-
-
-
-
-
-
-
BTS World Tour Sends Local Economies Soaring, Drawing Interest from Global Economists
등록일2026.01.26
The announcement of BTS's new world tour is already jolting tourism and local economies across the globe. Kicking off April 9 at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium, BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' will hit 34 cities across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. The 82-date run is triggering immediate travel and spending spikes in host markets. According to Hotels.com, within 48 hours of the Jan. 14 tour reveal, searches from overseas travelers to Seoul jumped 155%. Busan―set to host shows in June―saw a staggering 2,375% surge. Key Asian markets like Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan logged multi-thousand-percent spikes in Busan searches. Domestic interest surged, too: searches within Korea rose 190% for Seoul and 3,855% for Busan. The reaction abroad is red-hot. Brazil's news radio BandNews FM spotlighted BTS's October Sao Paulo date, citing ticketing platform ClickBus data that searches for bus tickets to the city soared more than 600 times following the announcement. The Guardian zeroed in on the tour's economic ripple effect, reporting economists' assessments that it's the kind of global event that could meaningfully move city economies across North America. Expect demand to swell across tourism, lodging, and consumer spending in every host city. Citing Bread Financial, reports note that one concert ticket typically generates more than triple its price in local economic activity. But Tourism Economics argues that “the average doesn't apply to BTS―they'll far exceed it, and it's difficult to even gauge how large this tour's total impact could be.” BTS isn't just lifting economies―they're elevating South Korea's global image. In the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's 2025 National Image Survey, BTS ranked No. 1 among figures who positively shaped the country's image. Jungkook also placed highest among solo artists at No. 6. Up next, BTS will release its fifth studio album, ARIRANG, on March 20 at 1 p.m. KST. The 14-track set explores identity, longing, and deep love―universal themes poised to resonate with fans worldwide. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
Girls' Generation Yuri Donates Part of Fan Meeting Proceeds
등록일2026.01.26
Girls' Generation member and actress Kwon Yuri has donated a portion of ticket proceeds from her Seoul fan meeting. On Jan. 24, Yuri brought her Yuri's 3rd Fanmeeting Tour: YURIVERSE to Yonsei University's Centennial Hall in Seoul. The tour, which stopped in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei, and Seoul, blended city-specific surprises with candid talk segments, live vocals and dance, and interactive moments that pulled fans directly into Yuri's universe―earning an enthusiastic response throughout. A share of the Seoul show's profits will support children and teens in need across the tour cities―Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei, and Seoul―through Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI). Rather than a one-off donation, Yuri chose an organization focused on sustained support, with funds to be channeled into programs that foster healthy growth and long-term self-reliance based on local needs. A representative from the producer All About Contents said, “From the earliest planning stages, we designed the Seoul stop so the artist and fans could give back together by donating part of the ticket revenue. We hoped the night would be more than a great show―that sharing would carry a message of gratitude and solidarity.” KFHI Chairman Choi Chang-nam added, “This act of giving, built by an artist and her fandom, is a powerful example of culture creating positive ripple effects. We'll continue responsible support tailored to children's realities so their tomorrow looks brighter.” (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
John Park Proves 8 Years Were Worth the Wait with 'Like a Dream' Live Run
등록일2025.12.22
John Park made eight years worth the wait with a spotless live return. From Dec. 19 to 21, the singer staged his solo concert Like a Dream at Ewha Womans University's Samsung Hall in Seoul, reuniting with fans at the same venue where he last headlined in 2017 with MONO . Tickets vanished the moment they went on sale, setting the tone for a red-hot run. Park ditched the usual bells and whistles ― no towering LED walls, no pyro, no surprise guests. Instead, a tight full band and his unmistakable voice carried the night. Across 120 intermission-free minutes, he proved he's not just a star but a stage-commanding live act. When the curtain rose and a single spotlight hit, the room shifted into a 1920s New York jazz club. Opening with BLUFF from his second album, Park's supple baritone took over, and the early stretch ― sliding through Skit and DND (Do Not Disturb) ― staked out the show's vintage-pop-meets-jazz identity. After greeting the crowd and apologizing with a smile for the long wait, he snapped back into serious-musician mode the moment the next cue hit. “I wanted to focus on the sound we make together,” he told the audience ― and the music stayed front and center all night. He dialed up the feels with tender cuts like “All I Want,” then kicked into high gear on “Nightcrawler,” locking in with the band for a surge of energy. A searing guitar solo bled into the next number, and with just lights and sound, the 700-seat hall felt supersized. Leaning into the season, Park warmed the room with a holiday medley, weaving from “Love Again” into classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and “The Christmas Song,” all bathed in cozy lighting and piano. Park later unleashed his signature hit “Thought of You,” sparking a full-voice singalong, and closed the night on a high with the title track “Like a Dream.” “I realized how precious the stage is while I was away,” he told fans, promising to come back often ― especially around Christmas. “You won't have to wait long for the next one.” (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
