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Top 10 Biggest BTS Concerts Of All Time

The globally known South Korean sensation, BTS , has solidified its standing as a musical juggernaut, boasting unprecedented success and a massive fanbase that transcends borders. In recent years, the septet has etched its name in the annals of music history, emerging as one of the most triumphant and influential acts of the 21st century. Renowned for their dynamic performances, infectious tunes, and groundbreaking achievements, BTS has not only redefined the K-pop genre but has also left an indelible mark on the global music landscape.

This article delves into the monumental success of BTS through an exploration of their top 10 biggest concerts of all time. From the iconic "Permission to Dance On Stage-Seoul," with a staggering 2 million attendees, to the virtual marvel of "Bang Bang Con The Live," breaking records with 756,000 paid viewers, each concert represents a milestone in the band's meteoric rise. As we unravel the details of these colossal events, we gain insights into the unparalleled phenomenon that is BTS;a musical powerhouse that has not only shattered records but has also reshaped the very essence of live performances in the contemporary era.

• Permission to Dance Stage - Seoul (Seoul Olympic Stadium)
• 2021 Muster Sowoozoo (Seoul Olympic Stadium)
• Map of the Soul ON:E (Weverse)
• Permission to Dance On Stage - LA (SoFi Stadium)
• Bang Bang Con The Live (Weverse)
• Permission to Dance On Stage - Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium)
• Love Yourself World Tour (Seoul Olympic Stadium)
• Love Yourself World Tour (Wembley Stadium)
• Love Yourself World Tour (Rose Bowl)
• Love Yourself World Tour (Stade de France )

1. Permission to Dance On Stage - Seoul

Undoubtedly the zenith of BTS concerts, the "Permission to Dance on Stage" extravaganza in Seoul emerged as an unparalleled spectacle, drawing a colossal audience of over 2 million people. While COVID-19 restrictions limited in-person attendance to 15,000, the concert transcended physical confines by broadcasting to over 3,000 theaters globally and leveraging the Weverse platform. This monumental event amassed a staggering $32.6 million, shattering previous records and underscoring BTS's global dominance.

2. 2021 Muster Sowoozoo

The virtual marvel that was the 2021 Muster Sowoozoo, spanning two days, revolutionized the concert experience. With over 1.33 million paid viewers from 195 countries, this online spectacle incorporated interactive technologies, including a massive screen displaying global fans. The event's total revenue, including ticket and merchandise sales, reached a remarkable $71 million.

3. Map of the Soul ON:E

Boasting an attendance of over 993,000, the "Map of the Soul ON:E" virtual pay-per-view concert showcased BTS's prowess. Initially planned as a hybrid event, the offline portion was canceled due to tightened COVID-19 restrictions. The concert, held on October 10–11, 2020, was a testament to BTS's adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.

4. Permission to Dance On Stage - LA

READ ALSO » Top 10 Biggest Concerts By Taylor Swift

The SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles witnessed the enthralling "Permission to Dance on Stage" concert, setting a decade-high box office score. With $33.3 million grossed from 214,000 live tickets, this extravaganza at the end of 2021 became the highest-grossing engagement of the year. The inclusion of a 6,000-capacity YouTube theater and the Reverse streaming platform broadened the audience to a total of 813,000.

5. Bang Bang Con The Live

"Bang Bang Con The Live" etched its place among BTS's grandest concerts, adopting a pay-per-view streaming model on Weverse. On June 14, 2020, this groundbreaking concert amassed 756,000 paid viewers from 107 regions, earning a Guinness World Records title for the most viewers for a music concert live stream.

6. Permission to Dance On Stage - Las Vegas

The four-day residency at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, part of the "Permission to Dance On Stage" series, attracted over 620,000 attendees both in-person and online. BTS's unprecedented four-show series at Allegiant Stadium marked a milestone, with approximately 22,000 spectators gathering at MGM Grand Garden Arena to witness Livestream performances.

7. Love Yourself World Tour (Seoul)

The 2019 Love Yourself World Tour culminated in a three-day spectacle at the Seoul Olympic Stadium, drawing 129,268 attendees and generating a total revenue of $12,109,026. Noteworthy is the previous two-day concert at the same stadium during the tour, which attracted over 90,000 attendees.

8. Love Yourself World Tour (UK)

BTS's global impact reached new heights with their two-day concert at Wembley Stadium as part of the Love Yourself World Tour. A total of 114,583 attendees witnessed this historic event, contributing to a gross revenue of $13,545,702. This marked a significant moment in the band's journey, following a sellout at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena in London.

9. Love Yourself World Tour (USA)

The Rose Bowl Stadium in California witnessed a historic sell-out during the Love Yourself World Tour, with 113,040 attendees over a two-day residency. This groundbreaking concert reported a total gross of $16,600,000, securing its place as the highest-grossing engagement in the venue's history.

10. Love Yourself World Tour (France)

Concluding the list is the monumental performance at the Stade de France, where BTS captivated an audience of 107,328 over two days. This event stands as one of the biggest BTS concerts ever held, ranking second in Europe only behind their Wembley Stadium performance during the same tour.

READ ALSO » Top 10 World’s Biggest Concerts In History

In conclusion, BTS's unparalleled success in the realm of music is evident through these monumental concerts, setting records that may stand unbroken for years to come. Their ability to captivate global audiences and redefine the concert experience underscores their position as one of the most influential music bands of the 21st century.

