JYP Entertainment’s flagship girl group, TWICE, has officially confirmed the extension of their massive fifth world tour, titled Ready To Be, marking a significant expansion into the European market. Announced via the group’s official social media channels on April 23, this latest development signals a pivotal moment for the nine-member ensemble as they prepare to bring their high-energy performances to major European capitals for the first time in their storied eight-year career. The announcement follows the successful launch of the tour’s initial legs in Asia and North America, further solidifying TWICE’s position as a dominant force in the global music industry.
The Ready To Be world tour is the group’s largest production to date, designed to support their 12th mini-album of the same name. The extension specifically targets three of Europe’s most prominent entertainment hubs: London, Paris, and Berlin. The European leg is scheduled to commence at the O2 Arena in London on September 8, followed by a performance at the Accor Arena in Paris on September 11, and concluding at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin on September 14. Tickets for the London engagement are slated to go on sale to the general public at 10:00 AM on April 28, with high demand anticipated across all regions.
Chronology of the Ready To Be World Tour
The journey toward this global expansion began in early 2023. In February, JYP Entertainment released the first set of dates for what was then described as "Part 1" of the tour. This initial announcement covered 17 stops, focusing heavily on South Korea, Australia, Japan, and a comprehensive sweep of North America. The tour officially kicked off with two sold-out nights at the KSPO Dome in Seoul on April 15 and 16, where the group debuted a revamped setlist featuring new choreography and solo stages for each of the nine members: Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu.
The momentum for the tour was built on the back of the group’s 12th mini-album, Ready To Be, which was released in March 2023. The album’s lead single, "Set Me Free," alongside the English-language pre-release track "Moonlight Sunrise," showcased a more mature, sophisticated side of the group. To promote the release, TWICE made a high-profile appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing "Set Me Free" for a massive television audience. This promotional blitz was instrumental in driving the album to the top of international charts, including a No. 2 debut on the Billboard 200, making it one of the highest-selling K-pop girl group albums in U.S. history.
Analyzing the Impact of the 12th Mini-Album
The Ready To Be album served as a catalyst for this world tour, representing a shift in TWICE’s musical direction. Moving away from the "bubblegum pop" aesthetics of their early years, the album explored themes of liberation, confidence, and self-assertion. "Moonlight Sunrise," their second full English single, achieved significant success on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 84 and remaining on the charts for several weeks. This performance proved that TWICE’s appeal had transcended the traditional K-pop demographic and moved into the mainstream Western consciousness.
Industry data suggests that the group’s decision to tour Europe is a direct response to the massive streaming numbers and physical album sales originating from the region. According to Circle Chart and Hanteo data, Ready To Be saw a marked increase in European pre-orders compared to their previous effort, Between 1&2. By targeting London, Paris, and Berlin, JYP Entertainment is focusing on territories where K-pop consumption has grown exponentially over the last three years, largely driven by the "Hallyu Wave" and the increasing accessibility of Korean media through digital platforms.
Venue Significance and Market Penetration
The selection of venues for the European leg reflects the group’s massive scale. The O2 Arena in London, with a capacity of approximately 20,000, is widely considered one of the most prestigious indoor venues in the world. For a K-pop group to headline this arena is a testament to their ticket-selling power. Similarly, the Accor Arena in Paris (20,300 capacity) and the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin (17,000 capacity) are venues typically reserved for A-list global superstars.
For years, European fans, known collectively as "ONCE," have campaigned for the group to include the continent in their touring schedules. Previous tours, such as Twicelights and III, focused primarily on Asia and North America. The inclusion of Europe in the Ready To Be itinerary suggests that JYP Entertainment has recognized the untapped potential of the European market. This move also places TWICE in direct competition with other top-tier K-pop acts who have successfully toured the region, such as BLACKPINK and BTS, indicating that TWICE is now positioned to capture a larger share of the global touring revenue.
Strategic Implications for JYP Entertainment
From a business perspective, the extension of the Ready To Be tour is a calculated move by JYP Entertainment to maximize the group’s profitability during a period of high demand. In their recent financial reports, JYP highlighted the importance of overseas touring as a primary driver of revenue growth. The "Ready To Be" tour is notable not just for its geographic reach, but for the size of the venues. In North America, the group has transitioned from arenas to stadiums, including historic venues like the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
By successfully bridging the gap between Asian markets and Western stadiums, TWICE is demonstrating a sustainable model for long-term career longevity. This is particularly significant given that all nine members of the group renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment in late 2022, a rare feat in the K-pop industry where "the seven-year itch" often leads to group disbandment or member departures. The contract renewal has allowed the group to pursue more ambitious projects and larger-scale tours with the full backing of their agency.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The announcement of the European dates has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the global fan community. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok saw "TWICE IN EUROPE" trending within minutes of the announcement. Fans are particularly excited about the prospect of seeing the members’ solo stages, which have become a highlight of the tour’s early stops. These solo segments allow each member to showcase their individual talents, ranging from Momo’s powerful dance breaks to Jihyo’s vocal prowess and Nayeon’s solo hits.
In addition to the musical performances, the tour is expected to feature state-of-the-art production, including elaborate stage designs, synchronized light shows (utilizing the group’s "Candybong" lightsticks), and high-definition visual content. The tour’s title, Ready To Be, implies a theme of transformation and readiness for the next chapter of their careers, a sentiment that resonates deeply with a fanbase that has grown alongside the group since their debut in 2015.
The Future of TWICE and Global K-Pop
As TWICE prepares for their European debut this September, the broader implications for the K-pop industry are clear. The genre is no longer a niche interest but a permanent fixture of the global music landscape. TWICE’s ability to sell out stadiums in the United States and arenas in Europe proves that the "K-pop formula"—high-quality production, intense fan engagement, and polished performances—has a universal appeal that transcends language barriers.
The Ready To Be world tour extension is more than just a series of concerts; it is a victory lap for a group that has consistently broken records and defied expectations. From their early days as the "Nation’s Girl Group" in South Korea to their current status as global icons, TWICE’s journey reflects the evolution of the music industry itself. As the September dates approach, the focus will remain on the group’s ability to deliver a world-class experience to a new audience, further cementing their legacy as one of the most influential girl groups of all time.
With the London tickets going on sale on April 28, the industry will be watching closely. High sell-through rates will likely prompt even further extensions of the tour, possibly including additional dates in Europe or stops in South America and Southeast Asia. For now, the focus is on London, Paris, and Berlin, as TWICE prepares to make history on European soil.