'Kick a Goal' Sets the Stage for the GIFA Cup Final: FC National Team Family vs. FC World Class
등록일2025.11.18
SBS's Kick a Goal is unveiling its long-awaited GIFA Cup final. Airs Nov. 19, the showdown for the trophy pits FC National Team Family against FC World Class in a winner-takes-all clash that promises the fiercest battle of the season. Both clubs punched their ticket to the final by turning crisis into fuel. National Team Family lost two starters to injury but rebuilt on the fly with a key midseason pickup and surged back into form. World Class, meanwhile, plummeted to a relegation playoff in the prior G League, only to claw back with a vengeance and reemerge as a top title favorite. All eyes are on whether World Class can reclaim the throne and spark a full-on dynasty reboot. The final also delivers a marquee ace-on-ace duel: National Team Family's all-around “six-tool” star Park Hayan vs. World Class's breakout “emperor” Jai. The tension was palpable even before kickoff. “She's incredibly strong―great passing, lethal shooting. She scares me,” Jai admitted. Park countered, “Jai's fundamentals and skill are outstanding. I'm expecting a tough match today.” Who will seize the crown as the undisputed top player in the Kick a Goal universe? Chasing a historic fifth title, World Class is going all-in. Head coach Kim Byung-ji tabbed “super tank” Elody as his key player, aiming to build a brick wall at the back. He's tasked her not only with anchoring the defense but also jump-starting counters. Add in Jai's firepower―she reportedly uncorked a barrage of dangerous shots and even a Haaland-esque powerhouse header―and World Class looks more formidable than ever. Can they complete the five-title quest and cement their status as the winningest team? The final battle for the GIFA Cup crown airs Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 10:20 p.m. KST on Kick a Goal . (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
J.Y. Park Sets Year-End 'Happy Hour' Concert; Tickets On Sale Now
등록일2025.11.03
J.Y. Park will close out 2025 with his year-end concert, “Happy Hour,” promising fans a feel-good night out. The Eternal Entertainer returns to the stage for a solo show at the Grand Peace Palace at Kyung Hee University in Seoul on December 13 and 14. Tickets go on sale Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. KST via Ticketlink, Yes24 and NOL Ticket. More details are available on Park's official social channels. Arriving about a year after his December 2024 “Still JYP” run, “Happy Hour” is set to serve up a parade of hits from his three-decade career, paired with the polished, high-energy performance he's known for―a true year-end celebration designed to lift spirits and send 2025 off on a high note. Before the shows, Park will release a new single, “Happy Hour” featuring Kwon Jin Ah, on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. KST. Written and composed by Park, the warm country-pop track captures that after-work moment when you pop in your earbuds, cue up your playlist, and let the day melt away on the commute home. Photo= JYP Entertainment (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
J.Y. Park Announces Year-End 'Happy Hour' Solo Concert
등록일2025.10.30
J.Y. Park will close out 2025 with a solo concert, “HAPPY HOUR,” hitting Seoul this December. The singer recently announced his new single “Happy Hour” with the title track “Happy Hour (with Kwon Jin Ah),” arriving Nov. 5. At 10 a.m. KST on Oct. 30, he unveiled the “HAPPY HOUR” concert poster on his official social channels, confirming a year-end celebration to cap 2025. The poster, with Park decked out in bold pink-and-red polka dots, reveals two shows at the Grand Peace Palace at Kyung Hee University in Seoul: Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. KST. Following his 30th-anniversary solo concert “Still JYP” in December 2024, the living legend returns to home base about a year later, ready to supercharge the holiday season once again. Known for cross-generational sing-alongs and a hit-packed set, the Eternal Entertainer keeps his “king of year-end shows” streak alive with seasoned showmanship. From ballads to dance anthems, Park has built distinctive concerts around themes like “Party,” “No. 1 Hits,” “Groove,” “'80s,” and “30th Anniversary.” Fans are buzzing about which concept he'll bring to “HAPPY HOUR” in 2025. Tickets go on sale Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. KST via Ticketlink, Yes24 and NOL Ticket. Additional details will be shared on J.Y. Park's official social channels. Meanwhile, Park's new single “Happy Hour” and the title track “Happy Hour (with Kwon Jin Ah)” drop Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. KST. Photo Credit: JYP Entertainment (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
SG Wannabe Kim Yong-jun Sets 'Touch' Solo Concert, His First in Two Years
등록일2025.09.19