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Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

BTS Announce World Tour To Include Six North American Cities

The group have revealed a total of 22 shows around the globe, including dates in Asia, Europe and North America

BTS gave fans all over the world a nice surprise on Apr. 26, announcing a world tour that will take the pop superstars to 11 cities across Asia, Europe, and North America. News of the tour came via Big Hit Entertainment 's twitter account and promised additional shows will be added.

Coined the Love Yourself World Tour after the group's series of releases by the same name, the trek kicks off in Seoul, South Korea Aug. 25-26 before heading to the U.S. for shows in Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. Additional North American dates include: Fort Worth, Texas; Hamilton, Ontario; Newark, N.J. and Chicago. The tour then heads to four European cities, wrapping up (for now) in Paris Oct. 19-20.

On May 18, BTS will release Love Yourself: Tear , the latest in the aforementioned series following 2017's Love Yourself: Her EP. The new album will be their third full-length following 2014's Dark & Wild and 2016's Wings .

BTS will also make a U.S. appearance on May 20 when they take the stage in Las Vegas at the Billboard Music Awards. The group has also promised to debut a brand new song at the event.

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This isn't the first world tour for these Korean pop sensations. BTS mounted a 40-date tour after the release of Wings that took the group through Asia, South and North Americas, and Australia.

Ticket information for the Love Yourself World Tour is still forthcoming.

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14 Must-Hear Albums In November: The Cure, Dolly Parton, Jin Of BTS, Ab-Soul, & More

November's highly anticipated album lineup features U2's 'How to Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb,' a posthumous release from Juice WRLD, Dwight Yoakam's 'Brighter Days,' Father John Misty's 'Mahashmashana,' among many more.

The winds of November might be crisp and cold, but they bring along a collection of sizzling new music. From bold debuts to heartfelt returns, new eras to final chapters, there's no shortage of options to warm you up this month.

On the first Friday of the month, goth band The Cure makes their return after 16 years, and R&B sensation Jacquees releases the suggestive Baby Making . In the following weeks, British trio FLO will release their anticipated debut, Access All Areas , and BTS 's Jin will finally drop Happy , his first solo album.

And there's more: nu metal trailblazers Linkin Park will enter a new era with From Zero , Dolly Parton enlisted her family to create the expansive Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables , and 2020 Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka will drop Small Changes .

Lastly, the third and final posthumous album by rapper Juice WRLD will also be out this month, and Irish megastars U2 are going to celebrate the 20th anniversary of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb with a shadow album titled How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb .

To guide you through this eventful month, GRAMMY.com compiled a list with the 14 must-hear releases of November 2024. Check them out below.

CHASE ATLANTIC — 'Lost In Heaven' (Nov. 1)

Australian trio CHASE ATLANTIC continue to reach for the stars. Following performances at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and the main stage at Reading & Leeds in 2023, the band is set to release their fourth studio album, Lost In Heaven , on Nov. 1st.

Led by singles " Die For Me ," " Doubt It ," and "Ricochet," the band continues to expand their atmospheric, genre-blurring sound. A press release notes that they are poised to break boundaries once again, "diving deeper into their distinct world of hypnotic melodies, sonic experimentation, and epic live shows." The 2023 single " Mamacita " also features on the tracklist.

To promote the new record, they launched an ongoing tour across North America, with rapper 24KGOLDN as a special guest. The tour began on Oct. 16 in Dallas, and will wrap on Nov. 19 in Los Angeles. In December, they will continue with six additional shows in Australia and New Zealand. 

The Cure — 'Songs Of A Lost World' (Nov. 1)

In September, English goth band The Cure released "Alone," their first new song in 16 years. Along with it came also the announcement of their fourteenth LP, Songs Of A Lost World , set for release on Nov. 1.

Frontman Robert Smith shared in a press release that "Alone" was the track that "unlocked" the new album. "As soon as we had that piece of music recorded I knew it was the opening song, and I felt the whole album come into focus," he noted. The album, in progress since 2019, includes tracks "Alone" and " A Fragile Thing ," which were performed live during the band's Shows Of A Lost World tour in 2022 and 2023.

The 8-track ensemble follows 2008's 4:13 Dream , and was entirely written and composed by Smith — a feat he hadn't repeated since 1985's The Head On The Door . Smith also co-produced the record with the help of Paul Corkett.

Masked Wolf — 'The Devil Wears Prada But God Wears Gucci' (Nov. 8)

After his 2019 song "Astronaut in the Ocean" became a sleeper hit in 2021 thanks to TikTok, the life of Australian rapper Masked Wolf (Harry Michael) changed dramatically. He quit his day job to focus on music full-time and swiftly released Astronomical , his first mixtape.

Three years later, Michael swapped the space suit for a superhero persona. "I feel it, my desire, yeah, I'm reaching in my soul /They tryna take me out, yeah, they wanna break my bones /It's like I've been bit, but I still keep control /I will never give up, I never give up," he raps in "Spiderman in Space," a single off his upcoming debut LP, The Devil Wears Prada But God Wears Gucci .

Set to drop on Nov. 8, the album showcases Michael's versatility and immutable determination, traits also evident on singles " Give Me My Heart Back " with Lecrae , " Sweeter ," " Tell Me Why " with Kota the Friend, and " Hell or High Water ."

Ab-Soul — 'Soul Burger' (Nov. 8)

After 2022's lauded Herbert , Los Angeles rapper Ab-Soul is gearing up to release the mixtape Soul Burger on Nov. 8. The project is a tribute to the artist's childhood friend, Doe Burger, who passed away in December 2021.

