Cover K-pop queens Blackpink members Jennie, Lisa, Rose, and Jisoo as avatars (Photo: YG Entertainment)
K-pop queens Blackpink members Jennie, Lisa, Rose, and Jisoo as avatars (Photo: YG Entertainment)
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Dust off your lightsticks, charge up those VR headsets, and prepare to step into the next frontier of K-pop experiences. The virtual stage is set and you won't want to miss this!
The future of K-pop concerts is here and it’s mind-blowing! Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionising the way we experience our favourite idols, bringing them closer than ever before. Gone are the days of squinting at tiny figures on a distant stage or jostling for a spot in the mosh pit. With VR, you can be front and centre at the greatest K-pop gigs without leaving your plush sofa.
Read more: Blackpink: What to expect from the ‘Born Pink World Tour’
Imagine slipping on a sleek VR headset and suddenly being transported to a sold-out stadium in Seoul surrounded by thousands of screaming fans. The energy is electric, the music is thumping, and your bias is right there within an arm’s reach. Close enough to touch (if only!). It’s a dream come true for any K-pop stan and it’s quickly becoming a reality–albeit a virtual one.
But it’s happening and here are five examples of how VR is transforming the K-pop experience.
BTS’ ‘Bang Bang Con: The Live’ virtual extravaganza
Above BTS singing ‘I Like It’ at their 2020 virtual concert, ‘Bang Bang Con: The Live’
The K-pop supergroup set the bar sky-high with their 2020 virtual concert, Bang Bang Con: The Live, a pay-per-view streaming concert by BTS, which streamed on June 14, 2020. While not fully VR, it gave ARMYs a tantalising glimpse of what's possible.
See also: BTS renews contract with HYBE and BigHit: what are the members doing now?
Viewers could choose from multiple camera angles, getting up close and personal with each member. At 756,000 viewers, Bang Bang Con: The Live achieved a new Guinness World Records title for most viewers for a music concert live stream. So imagine that, but in full VR. Bopping along right next to Jungkook (Jeon Jung-kook) or grooving with J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok)? ARMYs would go bonkers!
SM Entertainment's ‘Beyond LIVE’ concert series
Above An introductory video to ‘Beyond LIVE’, SM Entertainment’s new era of live concerts
Trust the tech-savvy folks at SM Entertainment, in partnership with Naver (a South Korean internet company that operates the most popular search engine in South Korea), to push the envelope. Their Beyond LIVE concerts have featured acts like SuperM and NCT, incorporating augmented reality (AR) elements that blend seamlessly with live performances.
Don’t miss: NCT Singapore in the making? SM Entertainment to open Southeast Asia HQ here
Now, they’re exploring full VR experiences that would allow fans to virtually “attend” concerts from anywhere in the world. Fancy watching Exo perform in your living room? Soon, you’ll be able to!
Blackpink’s VR meet-and-greet experience
Above Blackpink, together with Meta, held a ‘Blackpink: A VR Encore’ show that allowed Blinks to experience the ‘Born Pink World Tour’ special finale show all over again
YG Entertainment is dipping its toes into the VR pool with plans for a Blackpink virtual meet-and-greet. Blinks will be able to interact with realistic avatars of Jisoo (Kim Ji-soo), Jennie (Jennie Kim), Rosé (Roseanne Park Chae-young), and Lisa (Lalisa Manobal) in a virtual space. It’s not quite the same as meeting them in person, but it’s a whole lot closer than most Blinks will ever get. Plus, you won’t have to worry about what to wear or if you’ve got lipstick on your teeth.
Read more: What you need to know about Blackpink’s exclusive contract renewal with YG Entertainment
This wouldn’t be Blackpink’s first VR rodeo. To promote Meta’s Meta Quest VR headsets, the group held a Blackpink: A VR Encore concert that allowed Blinks to experience the Born Pink World Tour special finale show that was held in Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome. The VR encore concert debuted in the Music Valley in Meta Horizon Worlds on December 26, 2023, accessible only to users who have the Meta Quest VR headsets.
Twice’s ‘Time to Twice’ VR series
Above Twice members taking on a chaotic cooking challenge in a ‘Time to Twice’ episode in 2022
JYP Entertainment is taking Twice’s popular Time to Twice web series to the next level with VR episodes. Fans will be able to join the girls on their zany adventures, from escape rooms to cooking challenges.
See also: Red Velvet, Twice, and more: 5 K-pop girl groups to watch out for
It’s like being part of your very own K-pop variety show! Just be careful not to knock over any lamps while you’re virtually dodging flying ingredients in Momo's (Momo Hirai) kitchen.
Psy's ‘Gangnam Style’ VR dance party
Above Psy performing his smash hit ‘Gangnam Style’ at Seoul Plaza Live Concert on October 4, 2012
Who could forget the global phenomenon that was Gangnam Style? We bet most people can even do the quirky choreography with their eyes closed. Now, imagine experiencing all of that in VR.
Don’t miss: Gangnam Style: A different take on Korean gastronomy
Psy is planning a virtual dance party where fans can learn the iconic horse dance moves in a 360-degree environment. It’s the perfect way to relive the 2012 magic and get your cardio in at the same time. Win-win!
Above Meta Horizon Worlds' Music Valley offers immersive and unparalleled stage views of your favourite music artists
The above examples are just the tip of the iceberg. As VR technology continues to advance at breakneck speed, the possibilities for K-pop concerts are endless. We could see virtual fan signs where you can “meet” your bias one-on-one, or interactive concerts where fans can influence the setlist in real time. How about a choose-your-own-adventure style concert where you decide which member to follow backstage? The mind boggles.
As we hurtle towards this brave new world of virtual K-pop concerts, one thing is clear: the future is bright, bold, and daebak!
This article/explainer was assisted by AI. We are dedicated to bringing you into our world with more meaningful content, and AI is allowing us to explore this frontier and deliver more content you will love.
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Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
