What's Happening?
TWICE's 'This Is For' tour has set a new benchmark for K-pop in Australia, selling over 50,000 tickets across Sydney and Melbourne. The tour features a 360-degree stage setup, marking the largest production some arenas have ever hosted. This success highlights the growing popularity of Asia Pop in Australia, with a 600% increase in tours and a 275% rise in touring artists since 2015. The tour follows TWICE's 'Ready To Be' world tour, which attracted 1.5 million fans globally. The fandom in Australia is noted for its engagement, with many fans preferring non-English songs and participating actively in online communities.
Why It's Important?
The success of TWICE's tour signifies a shift in the Australian music industry, where Asia Pop is moving from niche to mainstream.
This trend is driven by a diverse fan base that values authenticity and cultural representation. The increase in Asia Pop tours reflects a broader acceptance and demand for diverse musical genres in Australia. This shift presents opportunities for brands to engage with a new audience, though they must do so authentically to avoid backlash. The tour's success also underscores the potential for other Asia Pop genres, such as Mandopop and Chinese hip-hop, to gain traction in the region.