In a recent interview with Sirius XM's "Effective Immediately" , the Top Dawg Entertainment star shared that he's "been trying to channel" Burger's spirit in this release. "My best way of doing that is through music. And hence the title, it's the fusion of me and him. We were literally Huey and Riley from The Boondocks, to where this album is not me — it's Soul Burger. It's like a new artist… So I recommend everybody listen to it in terms of that."

The mixtape includes singles " Squeeze 1st 2 " and "All That" featuring JasonMartin (formerly known as Problem) and Thirsty P. In June, Ab-Soul reunited with his Black Hippy bandmates Kendrick Lamar , Jay Rock , and Schoolboy Q at Lamar's Pop Out Concert in California.

FLO — 'Access All Areas' (Nov. 15)

British R&B trio FLO have announced their much-awaited debut LP, Access All Areas , set to release on Nov. 15. Executive produced by MNEK , the album follows the success of singles " Walk Like This ," " Caught Up ," and "Check."

" Access All Areas is a labor of love," the group, composed of Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer, said in a press statement. "To us it represents our growth and dedication to making girl group history, to making a project we are truly proud to call our debut album." The album is described as a "manifesto" for FLO, approaching themes of love, sisterhood, and navigating life as young Black women.

Starting Nov. 11, the trio will kick off their AAA: Intimate Acoustic Shows tour in record stores across the U.K., with stops in Nottingham, Kingston, London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

BoyWithUke — 'Burnout' (Nov. 15)

"I was feeling tired just because it's been go, go, go since I started," said TikTok sensation BoyWithUke in a statement about his upcoming album, Burnout . "I think I had some real identity issues with who I am. Like am I this extroverted character or am I Charley Yang? But now I think I've found a really good balance of work and personal life."

Charley Yang, who rose to fame after going viral in 2021 with ukulele hits like " [ Toxic ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvaosumc4hU) " and a signature LED mask — removed only last year — began exploring a more open and experimental side to his music once he revealed his face. "For the longest time I had made songs to impress this person I was in love with as well as music executives, and once that was gone things felt weird," he added. "I felt a little bit lost, but in a larger and more positive way, I felt free with freedom to make mistakes and basically whatever I wanted — I think that's what * Burnout * is."

Burnout will be Yang's final record under the BoyWithUke moniker, but it already points to new musical directions. Lead singles " Ghost " and " Can You Feel It? " build on his previous work, while "Gaslight" takes a daring plunge into alt-rock and electronic beats, showcasing Yang's rawest performances yet.

Jin — 'Happy' (Nov. 15)

The first BTS member to complete his military enlistment, Jin was also the only one who hadn't released a solo LP — until now. The wait is over as he announced the release of his debut album, Happy , set for release on Nov. 15.

According to a press release, Happy is a six-track collection that chronicles Jin's journey to find true happiness. Through the album, he shares "honest thoughts and feelings on what happiness means to him," and aims to give listeners "a sense of strength and comfort in their day-to-day lives."

The album comes two years after Jin's co-written collaboration with Coldplay, "The Astronaut." To build anticipation, he has also released the complete version of his 2021 viral hit, " Super Tuna ," along with the rockabilly-inspired lead single, "I'll Be There."

Dolly Parton & Family — 'Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables' (Nov. 15)

Dolly Parton continues to amaze. After being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and releasing her first rock album, Rockstar , last year, the country queen returns on Nov. 15 with a project that explores her deepest roots: her family.

Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables is a prodigious visual and musical project featuring both branches of Dolly's family, the Partons and the Owens. Spanning nearly 40 tracks, the album was produced by her cousin, Richie Owens, and showcases performances by various family members, including some who have passed away and others from the current generation.

In a statement, Smoky Mountain is described as "a passage through the lineage and ethos of a family that has deeply influenced one of the world's most beloved artists," tracing their journey from their U.K. origins in the 1600s to their present-day home in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. A companion four-part docuseries is set to premiere in 2025.

Read More: 5 Ways Dolly Parton Has Promoted Peace & Global Unity

Dwight Yoakam — 'Brighter Days' (Nov. 15)

It's been nearly a decade since country superstar Dwight Yoakam released a new album, with his last being 2016's Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars . That will change on Nov. 15, when Yoakam drops Brighter Days .

To announce his return, Yoakam dropped hit single "I Don't Know How to Say Goodbye (Bang Bang Boom Boom)" featuring Post Malone , a track he wrote specifically for this collaboration. Brighter Days has been self-produced over the past three years, with Yoakam co-writing most of the tracks and including covers of classics such as "Keep On The Sunny Side" by the Carter Family, "Bound Away" by Cake, and "Time Between" by The Byrds.

In a statement, the album is described as "at once timeless and timely," filled with "a modern appreciation for country music's history with the trailblazing rock and roll spirit of California." Yoakam is currently on a U.S. tour.

Linkin Park — 'From Zero' (Nov. 15)

Linkin Park is returning from hiatus with full force. On Nov. 15, the nu-metal legends will release their eighth LP, From Zero , introducing a new era for the band following the announcement of new vocalist Emily Armstrong (of Dead Sara) and drummer Colin Brittain.

"Before Linkin Park, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we're currently undertaking," said co-vocalist Mike Shinoda in a statement. From Zero marks the band's first album without frontman Chester Bennington, who passed away in 2017, and former drummer Rob Bourdon. "Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future — embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans," added Shinoda.

