Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, loved by music fans around the world, will return to Korea this October.
This visit will be his first solo performance in about two years and the first stadium show as part of the "Whatever's Clever!" world tour. It will be held on Oct. 11, 2026, at Goyang Sports Complex, and it is expected to carry on the intense enthusiasm from his previous shows at the largest scale in history.
Charlie Puth, who began a successful solo career with his 2015 debut single "Marvin Gaye (ft. Meghan Trainor)," rose to global stardom when "See You Again," from the Furious 7 soundtrack, topped the Billboard singles chart for 12 weeks. He went on to produce numerous mega-hits such as "We Don't Talk Anymore," "Dangerously," and "Attention," and especially songs from his third album CHARLIE remained in the top ranks of domestic music charts for extended periods. He has also been widely loved for successful collaborations with a range of artists including BTS Jungkook, The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber, Stray Kids, and BABYMONSTER.
Above all, Charlie Puth has proven his explosive popularity in Korea by increasing venue sizes with each visit. Starting with his sold-out first Korea show in 2016 where tickets sold out within 10 minutes, he moved on to Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in 2018 (17,000 seats sold out), KSPO DOME in 2023 (a total of 45,000), Gocheok Sky Dome in 2024 (about 50,000), and has finally reached the stadium.
Earlier this March he released his fourth album, Whatever's Clever!, which actively utilizes analog sounds, and in a written interview he shared his expectations and recent news about the upcoming Korea show.
The following is a Q&A with Charlie Puth.
Q. First, I'm glad we can speak like this. You must be busy with your recent tour, so how have you been?
I'm doing really well. These days I'm very busy, but in a good way my days are full. Touring gives me a lot of energy, but coming home and spending time with my wife, Brooke, and my son, Jude, makes me feel the most at ease. Jude is at an age where he's discovering everything anew, so it's a truly lovely time. No matter how busy a day is, I try not to miss those small moments. Touring is an amazing experience, but to be honest, it's the adrenaline and seeing Jude smile on FaceTime that keep me going.
Q. Could you introduce the album you released this year, Whatever's Clever!?
This album was the most free project I've ever worked on. I didn't overthink things anymore. I wanted to include stories I had never sung about before, and I felt this was the most appropriate time to make such an album. Becoming a father and experiencing a new life led me to write many songs, so the album became more honest yet at the same time light and comfortable in mood than ever.
Q. Is there a song on the album that you are particularly fond of or that has personal meaning?
The song I am especially fond of on this album is "Love in Exile," which I worked on with Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. It was a really enjoyable project: Kenny brought the title "Love in Exile" first, and based on that title we worked backward to unfold the story and complete the song. It was a very interesting process. It was an honor to work with such legendary artists, and as a result it became one of my favorite songs on the album.
Q. Besides your own albums, you've written and produced numerous hits for other artists. What do you consider most important in the creative process or what is your secret to creation?
I think the most important thing is always to convey truth. If a song is one in which I can genuinely feel some emotion, I believe it will surely reach someone's heart. So rather than doing too much calculation or worrying, I focus on putting honest emotion into the work.
Q. You have collaborated recently with K-pop artists including BTS, Stray Kids and BABYMONSTER. Were there parts you focused on during the process or memorable moments?
All the collaborations were truly great experiences. What always surprises me when working with K-pop artists is their tremendous effort and attention to detail. I made melodies that naturally fit each artist's voice and paid attention to ensuring the song's emotion would be well conveyed. In particular, with Stray Kids we completed a song very quickly in one night, and their determination to perfectly express their vocal parts until the end was very impressive. BABYMONSTER also showed tremendous energy. I learn something new every time I work with them.
Q. You said you watch Korean music shows. Are there any Korean artists you have been especially interested in recently or would like to work with in the future?
Yes! Whenever I have time I watch Korean music shows. Lately the performances by a new generation have been especially impressive, and among them the girl group KiiiKiii stood out to me. Truly outstanding artists keep emerging in Korea. I want to work with more Korean artists in the future. If the vibe fits and the song is sincere, I'd love to collaborate anytime. I think Korean music has a really special energy.
Q. Since your first Korea show in 2016, fans' reactions have been passionate and the scale has grown remarkably each time. From your first visit to now, is there any particularly memorable moment?
Korea holds a very special meaning for me. I will never forget my first show in 2016. The venue was much smaller than it is now, but the audience's energy was enormous. There was a moment when fans cheered without stopping for a full five minutes, which was unbelievably amazing. At the time I was early in my career, so what was happening right before my eyes felt shocking, and it felt like my life changed overnight. Even now I still can't believe the venues have grown from arenas to stadiums. I am truly grateful for the unwavering love shown over such a long time.
He will return to Korea about a year after headlining a festival last year. Since this will be his first stadium show in Korea, can you introduce in advance any stages to look forward to, differences from previous concerts, or newly prepared songs?
This stadium show will be very important to me. I will be on stage with a full band, and songs I released early in my career will be presented in new arrangements. Of course I will also perform songs from the Whatever's Clever! album. Although the scale is larger, I want to maintain the intimate atmosphere that I value most. I am also preparing a few surprise stages. There will be special medleys and moments prepared just for the Seoul shows, so please look forward to them. I hope everyone in the audience feels they are a special part of this show.
Q. Besides the concert, is there anything you definitely want to do on this visit or any personal plans you are looking forward to?
Above all, I'm really looking forward to Korean food! Korean barbecue is a dish I always want to eat whenever I come. BTS friends recommended some really delicious barbecue restaurants, but they said it's a secret, so I can't tell you where. I also want to eat fresh seafood and I love street food. I've often seen videos on TikTok of people going to convenience stores at 3 a.m. to cook ramen, and I definitely want to try that once. If time allows, I'd like to visit a quiet cafe or stroll slowly through the streets of Seoul to feel the city's atmosphere. Above all, I'm most looking forward to the time spent with the fans who come to the shows. Those moments mean a great deal to me.
Q. Lastly, please give a message to the fans waiting for this concert.
To my wonderful fans in Korea, I am always truly grateful. The passion and unwavering love you have given me have been a tremendous source of strength beyond what words can express. I am already excited at the thought of singing and dancing with you at the stadium and creating another special memory together. Whether it's your first show or you've been with me since 2016, I hope we make an unforgettable night together. I love you. See you soon! ❤️
[Photo] Live Nation Korea
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