October 29 — BMO Stadium — HYBE x LAFC collaboration for K-Culture Night for first round game between LAFC and Austin FC.
Courtesy of LAFC
LAFC won their first game against Austin FC for the Major League Soccer playoffs (2-1) on October 29 at LAFC’s home, BMO Stadium. It was a great win for all who attended, especially since it was also a night celebrating Korean culture.
HYBE and LAFC co-hosted a special K-Culture event at BMO Stadium, which drew over 22,000 spectators, introducing fans to the energy and creativity of Korean culture, from K-pop to K-food.
“The energy at the match was incredible,” Larry Freedman, LAFC Co-President, said in a press statement. “HYBE understands the power of fandom to unite, and we were thrilled to partner with them on this. There’s a wonderful and undeniable synergy here between sport, music, and community, and this collaboration brought that to life in a real and authentic way.”
K-pop music could be heard throughout the stadium. Popular local Korean restaurants – Love Hour and Kogi BBQ – took over the eatery to sell their Korean-style chicken sandwiches, Korean short rib tacos, kimchi fries, and kimchi tacos. It was the first time BMO Stadium had a food zone dedicated entirely to Korean cuisine, with every menu item selling out that evening.
October 29 — BMO Stadium — HYBE x LAFC collaboration for K-Culture Night for first round game between LAFC and Austin FC.
Courtesy of LAFC
The game concluded with a 10-minute light and fireworks show synchronized to music by HYBE artists, which lit up the venue. Laser lights and spotlights danced to hits by BTS, SEVENTEEN, KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM, and more. Every seat had a bracelet light band that flashed in sync with the music, keeping pace with the music being played and prompting the audience to be part of the spectacle.
“The event was a huge success, and we’re honored to have partnered with LAFC to create an impactful experience for so many,” said Isaac Lee, Chairman and CEO of HYBE America. “LAFC has some of the most dedicated fans in the world, and through this partnership, we’ve built meaningful relationships with many local Korean-American and Los Angeles-based organizations. We look forward to deepening those connections and continuing to expand our cultural footprint here in LA.”
South Korean flags were held up from the crowd throughout the entire game, with cheers ringing louder when South Korean player Son Heung-min showed up on the screen. After the match, he walked around the whole field to acknowledge the fans who had come to support him. It was a night of wins, good music, and delicious food.