The album's lead single, "The Emptiness Machine," was followed by " Heavy Is The Crown ," which became the main theme for Riot Games' 2024 League of Legends World Championship, and the recent release " Over Each Other ." Ahead of the album, Linkin Park played a series of arena shows in September, with stops in Los Angeles, Seoul, and London. The tour is set to conclude on November 16 in São Paulo, Brazil.

Michael Kiwanuka — 'Small Changes' (Nov. 22)

"Whilst making this album I was really thinking about my motives for making music and making records," shared London-born singer Michael Kiwanuka on Instagram , when announcing his upcoming album, Small Changes . "I never started writing music/songs for anything other than a way to connect to myself and others, but what am I trying to say now?"

As the album neared completion, Kiwanuka realized that expressing the "small changes" he was experiencing, both in his voice or and his music, was reason enough. "And living for me is just that, remaining as true as possible despite all the changes around us," he added.

Small Changes follows Kiwanuka's 2020 Mercury Prize-winning album, Kiwanuka . Co-produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo , the LP's first single, " Floating Parade ," dropped in July, followed by "Lowdown (Part I)" and "Lowdown (Part II)." Kiwanuka recently completed a North American tour with Brittany Howard and will play six intimate shows in the U.K. after the album's release.

Father John Misty — 'Mahashmashana' (Nov. 22)

November also marks the return of singer/songwriter Josh Tillman with his sixth album under the stage name Father John Misty. According to a press release, the album's title, Mahashmashana , derives from the Sanskrit word Mahāśmaśāna (महामशान), meaning "great cremation ground, all things put going thither."

Produced by Tillman and Drew Erickson , with longtime collaborator Jonathan Wilson serving as executive producer, the album features eight tracks spanning over 50 minutes. Half of the album has already been previewed through singles " I Guess Time Makes Fools of Us All ," " She Cleans Up ," " Screamland ," featuring Low's Alan Sparhawk, and "Josh Tillman and The Accidental Dose." 

After supporting Kacey Musgraves on her Deeper Well Tour during September and October, Tillman announced he will headline a North American tour beginning February 2025, followed by a European leg in May.

Juice WRLD — 'The Party Never Ends' (Nov. 22)

After years of teasing, Juice WRLD's third and final posthumous album, The Party Never Ends , is set to be released via Grade A and Interscope Records on Nov. 22. This will be his first full-length project since 2021's Fighting Demons , which included collaborations with Polo G, Justin Bieber , BTS , and more. 

Lil Bibby, founder of Grade A, shared on Instagram that "we want this album to feel like a celebration/party. No more mourning, I want everyone that Juice loved while he was here to help celebrate, especially his fans whom he loved."

The Party Never Ends follows the release of December 2023's single " Lace It " featuring Eminem , produced by Benny Blanco , which addresses the dangers of addiction. In September 2024, Juice WRLD's legacy was further expanded with the EPs The Pre-Party and The Pre-Party (Extended) , each featuring two tracks, including the single "Lightyears" with Young Thug .

U2 — 'How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb' (Nov. 22)

In November 2004, Irish band U2 topped the charts with their iconic album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb . The album and its singles earned eight GRAMMYs between 2005 and 2006 and was described by vocalist Bono as their "first rock album" ever.

As the 20th anniversary approaches, U2 will commemorate the milestone with a remaster and re-release of the original album, along with a new project titled How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb — a 10-track "shadow album" that includes new and unreleased songs from the band's archives.

"The sessions for How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb were such a creative period for the band, we were exploring so many song ideas in the studio," bassist The Edge said in a press statement. "For this anniversary edition, I went into my personal archive to see if there were any unreleased gems and I hit the jackpot. What you're getting on this shadow album is that raw energy of discovery, the visceral impact of the music, a sonic narrative, a moment in time, the exploration and interaction of four musicians playing together in a room… this is the pure U2 drop."

Among the tracks, fans might recognize "Luckiest Man In The World" as the leaked demo "Mercy," now officially released. Five other songs have been remastered, including "Don't Wanna See You Smile" and "All Because of You 2." The remaining four tracks are entirely new, never-before-heard recordings, including the single " Country Mile ."

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Get To Know KATSEYE: The Global Girl Group Styled After K-Pop Superstars

The first-of-its-kind group is the project of Geffen Records and Korean entertainment giant HYBE. Learn all about the six-member group, from their journey as trainees on "Dream Academy" to their debut album, 'SIS (Soft Is Strong).'

Although they have yet to release an album, six-member girl group KATSEYE has already racked up a passionate global fanbase. Those fans have eagerly followed KATSEYE's journey so far, which span nearly three years and multiple continents.

KATSEYE is the result of a highly anticipated, first-of-its-kind partnership between American label Geffen Records — which counts Olivia Rodrigo and Camila Cabello on its roster — and HYBE Entertainment, best known as the home of BTS and subject of a new GRAMMY Museum exhibit . Thanks to the collaboration between two cultures with a track record of turning artists into household names, KATSEYE's Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Yoonchae , and Megan are poised for the global stage.

"This is the most ambitious project both HYBE and Geffen have ever been involved in," Geffen Records President Tom March ( now Chairman and CEO of Capitol Records)  said during a 2023 press conference, per Weverse Magazine . "We are hoping to create something that genuinely moves culture with a group that makes magazine covers and headlines festivals."  

Ahead of the Aug. 16 release of their debut album SIS (Soft Is Strong) , GRAMMY.com rounded up everything you need to know about the rising stars, from their in-depth training process to their global roots.

