on its website.

The New York Times has previously highlighted the growth of K-pop in the United States. Prior to the success of Psy in 2012, SM Town Live was featured in the Times after the SM Entertainment concert was held at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

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