KCON 2015 USA concluded on August 8 with the inaugural launch of KCON New York (NY).  Held in the New York City metropolitan area at the Newark's Prudential Center, KCON NY provided 17,000 East Coast fans with the opportunity to experience an abbreviated portion of KCON. 

KCON 2015 USA kicked off on July 31 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. In its fourth year, KCON LA was attended by 58,000 fans. The flagship event featured a range of dynamic programming including showcases, workshops, panels and demonstrations of the latest social media technology including LINE's new live-broadcast, celebrity video-on-demand app, "V." 

A total of 86 celebrities and K-pop artists attended KCON 2015 USA including Korean-American actors Daniel Henney (My Lovely Sam Soon, Big Hero 6) and Ki Hong Lee (Maze Runner, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt).  

Korean beauty tips and products, which have recently received attention from American publications like Vogue, were highlighted through presentations by Charlotte Cho of SokoGlam and 15-minute rubber mask demonstrations from Glow Beauty. 

KCON LA featured two nights of M! Countdown concerts starring K-pop luminaries including Super Junior, Shinhwa, SISTAR, GOT7, Block B, Monsta X, Red Velvet, AOA, Roy Kim, Zion.T and Crush. 

M! Countdown was also the highlight of KCON NY, with performances by Girls' Generation, AOA, Teen Top and VIXX. New York area audiences were thrilled with the opportunity to see K-pop girl groups, as the majority of programming to reach the East Coast has been focused on boy bands. 

Here are four highlights from KCON NY and KCON LA. 

1. The surprise Klub KCON performances from Monsta X and SISTAR. 

Klub KCON provided a chance for fans of all ages to participate in a high-energy dance party. Housed within the Los Angeles Convention Center, Klub KCON kept audiences on their feet, while they waited for special guest performances. Monsta X was shocked to see the number of fans who were excited for their U.S. debut, while SISTAR thrilled audiences with their soulful voices. 

2. Teen Top greeted KCON NY attendees at the Toyota tent

Teen Top greeted an enthusiastic crowd, when they made a surprise visit to the Toyota tent, during KCON NY. Audiences who were unable to attend their fan engagement were particularly thrilled by their appearance. 

3. The first-ever Pre-KCON New York party at Edgewater Multiplex.

Korean beauty gurus Glow Recipe provided a product demonstration prior to a special screening of "Love Recipe," starring Moon Chae Won and Lee Seung Gi. 

4. KOCCA's K-Drama programming including the "My Love from the Star " panel. 

K-Drama enthusiasts had plenty of reasons to celebrate at KCON LA.  One of the highlights was the "My Love from the Star" panel which featured insight from writer Park Ji Eun, who is also responsible for "Producer." The panel was followed by a red carpet and M! Countdown appearance from Hallyu star, Kim Soo Hyun.

About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor for KDramaStars. She is also a contributing writer for KpopStarz, MTV Iggy, Viki and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing, she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).