They Competed Against More Than 100,000 Hopefuls

In late 2021, HYBE and Geffen kicked off a worldwide search for potential members of the group that would become KATSEYE. "In the city of dreams where stars are born, an unprecedented girl group will rise," boasted the promotional video .  

Through online and offline auditions in 15 cities around the world, more than 120,000 talented artists tried out. Only the top 20 girls were selected to become finalists — an acceptance rate tougher than elite universities.  

Revealing the finalists at an August 2023 press conference in Los Angeles, HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk said, "I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while," per Billboard .

Geffen Records CEO John Janick shared the same sentiments. "To develop a global group with Bang, with the best of K-pop methodology, and our Geffen team, is truly special and will bring to life a first-of-its-kind experience in music," he said during the press conference.

They Went Through The Intense K-Pop Trainee System  

The 20 finalists were enrolled in what was dubbed "The Debut: Dream Academy," an "X Factor"-style survival show that was broadcasted in real time on social media for nearly three months in late 2023.

"Dream Academy" offered the finalists a crash course in the infamously rigorous K-pop trainee system, one where aspiring stars train intensely in everything from vocals to dance and foreign languages, all with the aim of developing into well-rounded artists. Through a combination of audience voting and evaluations from a panel of experts (which included executives from HYBE and Geffen), the show whittled down the 20 finalists to the debut group.

The show consisted of three rounds with distinct "missions" that tested each finalists on their dance and vocal prowess, as well as their teamwork and performance skills. The contestants were primarily based in Los Angeles but also had the opportunity to travel to South Korea to train directly in HYBE’s Seoul headquarters.

The final lineup was revealed live on Nov. 17, 2023, with a studio audience in Los Angeles and thousands of viewers watching in real time. The energy and anticipation was palpable as each member was announced one by one to tears of joy and screams of excitement.  

"I can’t even put it into words," expressed Lara after she was selected as part of the final lineup. "This is everything I ever wanted in my entire life."

The official group name of KATSEYE was also revealed on that date, signaling the transition from the trainee process to becoming a full-fledged group.

The entire training and development journey was documented by Netflix and will be released as a series under the name "Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE" on Aug. 21. The show promises to "pull back the curtain on the rigorous process of making a global music sensation."

KATSEYE Members Hail From Around the World

The six members of KATSEYE represent a mosaic of cultures and backgrounds from around the world. Sophia is from the Philippines, while Yoonchae was born in Korea. Manon was raised in Switzerland to Swiss Italian and Ghanian parents.  

The three American members also have global roots: Daniela is Venezuelan Cuban, Lara is Indian, and Megan is Chinese Singaporean.

While KATSEYE’s music is sung in English, the members are also fluent in their fair share of languages, allowing them to connect with fans around the globe.  

The diversity of the members even influenced the group name. KATSEYE is an alternate spelling of the stone cat’s eye, which "shows off a variety of colors depending on its direction, much like all of us who come from all different cultures and backgrounds," the members told Sweety High .  

Industry Elites Form Part Of Their Team  

Even ahead of their debut album drop, KATSEYE has already worked with some of the most prominent names in the entertainment world.

The group’s creative director is Humberto Leon, best known as co-founder of iconic fashion brand Opening Ceremony. His vision helped create "Dream Academy’s" whimsical Art Film of the finalists performing inside an empty school; he’s also had input on all the creative decisions for the group, from styling to posing.

"I want each and every one of them to stand out," Leon told the New York Times .  

KATSEYE’s first single, "Debut", was produced by three-time GRAMMY winner and OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder , who has written songs for icons like Taylor Swift and Adele .

Their Labelmates Are K-Pop Superstars

As part of HYBE Entertainment, KATSEYE is the successor to some of the biggest names in the K-pop world. HYBE is best known for launching BTS in 2013, when the label was still known as Big Hit Entertainment.

HYBE has since expanded and launched groups including TOMORROW X TOGETHER , LE SSERAFIM , and New Jeans, who have all achieved massive heights, from topping the Billboard charts to performing at Coachella.

Ahead of the "Dream Academy" competition, HYBE artists imparted words of wisdom to the contestants in a video letter . "The more challenges you face, you’ll have more worries," said Le Sserafim member Sakura, who made her own debut through a similar competition show in South Korea. "I think the most important thing is to have fun!"  

Read more: 5 Takeaways From The GRAMMY Museum’s "HYBE: We Believe In Music" Exhibit

KATSEYE's  Music Is About Self Confidence

Although the group has released just two singles so far, KATSEYE’s music has already honed in on themes of confidence and empowerment. The first single, aptly titled "Debut," is an upbeat pop anthem that boasts the group’s self-assurance despite being industry newcomers. Second single "Touch" is an R&B and drum-and-bass-influenced ode to independence.

Their debut single is "really just about sisterhood and being confident and strong and powerful and the best version of yourself," Lara told Teen Vogue .

Listeners can expect a continuation of this theme on their upcoming album, SIS (Soft Is Strong) . "Our debut comes with a lot of confidence and a lot of willpower and passion," Sophia hinted in the group’s intro film .

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5 Takeaways From The GRAMMY Museum’s "HYBE: We Believe In Music" Exhibit

The first full-floor K-pop exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum runs through Sept. 15. Experience the magic of BTS, ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM in an immersive exhibit of fashion, photos and more.

