Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of K-pop and its incredible impact on Australia's music scene!
K-pop's Global Sensation: Twice's Impact Down Under
Imagine a concert filled with energetic dance moves, screaming fans, and a sea of knee-high white boots. This is the electric atmosphere created by the talented K-pop girl group, Twice. With their 10th anniversary this year, Twice has reached the pinnacle of their popularity, captivating audiences worldwide.
The Rise of Twice: A Global Phenomenon
Twice, a South Korean girl group formed in 2015, has taken the music industry by storm. Their journey began with each member showcasing their talent on a music competition-survival show. Since then, they've become a global phenomenon, kicking off their Sydney concert with the energetic song "This is For" from their album and tour of the same name. But here's where it gets controversial...
Their performance of "Strategy," featured on the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, has not only topped the charts but also introduced Twice to a whole new audience. The animated movie, a massive hit on Netflix, has been viewed over 325.1 million times, making it the streaming platform's most popular movie. Dr. Sarah Keith, a senior lecturer at Macquarie University, believes this global success has attracted new fans to the group.
K-pop Converts: The Movie's Impact
Rafael, a long-time K-pop fan, believes the movie played a significant role in converting hesitant fans. "I think it got a lot more people interested in K-pop. After watching the movie and listening to the songs, they are more inclined to learn more about the genre," he said.
Marcia, a first-time K-pop concertgoer, was glad she chose Twice for her inaugural experience. "I'm very glad I gave my first time to Twice. Their stage presence and choreography were exceptional and energetic," she exclaimed.
The Concert Experience: A 360-Degree Extravaganza
Twice's concert was a 360-degree spectacle, with dancers joining them on stage and an extensive setlist featuring hits like "Options," "Mars," and "Right Hand Girl." The excited fans, known as "Once," brandished light sticks and cheered enthusiastically throughout the show. The group's fandom name, "Once," holds a special meaning: "If you love us even once, we'll repay you with Twice our love."
A Multinational Group with Global Appeal
Dr. Keith highlights that Twice is a truly multinational group, consisting of members from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. This diversity is reflected in their fan base, which spans across the globe. "K-pop has been experimenting with multinational groups for over 20 years, and Twice is a perfect example of this. The group's ability to connect with global fans through multiple languages is a key factor in their success," she explained.
Australia's K-pop Audience: A Unique Market
While Australia has a thriving K-pop fan base, staging concerts here comes with challenges due to the country's small population spread across a vast landscape. Dr. Keith compares this to Jakarta, Indonesia, where the larger metropolitan area is about the size of Australia. "Ultimately, it is remarkable that K-pop groups perform in Australia given the small market size. This reflects the dedicated K-pop audience in the country, which consumes popular culture from overseas," she said.
Twice's Global Impact: Milestones and Collaborations
Twice's global impact is undeniable. They've topped the Billboard 200 charts, sold over 20 million albums in Korea and Japan alone, and won the Breakthrough Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards. The group has also collaborated with renowned artists like Coldplay and Megan Thee Stallion.
The Journey Continues: Melbourne Next
As Twice's "This is For" tour continues, their next stop is Melbourne this weekend. With their global success and dedicated fan base, Twice proves that there is a thriving audience for K-pop in Australia and beyond.
So, what do you think? Is K-pop here to stay in Australia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
