The Whimsical World of Cosplay: G-STAR 2024 Awaits!
Ah, G-STAR 2024! Not just another gaming convention but a grand carnival where pixels come to life—and life is surely made better by fans dressing up like their favorite game characters. The ‘Cosplay Awards’ happening on the 17th is like the Oscars, but with more capes and fewer uncomfortable speeches.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of BEXCO in Busan, this year’s event promises to be an eye-popping celebration adorned with characters such as Blue Archive’s Hoshino, and even the downright scary Lich King. Let’s not forget Jinx from Arcane—she’s not just a character; she’s a lifestyle choice.
As attendees flock to the convention, it becomes a living gallery of spectacular craftsmanship. It’s truly remarkable to see devoted fans pull off 100% character synchronization. I mean, who could resist snapping a selfie with someone dressed up as their beloved character? Not even Kim Young-il (29), who exclaimed that taking a photo with Hoshino was “like something out of a game.” Talk about game immersion!
Cosplay: A Culture to Celebrate
The G-STAR Secretariat, obviously catching on to the rising tide of cosplay enthusiasm, has taken steps to pamper its furry and fancy attired attendees by creating dedicated changing rooms. Now that’s service! Gone are the days where cosplayers had to worry about warping their elaborate costumes while finding a shady corner to change. Bravo!
The stage at G-STAR is expected to be electrifying—think magic shows, but with more sequins. Contestants for the Cosplay Awards will be judged on costumes, character interpretation, and acting skills; essentially, how well they can channel their inner hero—or villain. With a total prize purse of 6 million won, the stakes are high, and the costumes, we suspect, are getting more elaborate yearly!
Cosplay Galore!
So, what can attendees expect? Well, major gaming powhouses like Netmarble, Krafton, and Webzen have jumped into the cosplay bonanza. Think of it as an exhilarating fashion week for gamers where every model embodies the essence of the characters they represent.
Netmarble isn’t just presenting trailers for their latest games; they’re also hosting a cosplay stage event featuring characters from King of Fighters AFK. Here’s a tip for aspiring cosplayers: you might want to practice your rock-paper-scissors skills! Who knew paper could be so pivotal?
Webzen has announced its collaboration with renowned cosplay teams, which is about as groundbreaking as using a cheat code to skip to the final boss! They’re dishing out cool accessories and enchanting photo opportunities, with the chance to meet cosplayers in person. You could even snag an autograph after posting a review on social media—it’s like farming likes and prizes in one fell swoop!
This unique blend of cosplay and gaming has turned G-STAR into a kaleidoscope of colors, creativity, and passion. It’s a place where avid gamers can mingle with characters as if they’ve stepped into the next level of their favorite RPG. Seriously, is there a more perfect setting for a selfie than amidst the hustle of fantastical characters roaming BEXCO?
Wrapping Up
So whether you’re a seasoned attendee planning your next costume or just a curious newcomer wondering what all the fuss is about, the G-STAR 2024 promises a festival of whimsy, camaraderie, and, of course, cosplay that’s off the charts! Get ready to mark your calendars, because the countdown to the 17th is just about to get serious.
And if you spot someone dramatically posing in the corner—chances are, they’re either a cosplayer putting on a show or just an excited gamer pretending to be one with their character. Either way, it’s all in good fun!
The highly anticipated ‘Cosplay Awards’ organized by the G-STAR Secretariat is set to take place on the 17th, drawing attention from avid fans of gaming culture. The excitement doesn’t stop there, as prominent game companies including Netmarble, Krafton, and Webzen are hosting their own cosplay events, further enriching the experience.
During the international game exhibition ‘G-Star 2024’ at BEXCO in Busan, attendees were treated to not just a showcase of the latest game title demonstrations but also a vibrant display of cosplay, with models and fans dressed as popular gaming characters. The outdoor event venue buzzed with energy, showcasing a plethora of cosplayers, including stunning looks from Blue Archive’s ‘Hoshino’, Eternal Return’s ‘Vanya’, Arcane’s ‘Jinx’, and Arknights’ ‘Shu’, with their outfits resembling the original characters to a remarkable degree.
G-Star attendees fully immersed themselves in the lively festival atmosphere, capturing memorable moments with cosplayers through photos and videos. One enthusiastic visitor, Kim Young-il (29), expressed his delight after posing with a cosplayer dressed as Blue Archive’s Hoshino, saying, “I like this character, and seeing someone dressed up in person at an event made it fun because it felt like something out of a game.” This excitement exemplifies the essence of G-STAR, where virtual worlds meet real-life fandom.
To further elevate the in-person experience, the G-STAR Secretariat has made significant efforts to promote cosplay culture, providing a dedicated changing room and storage support for cosplayers. This year’s Cosplay Awards will feature a notable prize pool of 6 million won, heightening the stakes for participants.