In 2005, South Korean producer and songwriter Bang Si-Hyuk (aka "hitman" Bang) founded Bit Hit Entertainment. Only eight years later, he finished assembling what would come to be the label’s groundbreaking boy group, BTS . The rest is history, now chronicled in "HYBE: We Believe In Music," the first full-floor K-pop exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum, which runs through Sept. 15.

Following the success of Bit Hit’s premier act, and that of other artists under acquired labels SOURCE MUSIC and PLEDIS Entertainment, the company eventually evolved to become HYBE in 2021. "I think HYBE is very special in that they have gone beyond being just a K-pop company," says Kelsey Goelz, curator of the exhibit. "They have many different sub labels. They’ve come to America and gotten involved in the music business here, and then they’re also working in AI and gaming ."

But beyond its global presence, one of K-pop’s ever-captivating elements is the sheer amount of blood, sweat, and tears that goes into making it possible, even when HYBE artists like ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN , and LE SSERAFIM make it look easy. There’s a core humanity to this work ethic and dogged tenacity — to the level of artistry in general — that speaks to K-pop fans around the world.

While HYBE’s growth shows no signs of slowing down yet, the GRAMMY Museum exhibit takes a look back on the entertainment company’s legacy thus far. Read on for the five things we learned from the "HYBE: We Believe In Music" exhibit.

All photos Courtesy of the Recording Academy™️/photo by Rebecca Sapp, Getty Images© 2024.

In A Decade, BTS Built Themselves Into A Global Phenomenon

Let’s start with a history lesson: despite being around for almost a decade, HYBE’s story begins in earnest with the formation of one of K-pop’s breakthrough acts, BTS, in 2013. (At that point, the company was still a standalone label.) Led by rapper RM , the seven boys hopped off a yellow school bus with a bratty, adolescent attitude — and that’s where the GRAMMY Museum’s exhibit picks up.

There’s a lot that happened between then and their seven Billboard No. 1s. Luckily, a wallpapered timeline breaks down all the major global highlights: the first U.S. tour, their UNICEF campaign, a landmark performance on "Saturday Night Live," and the announcement of BTS as TIME ’s 2020 Entertainer of the Year, to name just a few.

Sitting in the middle of the museum floor is a glass case of polaroids — in them, Jin , Suga , j-hope , RM , Jimin , V and Jung Kook toss up peace signs while sporting novelty hats designed to look like BTS’s lightstick . Nostalgic and deeply silly, these photos date back to 2017 and 2018, serving as a reminder of the colossal strides BTS has taken in the intervening years.

Learn more: Breaking Down Every Solo Act From BTS: Singles, Debut Albums & What's Next For The Septet

It Takes A Village To Make A K-Pop Music Video

When K-pop music videos are delivered to fans, they’re already finished products. Behind the curtain, it’s hard work to make them polished and perfect. Collected ‘fits and accessories throughout the exhibit get you up close and personal with creative details; then, to showcase the costumes in action, they’re paired with screens that play the finalized MVs.

Each customized artifact is an expression of its respective group’s individuality, from ENHYPEN ’s King of Pop-inspired "Sweet Venom" ensembles to BOYNEXTDOOR’s slouchy cabbie caps. Other standouts include belts and chains from &TEAM’s angsty " Samidare ," fromis_9’s opera-ready "# menow " jewels, and chunky necklaces featured in ILLIT’s runaway single "Magnetic." 

Everything Comes Back To The Music

HYBE’s proffered ethos is "we believe in music" — this motto gives the special exhibit its name, while also serving as a mission statement.

In a series of recorded interviews on view in the exhibit, HYBE’s idol songwriters share their process for and perspective on making music. The main takeaway: Inspiration comes in different forms. While writing, BTS’s j-hope pictures ideas as tree branches that sprout outward, while RM sees his rap verses as a realized world to live inside.

Literally, too, their lyrics mark the passage of time. If you’ve ever wondered why Suga circles back to motifs across the years, the rapper has all the answers for you here.

There’s also a conversation with WOOZI of SEVENTEEN, one of the K-pop industry’s most prolific idol composers with more than 150 credits to his name. It’s a penchant for plain language, he says, that makes the lyrics he writes really sing; the band’s beloved B-side "Hug," for example, gets its potency from everyday words and phrases. TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun likewise fills visitors in on the origin story behind co-written "Maze in the Mirror," a misty reflection of their tough trainee days.  

This isn’t to say they haven’t had help, of course. Nearby, clips of HYBE producers Pdogg , BUMZU, and ZICO, settled in their respective studios, walk us through how the instrumentals for songs like BTS’s "ON" and SEVENTEEN’s " Lilili Yabbay " came to be. Peruse at your leisure — for those curious about the creation of K-pop’s biggest hits, this corner of the exhibit could easily take up the better part of a trip.  

Fans Make K-Pop Special

To some fans, K-pop is more than just the music . As a sincere few explain in an exhibit video, K-pop is something that has profoundly touched their lives, providing the basis for genuine friendships and community. Fans get to give a little bit of this positive energy back to their idols, particularly through online platforms like HYBE’s Weverse , where users can interact directly with artists. "I don’t think there’s another genre like K-pop that allows and enables that communication," Goetz, the curator, tells GRAMMY.com.  

In true form, the GRAMMY Museum offers an interactive experience. At the exhibit’s opening event, fans posed next to their idols (digitally) in a photo booth, yelled K- pop’s national anthem into prop mics, and hit the dance floor with perfect renditions of LE SSERAFIM’s "Perfect Nights" choreography.  

