'2025 MUSIC BANK global festival in Japan' proved the stature of 'K-pop of the world' by gathering 120,000 global fans at Japan's National Stadium in Tokyo.
'2025 MUSIC BANK global festival in Japan' was held at Japan's National Stadium in Tokyo on the 13th and 14th. As the first K-pop concert held at the 'Tokyo National Stadium,' the largest venue in Japan, this performance had special significance and ended successfully after filling the venue with 120,000 global fans over the two days.
The performance, held under the theme 'Golden Road,' was a stage that showed the golden age in which K-pop expanded beyond Korea to become 'K-pop of the world.' Top K-pop artists gathered to vividly demonstrate how K-pop captured the hearts of global fans.
Actor and singer Lee Jun-young, loved by global fans, and Jang Won-young of IVE hosted '2025 MUSIC BANK global festival in Japan.' Lee Jun-young and Jang Won-young showcased visuals like a prince and princess straight out of a romance fantasy in white suits and a white dress embellished with gold points. Following their perfect visual synergy, the two shone with tight hosting chemistry. Lee Jun-young provided steady hosting with witty talk and a sweet voice, and Jang Won-young, with proficient hosting, displayed the dignity of the queen who has held the MC spot at KBS year-end music festivals for four consecutive years.
On the first day, the 13th, ATEEZ, ITZY, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ENHYPEN, NMIXX, BOYNEXTDOOR, RIIZE, ILLIT, KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts, and IDIT took the stage, and MC Lee Jun-young performed, followed by a special guest performance by Snow Man. On the second day, the 14th, Yunho Yunho, Stray Kids, NiziU, IVE, Anthem, Psycus, ZEROBASEONE, TWS, NCT WISH, NEXG, IznA, KiiiKiii, and Cortis performed.
On day one, global trendsetters ENHYPEN and TOMORROW X TOGETHER delivered dramatic stages and explosive energy that left a strong impact. ENHYPEN staged songs such as 'Blessed-Cursed' and 'Future Perfect' with productions like a drama, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER heated the venue with 'Beautiful Strangers,' 'Upside Down Kiss,' and the Japanese full-album track 'Where do you go.' In particular, TOMORROW X TOGETHER member Yeonjun also presented an overwhelming solo stage, eliciting cheers.
On day two, IVE and Stray Kids, who have raised K-pop's profile worldwide, delivered thrilling performances. IVE gave perfect performances of this year's most beloved songs such as 'REBEL HEART,' 'Dear, My feelings,' 'ATTITUDE,' and 'XOXZ.' Stray Kids energized the Tokyo National Stadium with global hits like 'CEREMONY,' 'COMPLEX,' 'TOP LINE,' and 'Do It.'
In addition, the special stage 'Golden Stage,' where junior artists newly presented songs by legendary K-pop artists in their own colors, drew explosive reactions. On the first day, RIIZE newly interpreted TVXQ's 'HUG,' and Hearts2Hearts completed Girls' Generation's 'Genie' with refreshing vocals and performance. On the second day, IznA dominated the stage with KARA's 'Pretty girl,' and four-month debutant Cortis heated the atmosphere by performing BTS's 'MiC Drop' with synchronized choreography. Also, the unit MeDance, formed by TWS's Youngjae, Jihoon and Kyungmin and NEXG's Tomoya, Yuu and Haru, perfectly executed SEVENTEEN's 'Hit' and Stray Kids' 'Rak(樂)'—known for breathless, driving performances—delivering a dopamine rush. Through the 'Golden Stage,' the birth of new legends set to continue K-pop's 'Golden Road' was foreshadowed, raising expectations for K-pop's future.
A special guest also drew attention. To mark the 60th anniversary of Japan–South Korea diplomatic relations, Snow Man, a top group beloved by the Japanese public, attended the performance on the 13th as a special guest, gracing the event.
The highlight of the performance was the moment when all performers and global fans shared the stage. The approximately 120,000 spectators who filled the Tokyo National Stadium over the two days responded to the top K-pop artists' stages with light sticks and mass singing, reaffirming K-pop's stature. All performers took the stage, sharing the intense support from fans and leaving a deep impression, and a brilliant fireworks show that decorated the national stadium and the passionate cheers of global fans created a spectacular finale, delivering overwhelming emotion.
Meanwhile, '2025 MUSIC BANK global festival in Japan,' which heated the Japanese archipelago on the 13th and 14th, is scheduled to air on KBS 2TV on the 30th (Tue) at 8:30 p.m.
[Photo] KBS '2025 MUSIC BANK global festival in Japan'
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