I'm a Millenial, so I like making lists and checking it twice. I'm a K-pop fan, so yes, I know the bargaining fans make with themselves (and maybe their alter-egos) as they decide to drop their hard-earned (or long-saved) dollars to a worthy K-pop event. For this post, allow me to give you (unsolicited) advice or a POV on the reasons why KCON is worthy.

10. It’s bigger and better this year.

With KCON being spread across two days, it is guaranteed to be jam-packed with lots of awesome! Mark the date on your calendar – August 24 and 25 at the LA Sports Stadium. That’s right, we’re gonna be at the stadium this year.

9. It is your chance to see your cyberdols (a.k.a your idols who are not actually artists but source of everything K-pop or K-drama goodness!)

There is a reason I can keep up with K-drama, and that’s because of Dramabeans’ recaps (and of course Kdramastars). And earlier this week, their Twitter post confirmed that javabeans and girlfriday will sit in one of the awesome panels at KCON this year. And you guys all know how elusive those two had been, right? We only know them through their aliases, so this is one chance to finally put a face to those names. So, if you find their recaps missing during two days in August, you'll know where to find them.

Do you dig that choreo from your top K-pop group? Well, the choreographer panel is back this year! Last year, the choreographer panel featured Aimee Lee Lucas, Kyle Hanagami, Ellen Kim and Rino Nakasone—all choreographers behind K-pop’s greatest hits. And who knows maybe one of them will do another dance session teaching you the latest moves. (EXO ‘Wolf’ juseyoooonggg!!) K-pop MVP (headed by Aimee Lee Lucas) will be participating again this year for the Side Stage.

The song composer/producer panel is also back this year. Last year, Drew Ryan Scott, JD Relic, and Sean Alexander graced the panel shedding insights behind K-pop’s biggest hits. That panel is back, and you might get to meet other awesome composers as well! Moderator Shin B. from last year’s panel is going to be performing with JD Relic and also Drew Ryan Scott, at Reason #6 (check it out below).

There’s going to be a bunch of other interesting panels. From a previous KCON attendee perspective, the panels were the highlight for me last year as I learned a lot. What did I learn? A lot. It won’t fit in one post, but to sum it in one sentence – I learned that I chose the right genre to be a fan of. K-pop rules!!!

8. There will be contests that you can join (and win!) And Workshops. And Movies.. And…. the list goes on.

Want to cosplay? Want to do a cover dance? Want to design a shirt? Come to KCON and you can do all that!

I actually like to think of it as warm-ups and activities to stave off the boredom, instead of just queuing in line aimlessly for a concert. MNET thought of you and wanted you to enjoy that time, so is offering you all these other activities. I find that rather thoughtful and ingenious. I have a feeling MNET America really has the fan in mind planning for this thing. And having been part of convention/conference committees before, I know how much work is put in it. Show them some love for all that thoughtfulness and hard work, will you?

7. #MyKpop

The story of your life comes to life, as fans who became finalists for Hashtag MyKpop (#myKpop) participate in a new reality series commencing at KCON. Sometimes you would think that you actually belong to a community of like-minded and like-hearted Kpop fans, and #myKpop will be the way to prove that.

MNET just announced their first two casts. You will get to meet all six of the fan-casts at KCON.

6. Side Stage and Artist Panel

When local K-pop artists band together to provide entertainment for a Side Stage, you would feel like you already got your money’s worth even before the actual, main, concert begins. And for the B-side-track-lover in me, I’m sure I will love this Side Stage. The line-up has been revealed: Shin B, K-pop MVP, Jeff Bernat, Jun Sung Ahn, Jeremy Thurber, Drew Ryan Scott, Nylon Pink, Greg Hignight and DJ Koo. If you don’t know some of them or if you know them like they are your best friends, come to KCON and guaranteed you will have a good time.

