Screaming fans, knee-high white boots, and dazzling costume changes: this is the electrifying spectacle that unfolded as K-pop sensation Twice took the stage in Sydney. The South Korean girl group, celebrating their 10th anniversary, proved that the appetite for K-pop in Australia is insatiable.
“This year marks their 10th anniversary,” said Sarah Keith, a senior lecturer in media at Macquarie University with expertise in music, globalisation, and technology, particularly K-pop. “They’re no longer a new group, but they’ve amassed a significant fan base without any major scandals or lineup changes.”
Twice, which debuted in 2015 following a competitive music survival show, launched their Sydney concert with the song “This is For,” from their album and tour of the same name. The performance continued with “Strategy,” a track featured on the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, the highest-charting soundtrack of the year.
Global Recognition and Local Impact
The animated movie KPop Demon Hunters, premiered on Netflix in June, has been viewed over 325.1 million times, becoming the platform’s most popular film. Dr. Keith noted, “KPop Demon Hunters is a global coup for them and might have garnered new fans.”
Concertgoer Rafael echoed this sentiment, suggesting the film converted many on-the-fence viewers into K-pop enthusiasts. “After watching the movie and listening to the songs, people are more inclined to explore K-pop further,” Rafael said.
Rafael, a K-pop fan since childhood, was attending his second Twice concert, having previously seen them in Singapore. “I really enjoy their stage presence,” he added.
First-Time Attendees and Lasting Impressions
Marcia, attending her first K-pop concert, was impressed by Twice’s performance. “I’m very glad that I gave my first K-pop concert experience to Twice,” she said. As a dancer, she praised the choreography as “1,000 over 100” for its energy and precision.
Jasmine, another first-time attendee, was equally captivated. “I’m so wowed by the dancing and singing,” she said, despite having a final exam the next day. “But I’m glad I came. It’s worth it.”
The concert featured a dynamic set list, including hits like “Options,” “Mars,” “Right Hand Girl,” and “Talk that Talk,” with fans, known as “Once,” enthusiastically waving light sticks and cheering throughout the performance.
The Multinational Appeal of Twice
Twice’s success is partly attributed to its multinational composition, featuring members from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Dr. Keith explained, “For at least 20 years, K-pop has been forming multinational groups. This diversity allows them to connect with global fans more effectively.”
Despite some language barriers, the group charmed the Australian audience with local greetings, including “g’day mate” and the iconic “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” chant, which resonated well with the crowd.
Australia’s vast geography poses challenges for concert tours, but Dr. Keith highlighted the country’s robust consumption of international popular culture. “Compared to a city like Jakarta, where concerts are guaranteed sellouts, Australia presents unique challenges and opportunities,” she noted.
Twice’s Continued Global Influence
Twice’s impact is underscored by achievements such as topping the Billboard 200 charts and selling over 20 million albums in Korea and Japan. The group has also collaborated with global artists like Coldplay and Megan Thee Stallion, earning accolades like the Breakthrough Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.
As Twice continues their “This is For” tour, their next stop is Melbourne this weekend, where fans eagerly await another unforgettable performance.