Contestants will be rigorously evaluated on their costume craftsmanship, creative interpretations of the characters they embody, and their performance skills during the event. Each participant strives to authentically represent the unique traits of their chosen character, showcasing the growing sophistication and quality of cosplay displays year after year. Attendees have the added opportunity to take pictures with cosplayers in designated photo zones, enhancing the interactive nature of the event.
Netmarble is set to host a captivating cosplay stage event for ‘King of Fighters AFK’, which made its debut at the Tokyo Game Show 2024, running from now until the 17th. The event features an exciting mix of activities, including a rock-paper-scissors tournament, dynamic dance performances, and engaging quiz shows. Special cosplayers portraying beloved characters from the ‘King of Fighters’ series, such as Mai Shiranui and Iori Yagami, will take the stage, delighting visitors with their stunning representations.
Webzen will also contribute to the burgeoning cosplay scene with an event showcasing models from the celebrated domestic cosplay team ‘A-Crown’, alongside racing models from the ‘Hyundai N Festival DCT’ and talents from the renowned Japanese group ‘Cosmix’.
Furthermore, there will be opportunities for participants to engage in group photo sessions and interactive mini-game events. During the group photo time, visitors who post reviews of their experience at Webzen’s booth on social media will be entered into a lottery, with winners selected to receive exclusive accessories worn by the cosplay models. An autograph session is also scheduled for the 16th at 2 PM, allowing fans to meet their favorite cosplayers up close.
Busan = Reporter Yoo Ji-hee, Hankyung.com keephee@hankyung.com
What are some tips for first-time visitors to the Cosplay Awards at G-STAR 2024?
**Interview: Exploring the Whimsical World of Cosplay at G-STAR 2024**
**Interviewer (Yoo Ji-hee):** Thank you for joining us today! With G-STAR 2024 just around the corner, there’s an exciting buzz around the ‘Cosplay Awards’ set for the 17th. Can you tell us what makes this event stand out?
**Guest (Lisa Chen, Cosplay Enthusiast and Participant):** Absolutely, Yoo! The Cosplay Awards are truly a highlight of G-STAR. It’s not just about the costumes; it’s about the passion and creativity each participant brings. Imagine a grand carnival where gamers and their beloved characters merge—it’s an experience like no other!
**Yoo Ji-hee:** That sounds fantastic! We hear the backdrop of BEXCO will elevate the whole experience. What can attendees expect in terms of the atmosphere?
**Lisa Chen:** Expect a kaleidoscope of colors and creativity! BEXCO will be transformed into a vibrant gallery of craftsmanship. You’ll see detailed costumes mimicking characters from games like *Blue Archive*, *Arcane*, and of course, the dark allure of the *Lich King*. The energy is electric, and everyone is here to celebrate fandom!
**Yoo Ji-hee:** It seems the G-STAR Secretariat is very supportive of the cosplay community this year. How has that changed the experience for cosplayers?
**Lisa Chen:** Definitely! They’ve introduced dedicated changing rooms and storage areas, which makes a world of difference. Previously, we often had to juggle our elaborate costumes in tight spaces. Now, we can focus on enjoying the event without worries about our outfits getting damaged. It really shows how much they value the cosplaying community.
**Yoo Ji-hee:** The prize purse for the awards is quite substantial at 6 million won. How important is that for participants?
**Lisa Chen:** It’s huge! The stakes are high, and it motivates cosplayers to push their boundaries. With judging criteria focused on craftsmanship, character portrayal, and performance, contestants know they need to bring their A-game. It really makes everything more exciting!
**Yoo Ji-hee:** Great to hear! With big names like Netmarble and Krafton involved, what fun activities can attendees look forward to?
**Lisa Chen:** Oh, there’s so much happening! For example, Netmarble is hosting interactive cosplay events where fans can engage with the character portrayals directly, which really brings the games to life. And Webzen is collaborating with experienced cosplay teams, offering photo opportunities and maybe even signatures. It’s like being in a game yourself!
**Yoo Ji-hee:** for those new to cosplay, what advice would you give to make the most of the experience at G-STAR 2024?
**Lisa Chen:** Just dive in! Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or just visiting, embrace the whimsy and creativity around you. Capture moments, meet fellow fans, and maybe even consider dressing up. You might just discover a new side of yourself in the process. Plus, be sure to charge your camera—selfies with characters are a must!
**Yoo Ji-hee:** Thank you, Lisa! It sounds like G-STAR 2024 is going to be an unforgettable experience filled with creativity and community. We can’t wait to see what everyone brings to the table!
**Lisa Chen:** Thank you for having me! I can’t wait either—see you at G-STAR!