Before I forget, did I already tell you that Bekah, graduate of After School, will doing the artist session? Yes, you’re welcome. Bekah will be talking about the life of an idol – nice to get that perspective. Her session will be open to all tiers of tickets. I know. I’m stoked!

5. f(x)

Rum pum pum pum… Yay!!! You will get to witness the K-pop girl group du jour! Right now, they’re the only female group in the line-up. Fine group of ladies, I’m telling you. Make sure you won’t regret this like the pain of your first wisdom tooth.

f(x) has proven way too many times this year that they are the next act racing to the top. Having performed at prestigious SXSW, hobnobbing with Hollywood celebs, they are the next big thing. Yet, they are not quite there yet as we all know. And it’s not too long ago when they have had to face struggles of being a rookie and of being trainees. Don’t believe me? Check out MNET’s newest hour-long documentary about them, Go! f(x)!, and see for yourself. Or watch them live at KCON. Or both.

4. Teen Top

They had been blitzing the globe recently, but hadn’t yet set foot on America. KCON will be their first time to perform in the USA. And based on the rave reviews from their European tour earlier this year, they are a group to want to check out. I have a feeling that I will turn into a fan once I see them in the flesh. In last year's KCON, I didn't know what B.A.P or Nu'Est or VIXX were all about, and now I consider myself their fan. I think this year, Teen Top will be the dark horse for me, and I will turn into a fan after KCON.

3. 2AM

Okay, now, don’t get me started. I’ve been longing for this day to come. I’ve been to a lot of K-pop multi-artist concerts in the USA, and I always dreamed that 2AM will someday be part of a lineup. Being a ballad-lover, and technically a 2AM fan, I am excited to know that 2AM will balance the energy at KCON with their heartfelt crooning. Even for just a few songs, I consider it already a million shades of awesome that this quartet is finally on a stage, here, where I can see them from less than a mile. I wonder if they hurt like me, them who wouldn’t answer my calls, them who I won’t let go even if I die. Yep, in the heat of summer, KCON will be one fine spring day for me! Cheesy? Corny? I don’t care. But, maybe for some of you, like for me, 2AM can be enough reason to go.

2. EXO

Grrrr. Grrrrr… Ahwoooooo! Last year’s EXO-M fan sign at KCON was probably one of the most memorable experiences of my life, even if I didn’t get an autograph. I finally got to realize how much these guys are really loved. As the fans lined up, literally, in droves, I felt like I was in a scene of the Hunger Games. And that was just EXO-M (which was already more than enough, mind you). This year the full band is going to be here, so the droves will be doubled. And the stakes higher, but hey, I will still probably volunteer myself as tribute.

How does it feel when you're meters away from EXO? Imagine this scene in this proof shot. Or stop imagining and see them in person at KCON 2013.

1. G-Dragon!!!

Just freshly announced, G-Dragon joins the stellar cast of M Countdown for KCON 2013. Hey fans, this is the time we almost have it all, yea? I will consider it as a mini-stop to his world tour that didn't stop in the US. And don't forget to bring him a card or greeting or something, because KCON 2013 will only be days after his birthday. And if you can't believe this news, here's the official trailer video, announcing G-Dragon's addition to the line-up.

Again, you're welcome.

So, I made this list for you, in case you need some pushing, as you go about up and down your list of pros and cons of why you should invest in a ticket. Yes, it is an investment, and a worthy one at that. If KCON ends up disappointing, I encourage y’all to find me on the grounds and give me an earful (I can’t promise you that I won’t be wearing ear plugs though, and I reserve the right to point you to the appropriate people).

Being in media, I know that I should be transparent about my motivations. While yes, KpopStarz is a media partner for KCON (we get press releases), this article is honest. My experience last year at KCON was a great one, although last year’s event only being the first KCON, I wished that it was done better (Read my recap then). With all the communication and the preparation going on for this year, I can see how MNET America is really aiming for the second time around to be better. And because of that, I want to be there again this year. And although I could have a thousand different reasons to share, 10 is enough, for now.

Hope to see you!