K-pop has taken the global stage by storm. Over the years, many concerts have not only thrilled fans but also made history in powerful ways. From record-breaking stadium tours to groundbreaking performances in new regions, K-pop concerts have redefined what it means to be a global phenomenon. Here are 10 legendary K-pop concerts that made history worldwide.
1. BTS at Wembley Stadium (2019)
In June 2019, BTS made history by becoming the first Korean group to headline Wembley Stadium in London. With over 60,000 fans in attendance for each of the two nights, this was more than just a concert; it was a cultural milestone. The event showed that K-pop had truly gone global, capturing hearts far beyond Asia. Their emotional performance of “Mikrokosmos” lit up the night sky, and their heartfelt speeches brought fans to tears. This moment proved that language barriers are no match for music that touches the soul.
2. BLACKPINK at Coachella (2019)
BLACKPINK made history as the first K-pop girl group to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Their appearance in April 2019 was a game changer for K-pop in the Western world. Their high-energy set mesmerized a massive crowd and introduced their signature style to thousands of festivalgoers. The performance was streamed globally, making BLACKPINK a trending topic across all major social media platforms. It was a landmark moment that boosted K-pop’s visibility on the global music festival circuit.
3. TVXQ in Nissan Stadium (2013)
TVXQ’s concert at Japan’s Nissan Stadium in 2013 was a turning point in K-pop’s international journey. They were the first non-Japanese Asian act to perform solo at the 75,000-capacity venue. This historic event was part of their “TIME” tour and showed the immense popularity of K-pop in Japan. The fact that they filled such a large stadium for two consecutive days stunned the industry. It also set a high benchmark for future Korean artists aiming to break into international markets.
4. PSY’s “Happening” Concert in Seoul (2013)
PSY, the artist behind the viral hit “Gangnam Style,” held a massive concert in Seoul titled “Happening” in April 2013. It was broadcast live on YouTube and watched by over 160,000 people online. The concert also drew a crowd of 50,000 at the venue. What made this show historic was its timing; it happened during the peak of the “Gangnam Style” craze and helped spread the Korean Wave even further. This concert demonstrated how digital platforms could make K-pop concerts global events in real time.
5. BIGBANG’s “MADE” World Tour (2015–2016)
BIGBANG’s “MADE” World Tour was one of the most successful K-pop tours of its time. The tour spanned 13 countries, including the United States, China, Australia, and Mexico, drawing in over 1.5 million fans. It was the largest tour by a Korean act at the time and was a strong indicator of K-pop’s global power. Their explosive performances and strong fan engagement made each stop feel like a major festival. The tour’s success opened more doors for other K-pop groups to tour internationally on a grand scale.
6. EXO Planet #2 – The EXO’luxion (2015)
EXO’s second solo tour, “EXO’luxion,” marked a massive achievement for the group and the K-pop scene in general. The tour included over 40 concerts across Asia and North America. Notably, their performances in Los Angeles and Vancouver drew large crowds of diverse fans, confirming K-pop’s growing fanbase in North America. The tour showcased elaborate stage designs, synchronized choreography, and a strong sense of storytelling through music. It also highlighted how K-pop acts were now operating on the same level as global pop stars.
7. Super Junior Super Show 3 in South America (2011)
Super Junior made K-pop history by becoming one of the first idol groups to perform in South America. During their “Super Show 3” tour, they visited countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. These concerts were incredibly emotional, as many fans in these regions had never had the chance to see a K-pop group live. The overwhelming response revealed how far the Korean Wave had reached and proved that Latin America was ready for K-pop. This tour opened the gates for other groups to follow in their footsteps.
8. TWICE “Ready to Be” Tour in the U.S. (2023)
TWICE’s “Ready to Be” world tour in 2023 included several sold-out dates across major cities in the U.S., including Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York. It marked a shift in the global perception of girl groups, showing that female K-pop acts could fill arenas overseas just as easily as boy groups. Their English-language single “Moonlight Sunrise” made their American setlists even more exciting. This tour set new records for a girl group from Asia performing in the West and cemented TWICE’s status as global icons.
9. SEVENTEEN’s “Be the Sun” Tour (2022–2023)
SEVENTEEN’s “Be the Sun” world tour became one of the most buzzworthy concert series in recent K-pop history. With stops in North America, Asia, and Europe, SEVENTEEN proved that self-producing idol groups could also succeed on a global scale. Their impressive live vocals and perfectly synchronized performances captivated fans around the world. In particular, their concerts in Paris and London marked a key moment for European Carats (their fandom), showing that demand for K-pop concerts in Europe is growing rapidly.
10. ATEEZ “The Fellowship: Break the Wall” (2022–2023)
ATEEZ might still be considered a rising group compared to some K-pop veterans, but their “The Fellowship: Break the Wall” world tour made major waves. Performing in packed arenas across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, ATEEZ shocked the industry with their powerful live stages and international ticket sales. Their show at the O2 Arena in London was especially historic, making them one of the youngest K-pop groups to headline such a massive venue. This tour proved that the fourth generation of K-pop idols is fully ready to dominate the global stage.
Bottom line
These 10 K-pop concerts were more than just music events; they were turning points in the global rise of Korean pop culture. Each concert played a role in expanding the influence of K-pop across continents, breaking down language barriers, and building a global fanbase. As the industry continues to grow, new historic moments are sure to happen. But these unforgettable performances have already earned their place in K-pop history.
Whether it’s BTS filling stadiums, BLACKPINK conquering Coachella, or ATEEZ rising as the new global icons, one thing is clear: K-pop concerts are no longer local events. They’re global celebrations of music, energy, and passion, and the world is watching.
