BLACKPINK Wraps Up World Tour with Energy and Grace Amidst Contract Speculations

Amidst the dazzling lights at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 17th, BLACKPINK showcased their final performance for their second world tour. When member Jennie spoke to the fans, a thunderous cheer echoed from the audience. There's been some suspense in the air – even though they celebrated their 7th anniversary since their debut last month, there's yet no official word on whether they'll be renewing their contracts with YG Entertainment. While there are whispers of potential non-renewals for some members, a representative from YG clarified, "No decisions have been finalized, and discussions are ongoing."

However, none of these uncertainties were reflected on stage. The members wowed fans with their evolved performances and confidence. The concert was a grand conclusion to a world tour that started last October at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, spanning 11 months. BLACKPINK's global charm was evident as they sold out shows in 34 cities across North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. The group set records along the way – like becoming the first K-pop girl group to perform in a European stadium in Paris. In August, they also held solo concerts in major U.S. cities, drawing in a whopping global audience of 1.8 million fans throughout the tour.

This concert was no exception to their sell-out streak. The Gocheok Sky Dome, one of the largest indoor venues in Korea, was packed with 17,500 fans daily, totaling 35,000 over two days. Fans didn't just come from Korea; devotees from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other regions converged to see the queens perform. Emotions were running high as Jennie and Rosé were spotted holding back tears during the event, a testament to their deep connection with their fans.

TWICE and AESPA's Latin American Concerts Sold Out: A Testament to K-pop's Global Popularity

K-pop sensation TWICE is adding yet another feather to their cap in a world tour that's shaping up to be one for the record books. They've announced an additional performance next February at FORO SOL in Mexico City, an iconic venue that stands out in Latin America with its impressive 65,000-seat capacity. Before this, TWICE was already the talk of the town for extending their gig at São Paulo's Allianz Parque in Brazil, a stadium that can host over 43,000 fans.

Not to be left behind, AESPA has been leaving its mark on the Latin American music scene. They've truly made their presence felt with consecutive sold-out shows in Mexico City, São Paulo, and Santiago, Chile. Following their legendary "all-seats sold out" tour in North America, the AESPA craze – now a global phenomenon – is slated to continue its journey, heading to Europe by the end of the month. Both groups exemplify K-pop's ever-growing influence on the worldwide stage.
 

Photo by ARATV

MCND Grabs Spotlight in India, Local Media All Ears

K-pop group MCND, consisting of members Castle J, BIC, Minjae, Huijun, and Win, has caught the attention of the Indian media during their first visit to the country.

On the 16th, local time, MCND attended the 'All India K-POP Contest 2023', an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and South Korea, held in New Delhi. They sat down for interviews with prominent local media outlets after their participation.

Major news outlets and daily newspapers invited MCND for interviews, showcasing the group's rising stature in the Indian entertainment landscape. The discussions during the interviews were diverse, ranging from the K-pop competition participants' potential growth to the K-pop craze's roots. They even delved into the personal interests of the MCND members.

During the interviews, MCND expressed a keen ambition, stating, "We want to hold a solo concert in India and once again feel the passionate fervor of the fans here." The warm reception of MCND in India once again underscores the expanding horizon of K-pop's global influence.

EXO won the Grand Prize four times. ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6tqI2MRQD8

The iconic 'Seoul Music Awards', with its dazzling 33-year history, is taking a giant leap by hosting its first-ever event outside South Korea.

Mark your calendars for January 2nd, 2024, because this esteemed award show, led by SportsSeoul newspaper company, is set to light up the stage at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Speaking of Rajamangala, did you know it's one of Thailand's most prominent venues, hosting up to 50,000 fans?

This iconic venue has witnessed performances from global pop stars, from Lady Gaga to One Direction, and our beloved K-pop legends like BTS, BLACKPINK, and GOT7. Not just that, it's been the go-to venue for major sports events like the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games and the 2002 AFC Champions League.

Last month, SportsSeoul even signed an agreement with the Thai Prime Minister's advisor, Sornpongsak Suwannaprung, gearing up for this groundbreaking overseas edition. Get ready, music lovers! This is going to be epic.