acosta! is a cosplay event long loved in Japan. When we heard it was coming to Korea, we didn't think twice about taking part. Mystic Muse joined acosta! Korea with our own booth, held over two days on 27–28 June at Cheongnyangni Forest.
Two halls, prepared side by side
For this event we chose to run two halls. One was a Mystic Muse hall where our exclusive cosplayers each opened a personal booth; the other was a KR guest hall where invited cosplayers did the same. Rather than gathering everyone into one large booth as before, we tried a structure where each cosplayer welcomes fans in their own space.
From the exclusive lineup, Kim Yeonji, Jeong Dabyeol, Jeong Jenny and Jamong joined both days, with Beatberry on Saturday and On Yanggaeng on Sunday. Those present both days prepared different characters for each, showing fans a new look every day. With ten invited guest cosplayers added, the two halls stayed filled with cosplay across a range of genres for two full days.
Cheki, and the exchange around it
The heart of each personal booth was the cheki. Sitting face to face with a cosplayer for an instant photo and a signature — once again this proved to be the content that brings fans and cosplayers closest, with no big stage or elaborate program needed. Some cosplayers also presented merchandise they had prepared themselves.
On the first evening, after the event closed, a Korea–Japan exchange gathering followed. Everyone came together for a group photo and to greet one another, and we think it showed best what kind of event acosta! is. People drawn together across borders by the same hobby, meeting face to face — that has a warmth online exchange doesn't quite reach.
A record for what comes next
Sixteen cosplayers between our exclusives and guests, plus the operations crew supporting them. It was among the largest gatherings of cosplayers at any event we've joined. The personal booth format, working with invited guests, meeting an overseas event brand — what we took from acosta! Korea will be an important reference for the events Mystic Muse builds from here.