TWICE Announces European Leg of Ready To Be World Tour with Major Stops in London Paris and Berlin

JYP Entertainment has officially confirmed the expansion of TWICE’s fifth world tour, titled "Ready To Be," marking a significant milestone in the group’s international trajectory. The announcement, released through the group’s official social media channels on April 23, unveils a highly anticipated European leg that includes three major stops in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. This extension follows the successful launch of "Part 1" of the tour, which commenced earlier this month with a spectacular two-night residency at the KSPO Dome in Seoul.

The "Ready To Be" world tour represents the group’s most ambitious live undertaking to date, reflecting their evolution from a regional powerhouse into a dominant force in the global music industry. The newly added European dates are scheduled for September, beginning at the O2 Arena in London on September 8, followed by the Accor Arena in Paris on September 11, and concluding the European stint at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin on September 14. Tickets for the London performance are scheduled to go on sale to the general public on April 28 at 10:00 AM local time, with high demand expected across all regions.

Chronology of the Ready To Be World Tour

The framework for the "Ready To Be" world tour was first established in February 2023, when JYP Entertainment revealed an initial itinerary consisting of 17 dates spanning Asia and North America. The tour was designed to support the group’s 12th mini-album of the same name, which was released in March.

The tour officially kicked off in Seoul on April 15 and 16, 2023, showcasing a sophisticated production that highlighted the group’s diverse discography and newfound artistic maturity. Following the Seoul dates, the group is slated to perform in Australia, Japan, and North America throughout the summer. The North American leg is particularly noteworthy for its scale, featuring performances at massive venues such as SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. By including these venues, TWICE has become the first female K-pop group to headline several of these American stadiums, a feat that underscores their massive commercial appeal in the Western market.

The addition of the European leg signifies the third phase of the tour’s rollout. Historically, European K-pop fans have frequently advocated for more inclusive tour schedules, and TWICE’s decision to headline some of the continent’s most prestigious indoor arenas is seen as a direct response to this growing demand.

Musical Context and Global Chart Performance

The "Ready To Be" tour is intrinsically linked to the success of TWICE’s 12th mini-album. Upon its release on March 10, 2023, the album achieved significant commercial and critical acclaim. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, making it the group’s highest-charting entry to date and their fourth top-ten album on the chart. The album’s lead single, "Set Me Free," and the pre-release English single, "Moonlight Sunrise," have played pivotal roles in maintaining the group’s momentum.

"Moonlight Sunrise," released in January 2023, marked TWICE’s second original English-language single following the 2021 hit "The Feels." The track debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing the group’s presence in the United States. To further promote the album, TWICE appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," where they delivered a high-energy performance of "Set Me Free." The appearance was widely cited by industry analysts as a strategic move to solidify their "Ready To Be" era branding ahead of the tour.

The thematic essence of "Ready To Be" focuses on breaking free from societal expectations and embracing one’s true self. This message has resonated deeply with their international fanbase, known as ONCE, and provides the narrative backbone for the tour’s stage design and setlist.

Analysis of European Venue Selection

The selection of the O2 Arena in London, the Accor Arena in Paris, and the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin is a calculated move by JYP Entertainment and tour promoters. These venues are considered the "big three" for major international acts touring Europe.

1. The O2 Arena, London: With a capacity of approximately 20,000, the O2 is one of the busiest music venues in the world. Headlining this arena is often viewed as a rite of passage for global superstars. For TWICE, performing here signifies their status as a top-tier global act.
2. Accor Arena, Paris: Located in the Bercy neighborhood, this venue has a long history of hosting premier K-pop events. France has one of the most dedicated K-pop fanbases in Europe, and the Accor Arena provides the necessary infrastructure for TWICE’s complex stage production.
3. Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin: Germany has emerged as a central hub for K-pop in the European Union. The Mercedes-Benz Arena, with its state-of-the-art acoustics and central location, serves as the ideal final stop for the European leg of the tour.

Industry experts suggest that these three cities act as strategic gateways. While only three stops have been announced for this leg, the high capacity of these venues allows for a larger number of fans from neighboring countries—such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland—to travel and attend the shows.

Implications for JYP Entertainment and the K-pop Industry

The expansion of the "Ready To Be" tour has broader implications for JYP Entertainment’s business strategy. As one of the "Big Three" entertainment agencies in South Korea, JYP has been aggressively pursuing a "localization" and "globalization" strategy. The success of TWICE is central to this mission.

Financial analysts note that touring revenue has become a primary driver of growth for K-pop agencies in the post-pandemic era. By moving TWICE into stadium-sized venues in the U.S. and premier arenas in Europe, JYP is maximizing the group’s earning potential during a period when all nine members have successfully renewed their contracts. This contract renewal, which took place in late 2022, was a rare occurrence in the industry and signaled a long-term commitment to the group’s collective activities, providing investors with confidence in the group’s continued longevity.

Furthermore, TWICE’s expansion into Europe places them in direct competition with other major girl groups like BLACKPINK, who have also seen massive success on the continent. This healthy competition continues to elevate the production standards of K-pop tours, leading to more immersive and high-tech concert experiences for fans worldwide.

Official Responses and Fan Expectations

While formal press releases regarding the European leg have been concise, the reaction from the group members has been one of excitement. During the Seoul kickoff, members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to meet fans in person after years of travel restrictions. Leader Jihyo emphasized the group’s desire to show a "new side" of TWICE, one that is more confident and daring.

The fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, hashtags related to the tour extension trended globally within hours of the announcement. Fans in Europe have highlighted the significance of this tour, as it marks the first time many will have the opportunity to see the full nine-member lineup perform live on European soil.

Future Outlook

As TWICE prepares for the upcoming legs of the "Ready To Be" world tour, the focus remains on their ability to maintain high-performance standards across a rigorous international schedule. Following the European dates in September, there is speculation among industry insiders that "Part 3" of the tour could potentially include stops in Latin America and Southeast Asia, regions where TWICE maintains a massive and loyal following.

The "Ready To Be" tour is more than just a series of concerts; it is a testament to TWICE’s enduring relevance in a rapidly changing industry. By successfully navigating the transition from the "bubblegum pop" sounds of their early career to the more mature, disco-inflected and synth-pop tracks of their recent albums, TWICE has secured their position as a versatile and indispensable part of the global music landscape. The European leg is poised to be a highlight of the 2023 music calendar, further cementing the group’s legacy as pioneers of the Hallyu wave.