ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin Becomes KCON’s First-Ever Global Ambassador, Marking a New Era for the Festival

A new chapter is opening for KCON, and at its center stands ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin. The global K-culture festival has introduced its first official ambassador in its history, signaling a major expansion of its identity and worldwide influence.

The Face of KCON’s Next Generation

CJ ENM confirmed that Sung Hanbin has been selected as the inaugural KCON Global Ambassador, a role designed to represent the festival’s vision beyond K-pop.

More than a promotional title, the ambassador acts as a guide and storyteller for the entire KCON experience. From music and beauty to food and digital content, the position connects global fans to the full spectrum of Korean lifestyle and trends that the event has come to symbolize.

For Sung Hanbin, the appointment carries personal meaning. KCON was one of the stages where ZEROBASEONE first met international fans, making this return not just symbolic but deeply tied to the group’s origin story.

From Japan to Los Angeles With Global Fans

As the festival’s representative for 2026, he will lead the journey beginning with KCON JAPAN 2026 in Chiba from May 8 to 10, followed by KCON LA 2026 in August.

Through these stops, Sung Hanbin will introduce the evolving KCON experience to fans around the world while participating in key programs and content that highlight the event’s expanded scale.

His proven presence as an MC on major music broadcasts and award shows has already positioned him as one of the most stable and globally friendly hosts among fifth-generation idols, raising expectations for his ambassador activities.

ZEROBASEONE Join the Lineup With Record-Breaking Momentum

The announcement becomes even more powerful with ZEROBASEONE confirmed for the KCON JAPAN 2026 artist lineup.

The group has built one of the fastest-growing sales records in K-pop history. All six of their albums have reached million-seller status, and they have surpassed nine million in cumulative sales, a milestone no other fifth-generation act has achieved at the same speed.

Their participation adds both performance power and fandom energy to the festival, reinforcing KCON’s role as a global launchpad for top-tier K-pop acts.

KCON Expands the Meaning of “K-Experience”

For 2026, KCON is moving beyond the format of a music event and strengthening its identity as an interactive cultural platform.

The festival is developing more fan-driven stages, immersive programs, and participatory content that allow audiences to experience Korean culture rather than simply watch it. This direction reflects how K-pop fandom has evolved into a global lifestyle community.

Since its launch in 2012 in the United States, KCON has been held in 14 regions across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, gathering more than two million offline attendees and tens of millions of digital viewers.

A Full-Circle Moment for Sung Hanbin

Sung Hanbin shared that KCON was one of the defining turning points in ZEROBASEONE’s journey, making his new role especially meaningful.

Now, as the festival’s first ambassador, he returns not just as a performer but as the symbol of its global story. The move positions him as a key figure connecting artists, fans, and the expanding world of K-culture.

With KCON entering a more immersive and worldwide phase, his appointment signals both the growth of the festival and the rising global influence of fifth-generation K-pop.