Before heading out, visitors could leave a mark of their own on the exhibit: after writing a message to their favorite artist via pastel Post-its and baby No. 2 pencils, fans loudly and proudly displayed them on the walls.

HYBE’s Story Is Just Getting Started

According to another timeline, the story so far has three chapters. There was the era of Big Hit Entertainment, when BTS came into the picture; then, the establishment of HYBE, with its many labels. Finally, as the U.S. and Latin America enter the fold, we’re in the end game. Representing this future is L.A.-based girl group KATSEYE, a collaboration with Geffen Records and the most recent inclusion to HYBE’s roster.

But K-pop hasn’t entirely let go of its "K" just yet, if the special guests for the exhibit’s launch were any indication. As the sun set over the GRAMMY Museum’s rooftop terrace, rookie boy group TWS kicked things off; before performing high-energy five songs back to back , the six boys charmed the audience by cutely cruising through a moderated conversation in English and Korean.  

As the exhibit reveals, there’s a reason HYBE — and K-pop — went global in the first place. On top of the spectacle, their success has everything to do with the work that goes into making the effort seem effortless. Audiences root for real people, and that's what makes them keep coming back.

Photo: Courtesy of KCON L.A.

KCON L.A. 2024: 7 Highlights From NCT 127, ZEROBASEONE, NMIXX & More

The world's biggest K-pop festival returned to Los Angeles, featuring headliners NCT 127, ENHYPEN, and Taemin, along with a mix of rookie sensations and nostalgic favorites.

Held from July 26-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, KCON 2024 showcased an array of performances from K-pop stars, with notable acts including NCT 127 , ENHYPEN , Taemin , ZEROBASEONE , and g.o.d. The event marked its largest success yet, attracting fans worldwide both in-person and through digital platforms.

KCON, the biggest K-pop show in the world, has come a long way since its inception in 2012 at Irvine's Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre with around 10,000 attendees. Over a decade later, the music festival and convention event has expanded globally, but Los Angeles remains special as its origin. This year, KCON proclaimed its biggest success yet, stating, "Over 5.9 million fans from more than 170 countries enjoyed KCON L.A. 2024 both at the festival site and through digital platforms." It was also broadcasted for the first time on the CW network in the U.S., and by its usual broadcaster Mnet in Korea and around the world.

This year's KCON featured a varied lineup for performers. The finale headliners were NCT 127, who last attended KCON L.A. in 2017 in their early days. They were joined by ENHYPEN and Taemin as nightly headliners. Rookie groups like ZEROBASEONE and Boynextdoor proved to be crowd favorites, while Y2K icons like g.o.d surprised the whole audience with 2000s hits. Despite fewer female performers, dynamic sets from NMIXX, Somi, and StayC made a significant impact.   

It was generally a big year for rookie acts, with a variety of Korean, Japanese, and Filipino newer boy bands and girl groups making appearances throughout the weekend. As more senior artists hold solo tours, with many touring simultaneously to KCON, there was ample time to meet newcomers. 

Even L.A. -based Katseye, Hybe X Geffen Records' new girl group that features members from around the world, had a moment as the openers for the final night, performing live in front of fans for the very first time. 

Read on for memorable highlights, performances, and other insights from the annual event.

g.o.d Ascend To New Heights

Although the styles of the '90s and early aughts are trending, it was perhaps a bit of a surprise — to the crowd and artists alike — that one of Korea's early boy band greats could get the whole stadium up out of their seats, clapping, and swaying along to the R&B stylings of g.o.d. 

Formed in 1999, the quartet took the stage in suits and began their set with the ballad "Road" followed by "Lie." While many fans came out specifically to see them, bearing banners and light blue balloon-shaped light sticks in support, it was the group's comfortable affability that made them one of KCON's most talked-about acts. 

By having fun and being earnestly engaging, they won over a crowd largely made up of people unfamiliar with their discography. When they performed "Sky Blue Balloon," a song dedicated to their fans, everyone clapped and sang along. As they turned on their phone flashlights ("Give us 1% of your phone battery!" quipped Cali-native Joon Park), the audience basked in the poignant closer "One Candle," a song well-known in South Korea as a democratic anthem, creating a warm, memorable glow.  

ZEROBASEONE Lead Rookie Power

When they performed at the 2023 event, ZEROBASEONE, or ZB1, were charming newcomers who had just come together during K-pop competition show, "Boys Planet . " While ZB1 are not technically rookies anymore, they're still relatively new kids on the block compared to many senior acts. Despite their relative youth, at KCON LA 2024, they were one of the biggest draws for fans in attendance. Throughout the weekend, it was near impossible to move a foot or two without spotting one or two (or 10!) dedicated "Zeroses" cheering them on with a light stick that looks surprisingly similar to a rose-shaped engagement ring. 

For fans lucky enough to attend multiple nights of KCON LA 2024, ZB1 performed both on Friday, July 26, and Sunday, July 28, showcasing fan favorites like " Sweat ," " Crush ," and " In Bloom ." They also shared a teaser for their new EP, Cinema Paradise, which will drop in August. 

Along with ZB1, it was a big weekend for some other newer boy bands: Boynextdoor’s catchy, witty performances were some of the most-talked about, while TWS’s earworm hits had the whole arena singing along. 

ENHYPEN Fulfill Dreams And Enhance Fantasies

Coming to KCON right after touring in the U.S. earlier this year could have meant repeat performances for ENHYPEN's "Engenes" to witness, but instead, the vampiric septet charmed with new energy just days after releasing their latest EP, Romance: Untold, on July 12. 

