DC K-Pop Convention: First Event Announced
- The DMV is about to get its first taste of a full-fledged K-pop convention.
- From noon to 5 p.m., attendees can immerse themselves in a world of K-pop with activities ranging from dance classes and trivia to exclusive meet-and-greets with artists.
- Nanze, a Microsoft engineer, and Ngwe, a booking producer for NewsNation, envisioned KaptureCon as more than just an event; they wanted to create a community hub for K-pop...
KaptureCon, the first-ever K-pop convention in the DMV, is coming to D.C. on May 31! This exciting event promises a packed day of K-pop immersion, featuring dance classes, trivia challenges, adn exclusive meet-and-greets with artists. The highlight? A concert at DAR Constitution hall starring BLACKSWAN and other sensational K-pop groups. Siblings Ashlee Nanze and Glory Ngwe are behind this innovative event, aiming to cultivate a vibrant community hub for K-pop fans and artists alike, right here in the D.C. area. from dance workshops led by industry choreographers to a fashion show and artist interactions, KaptureCon offers a complete K-pop experience. News Directory 3 is proud to bring you updates on KaptureCon’s debut. Will this be the first of many? Discover what’s next for K-pop in the DMV.
KaptureCon Brings K-Pop Fever to the DC Area
Updated May 28,2025
Get ready,K-pop fans! The DMV is about to get its first taste of a full-fledged K-pop convention. KaptureCon, the brainchild of siblings Ashlee Nanze and Glory “Glow” Ngwe, is set to take place on Saturday, May 31, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
From noon to 5 p.m., attendees can immerse themselves in a world of K-pop with activities ranging from dance classes and trivia to exclusive meet-and-greets with artists. The day culminates in a concert at DAR Constitution hall, featuring performances by K-pop groups like BLACKSWAN.
Nanze, a Microsoft engineer, and Ngwe, a booking producer for NewsNation, envisioned KaptureCon as more than just an event; they wanted to create a community hub for K-pop fans and artists alike. The pair noticed that major K-pop conventions, like KCON, often require extensive travel for East Coast fans.
“Why isn’t there one in D.C. or in New York or in the East Coast where people can enjoy that experience without having to travel all that far?” Nanze wondered.
The decision to host the convention in D.C. was spontaneous. Nanze recalled simply asking Ngwe, ”Do you wont to host a K-pop convention?” From there, the siblings assembled a team to handle operations, design, technology, and even cultural nuances.
Ngwe emphasized the importance of having a Korean-speaking team member to ensure cultural sensitivity when working with Korean artists. KaptureCon aims to “capture your experience” by fostering connections between attendees, artists, and the broader K-pop community.
Attendees can participate in a fashion show, showcase their dance skills in a competition, and meet artists like BLACKSWAN, AMPERS&ONE, and solo artist Hohyun. Dance workshops led by choreographers who have worked with industry giants like BTS and Jason Derulo will also be featured.
Ngwe highlighted the importance of KaptureCon being organized by two Black women, bringing a unique perspective to the K-pop scene. She sees K-pop as a “melting pot” influenced by Black culture, particularly in fashion, hip-hop, and R&B.
“I think that a lot of our culture is instilled in K-pop, weather it comes to fashion, hip hop, R&B,” Ngwe said. “People in K-pop groups have rap positions, right? And that is, you know, culturally founded by Black people, specifically Black Americans.”
The diverse backgrounds of the featured artists, including members from India, Australia, and the U.S., reflect the global reach of K-pop. NVee, a member of BLACKSWAN, hails from Northern Virginia, adding a local touch to the international lineup.
While thereS a waitlist for the convention itself, tickets are still available for the concert at DAR Constitution Hall. Nanze and Ngwe hope to make KaptureCon an annual event, pending the success of this year’s debut.
what’s next
If kapturecon proves successful, organizers plan to host the event annually, further solidifying the DMV as a hub for K-pop culture and community.