SG Wannabe's Kim Yong-jun is returning with his first solo concert in two years. On Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. KST, his agency Billions announced the run on social media, unveiling the poster for the 2025 Kim Yong-jun intimate theater concert, Touch. The artwork shows a lone silhouette along a sunset shoreline, with drifting autumn leaves framing the scene ― a moody tease for the season and the stage to come. Kim proved his “legend vocalist” status with his first-ever solo show, First, in 2022, then kept the momentum going with a 2023 fan meeting dubbed Connect, sharing candid, up-close moments with fans. Now, nearly two years on, Touch promises to sate fans' cravings with his velvety tone and rock-solid vocals in an intimate setting. The three-night engagement runs Oct. 24-26 at Ewha Womans University's ECC Youngsan Theater in Seoul. Tickets go on sale Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. KST via Ticketlink. Photo= Billions (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
Park Bo-gum Wraps Asia Tour in Kuala Lumpur, Heads to Latin America
등록일2025.09.16
Park Bo-gum has officially wrapped the Asia leg of his fan meeting tour. On Sept. 13, the star closed out his Kuala Lumpur stop of the PARK BO GUM 2025 FAN MEETING TOUR [BE WITH YOU]. Following a successful run of domestic fan meetings, Park visited fans across Yokohama, Singapore, Kaohsiung, Manila, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Macau, before capping the Asia swing in Kuala Lumpur. Next up: he's bound for Latin America. Returning to Kuala Lumpur for the first time in six years, Park thanked fans for their patience and turned the night into a full-on hangout―locking eyes with the crowd, singing duets and sharing dance breaks with fans who joined him onstage. He even stepped off the stage to work the aisles and connect up close, creating moments fans won't soon forget. At each weekly stop across Asia, he greeted audiences in the local language, performed beloved local songs, handed out gifts and made sure every corner of the venue got attention. Across nine Asian cities, the tour drew roughly 50,000 attendees, underscoring his global pull. At home, about 6,000 fans packed his domestic fan meeting; fueled by demand, an encore show is now set. After wrapping the Latin America leg, Park will return to Seoul to officially close the tour. Park kicks off the Latin America run in Monterrey on Sept. 17, followed by Mexico City on Sept. 19, Sao Paulo on Sept. 21 and Santiago on Sept. 24. The finale― PARK BO GUM 2025 FAN MEETING TOUR [BE WITH YOU] FINAL IN SEOUL ―lands Oct. 11 at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul's Seongbuk District. Tickets for the Seoul encore sold out the moment they went on sale. (SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)
Park Bo Gum's Solo Fan Meeting Tour Rolls On, Greets 7,000 Fans in Singapore & Kaohsiung
등록일2025.08.20
Actor Park Bo Gum is taking his fan connection global. In the midst of his solo “PARK BO GUM 2025 FAN MEETING TOUR [BE WITH YOU],” Park met a combined audience of more than 7,000 local fans at The Star Theatre in Singapore on Aug. 14 and Kaohsiung Music Center on Aug. 17, sharing intimate moments along the way. Following packed fan meetings at Jangchung Arena in Seoul and Yokohama's Pia Arena MM, Park delivered stages steeped in sincerity that moved the crowd. With his Asia tour now in full swing, he returned the love of fans who've waited patiently with generous fan-service and surprises. Back at the same Singapore venue for the first time in six years, Park expressed how happy he was to reunite and thanked the audience for their unwavering cheers. He chatted about recent projects, everyday life, and behind-the-scenes stories, and even worked through fans' “wish-list” missions one by one, turning the night into a memory to keep. His trademark “love for fans” continued in Kaohsiung, his first fan meeting in the city. Between playful banter and heartfelt conversation, Park fulfilled a local request by breaking into the “Boombastic” dance that went viral years ago, turning up the heat in the room. He also took spontaneous song requests in both Singapore and Kaohsiung―crooning snippets and leading sing-alongs to local favorites―rekindling shared memories and building a special bond with the crowd. Kaohsiung also hosted a pop-up store, creating another place for fans to gather. Stocked with official tour merch, photo zones and more, the pop-up welcomed Park himself, who left his signature and snapped photos with fans. Beyond Kaohsiung, a Taipei pop-up is also underway, extending the post-show glow for local fans. Next up, Park heads to Manila on Aug. 22, followed by Bangkok on Aug. 24, Hong Kong on Aug. 29, Jakarta on Aug. 31, Macau on Sept. 6, Kuala Lumpur on Sept. 13, Monterrey on Sept. 17, Mexico City on Sept. 19, Sao Paulo on Sept. 21 and Santiago on Sept. 24. Fueled by fervent demand, an encore fan meeting in Seoul is officially set. On Saturday, Oct. 11, he'll return to Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul's Seongbuk District for “PARK BO GUM 2025 FAN MEETING TOUR [BE WITH YOU] FINAL IN SEOUL.” Tickets for the encore show will be available via Melon Ticket. A fan-club presale opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29 for members who meet eligibility requirements, with general on-sale at 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1. [Photo= THE BLACK LABEL] (SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)