Surprising the crowd with the English version of that album's single " XO (Only If You Say Yes) ", ENHYPEN ran through some of their biggest hits, seducing listeners with " Bite Me " and charming them with the picture-perfect " Polaroid Love ." 

They also, along with Zico and Taemin, hosted one of KCON's unique "Dream Stages," coming together with fan dancers to perform the English version of last year's smooth "Sweet Venom." 

Read more: Meet ENHYPEN, K-Pop's Latest Breakout Boy Group

A Welcome Return For NCT 127

Seven years since their last KCON LA performance, NCT 127 appeared triumphant as both openers and closers on the third night of the show. They kicked the night off (literally) with their 2020 hit "Kick It," and returned at the end of the night to perform their new song " Walk ," before renditions of hits " Lemonade ," " 2 Baddies ," and " Fact Check ."

It was a moment of glory for the team, who had spent much of their biggest musical eras without touring during the pandemic. Now that concerts are back, they've been touring heavily. When their planned world tour, "Neo City – The Unity," became an Asia-only tour, it felt like there would be no moment for Stateside fans in 2024. When they were announced as late-addition special headliners, NCTzens rapidly bought up tickets. 

With the 127 members and their U.S. fans (plus many from overseas) reunited, the atmosphere was one of euphoria and exuberance as the members boisterously dominated the stage, making jokes and playfully engaging in a way that felt comfortable and assured in their performing prowess. It may not have been a full NCT 127 concert in LA, but it's clear that the stars and many fans are waiting for that. 

Jeon Somi, Hyolyn & BIBI Shine

While groups are the bread and butter of K-pop, soloists have their own flair, and this year the fiery spotlight fell on the women. During the final night, the powerful dynamism of BIBI, Jeon Somi, and Hyolyn took over. Although BIBI's real set was the first night, she performed a expletive-free version of her hit revenge track " Bibi's Vengeance " before embracing Hyolyn. 

Hyolyn, a soloist and member of girl group Sistar, forwent her own songs for the concert event and instead put her own sultry spin on LOONA's " So What " with a team of fierce dancers. 

Jeon Somi rounded out things with her truly addicting dance tracks " Fast Forward " and " DUMB DUMB ," along with the emotive " The Way ." She then revealed the name of her new upcoming song, "Ice Cream" and charmed the crowd by teaching them a call-and-response chant: "Come get your ice cream," shouted one side of the arena. "Too hot!" returned the other before Somi realized with a laugh that the lyric actually was "Too cold!" 

Read more: 10 K-Pop Rookie Girl Groups To Watch In 2023

Fiery Covers Galore

One of the special things about KCON is the emphasis put on historic K-pop songs and events, with remakes and covers being a major part of every KCON. This year was no different, beginning with the first day's concert featuring P1Harmony 's cover of BTS's " Fire ."

In 2016, when BTS performed "Fire" at KCON LA, the air was palpable with the feeling that something big was taking place. That set has often been cited as the moment many K-pop fans and music watchers realized BTS was on the brink of global superstardom. It was a fitting tribute to have P1Harmony, who had a major year on the festival and touring circuit, open up KCON LA with their own spin on the song the very first night of the event. 

Other acts also put their own spin on both recent hits and older classics throughout the nighttime concerts. The third night featured an homage to girl groups: along with Hyolyn covering LOONA , ZB1 covered Red Velvet's "Psycho" and STAYC covered (G)I-DLE's " Queencard ."

The Unsung Hero: The KCON Stage

A rather unsuspecting, warehouse-style room next to the main convention floor was the secret sauce that brought a special touch to revitalize the decade-plus event by making it a true day-long music festival. 

While KCON LA had previously tried smaller nighttime concerts, concerts occasionally on the convention floor, and long-time had a meet-and-greet stage, this year's daytime KCON Stage that almost all artists visited was the sort of concert fans dream of. 

While the headlining M Countdown concerts were certainly the highlights of KCON LA 2024, the KCON Stage provided an intimate moment for artists and fans to get up-close and personal. Kicking off each morning with auditions for the Dream Stage performances with Taemin, ENHYPEN, and Zico for their respective night's events, the KCON Stage featured concert sets from a variety of artists throughout the day. Each day's KCON Stage performances were a bit more relaxed and raw compared to the highly choreographed made-for-TV nighttime shows. 

NMIXX, whose " Run for Roses " and " Dice " got the second night's crowd basking in their glory, was one such moment. The KCON Stage gave them a chance to bring some summertime fun with a bubble-blowing rendition of " Love Me Like This ." 

Even acts who are popular K-pop crowd pleasers but not part of the lineup for KCON's main concerts, like A.C.E and AleXa, had sets during the day. They, along with other acts like POW, Bibi, and Craxy, had KCON convention-goers perking up their ears at these unexpected concert moments. 

• 1 BTS Announce World Tour To Include Six North American Cities
• 2 14 Must-Hear Albums In November: The Cure, Dolly Parton, Jin Of BTS, Ab-Soul, & More
• 3 Get To Know KATSEYE: The Global Girl Group Styled After K-Pop Superstars
• 4 5 Takeaways From The GRAMMY Museum’s "HYBE: We Believe In Music" Exhibit
• 5 KCON L.A. 2024: 7 Highlights From NCT 127, ZEROBASEONE, NMIXX & More

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