K-pop Artists Expand Their Global Presence Through International Tours

K-pop artists are actively engaging in international performances. NCT 127 recently held a successful “NEO CITY – THE MOMENTUM” tour at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, while the rookie group Big Ocean is accelerating the global spread of K-pop by entering the European market. NCT 127 performed in Chicago last Friday for the third time in their career. Six current members—Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan—took to the stage, as Taeyong and Jaehyun were unable to attend due to military service. The six members fully met the audience’s expectations with intense, creative, and sophisticated performances. Chicago holds special significance for NCT 127 and their fans, known as NCTzens, as it is the hometown of the group’s oldest member, Johnny. Fans greeted them warmly, holding banners and flags prepared especially for him. NCT 127 opened the show with powerful tracks like “Gas” and “Bring The Noize,” and presented a diverse setlist that included fan favorites such as “Regular” and “Skyscraper,” as well as their latest title track “Walk.” The stage design was also innovative. In “Designer,” props like clothing racks, rulers, and various jackets and coats were used to enhance interaction with the audience, while umbrellas used in the “Rain Drop” segment combined with the final choreography to create a dramatic atmosphere. The experience of hearing ballads such as “Can’t Help Myself,” “Gold Dust,” and “No Longer” in succession was transcendent, proving that vocal strength is a key element in NCT 127’s music and that their singing skills are just as outstanding as their dancing abilities. Each member possesses a unique voice and singing style, and the sound they create together is beautiful. Currently, due to the absence of rappers and vocalists, other members took on Taeyong and Jaehyun’s parts, offering new interpretations that demonstrated the versatility of all members. Meanwhile, Big Ocean, the first K-pop group composed of individuals with hearing disabilities, has attracted attention by expanding into Europe. This three-member boy group from agency Parastar Entertainment made its debut on April 20, 2024, with the digital single “Glow.” “Glow” is a remake of H.O.T.’s hit song “Hope” and was released to commemorate Korea’s Disability Day. Big Ocean was formed to eliminate prejudice and misconceptions about people with disabilities. All three members have various types of hearing impairments, and some wear hearing aids. Following “Glow,” they released “Blow” in July, “Slow (Feat. Young K (DAY6))” in August, and their first mini-album “Follow” in November 2024. Just one month earlier, they unveiled their fourth digital single, “Bright.” With only five songs, Big Ocean has gained 600,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 1 million followers on Instagram. They will enter the European stage through the “BIG OCEAN FIRST EUROPEAN TOUR 2025 ‘UNDERWATER’.” The tour begins on April 19–20 in Lausanne, Switzerland, followed by stops in Milan, Italy (April 23), London, UK (April 24), Paris, France (April 26), and Montpellier (April 27). Additionally, Big Ocean will participate in the K-Pop Revolution Festival held in Mainz, Germany, from July 19–20, where they will hold photo sessions and autograph signings.