TWICE Expands Ready To Be World Tour with Highly Anticipated European Dates and Global Performance Milestones
TWICE, the globally acclaimed girl group under JYP Entertainment, has officially announced the extension of their fifth world tour, titled "Ready To Be," to include a series of high-profile dates across major European cities. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the group, often referred to as the "Nation’s Girl Group" in South Korea, as they continue to solidify their presence in the Western music market following record-breaking success in North America and Asia. The announcement, shared via the group’s official social media channels on April 23, confirms that the nine-member ensemble—comprising Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu—will bring their high-energy performances to London, Paris, and Berlin this September.
The European leg of the "Ready To Be" world tour is scheduled to commence at the O2 Arena in London on September 8. Following their UK appearance, the group will travel to France to perform at the Accor Arena in Paris on September 11, before concluding the European segment at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin on September 14. These venues are among the most prestigious in Europe, with capacities ranging from 17,000 to 20,000, signaling JYP Entertainment’s confidence in TWICE’s massive European fanbase, known as ONCE. Tickets for the London performance are scheduled to go on sale at 10:00 AM local time on April 28, with high demand expected to result in rapid sell-outs.
The Evolution of the Ready To Be Era
The "Ready To Be" world tour is a direct extension of the group’s 12th mini-album of the same name, which was released in March 2023. The album represents a pivotal shift in TWICE’s musical identity, moving away from their earlier "color-pop" and bubblegum aesthetics toward a more mature, assertive, and globally-focused sound. The album was spearheaded by the title track "Set Me Free," a disco-tinged synth-pop anthem that emphasizes themes of liberation and confidence.
Prior to the album’s full release, TWICE paved the way for their international campaign with the English-language single "Moonlight Sunrise." The track served as a follow-up to their first full English single, "The Feels," and successfully debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, further proving the group’s growing resonance with English-speaking audiences. The promotional cycle for "Ready To Be" also featured a high-profile appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where the group performed "Set Me Free." This performance was widely cited by industry analysts as a strategic move to capture the attention of the mainstream American public ahead of the tour’s North American leg.
Chronology of the Ready To Be World Tour
The "Ready To Be" world tour is the group’s largest production to date, characterized by a massive scale that includes stadium stops in several countries. The chronology of the tour highlights a meticulously planned rollout designed to maximize global reach:
- February 2023: JYP Entertainment releases the initial announcement for the "Ready To Be" tour, detailing 17 dates across South Korea, Australia, Japan, and North America. This announcement included historic bookings at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, making TWICE the first K-pop girl group to headline these venues.
- March 10, 2023: The 12th mini-album Ready To Be is released globally. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, achieving the biggest sales week for a female K-pop act in the United States at the time of its release.
- April 15-16, 2023: The tour officially kicks off with two sold-out nights at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. The performances featured a mix of group hits and individual solo stages, allowing each of the nine members to showcase their unique musical colors.
- April 23, 2023: Following the successful launch in Seoul, the group announces the "Part 2" extension, which includes the three major European stops and additional dates in Southeast Asia.
Strategic Significance of the European Expansion
For years, K-pop tours primarily focused on the domestic South Korean market, Japan, and Southeast Asia. However, the last five years have seen a dramatic shift toward the West. While North America has become a standard stop for top-tier K-pop acts, Europe has often been viewed as a more challenging market due to its diverse languages and logistical complexities.
TWICE’s decision to book arenas like the O2 and the Accor Arena suggests that the "Hallyu" (Korean Wave) has reached a saturation point in Europe where demand now justifies large-scale arena productions. Data from streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube indicate that London, Paris, and Berlin consistently rank among the top cities for TWICE’s monthly listeners outside of Asia and the Americas. By bringing the "Ready To Be" tour to these hubs, JYP Entertainment is addressing a long-standing demand from European fans who have previously had to travel to other continents to see the group live.
Technical Production and Performance Expectations
The "Ready To Be" tour is reported to feature the most sophisticated stage production in the group’s history. According to tour insiders and early reviews from the Seoul kickoff, the show utilizes advanced LED technology, intricate pyrotechnics, and a multi-tiered stage design that allows the members to interact more closely with the audience.
The setlist is a comprehensive journey through TWICE’s discography, balancing their iconic hits like "Cheer Up," "Fancy," and "I Can’t Stop Me" with the newer, more experimental sounds of the Ready To Be album. A notable highlight of this tour is the inclusion of solo segments. In previous tours, the group focused heavily on synchronized unit performances. For "Ready To Be," each member has a dedicated solo stage, ranging from Nayeon’s "POP!" to specialized dance covers and instrumental performances, highlighting the individual growth of the members since their debut in 2015.
Industry Implications and Group Longevity
The announcement of the European leg comes at a time of unprecedented stability for TWICE. In 2022, all nine members of the group successfully renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment, defying the "seven-year itch" that often leads to the disbandment of K-pop groups. This renewal has allowed the group to enter their eighth year with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear mandate to expand globally.
Industry analysts suggest that the "Ready To Be" tour is a definitive statement of TWICE’s longevity. While many newer groups are entering the market, TWICE maintains a competitive edge through their massive discography, established brand loyalty, and a transition into a "global pop" sound that transcends the K-pop label. The success of this tour is expected to set a new benchmark for female groups in the industry, particularly regarding stadium-level touring and international revenue generation.
Official Response and Fan Engagement
While formal press releases from JYP Entertainment have focused on the logistical details of the tour, the social media response from the group members themselves has been one of immense gratitude. Through the "Bubble" messaging app and Instagram, members have expressed their excitement about visiting Europe, a region they have not toured extensively in the past.
The fan response has been equally fervent. Within minutes of the social media announcement on April 23, hashtags related to TWICE and the European tour trended globally on Twitter. European fanbases have already begun organizing "fan projects," which typically involve coordinated lightstick displays or fan-made banners to welcome the group during their performances.
Looking Ahead
As TWICE prepares for the North American leg of the tour before heading to Europe in September, the music industry will be watching closely. The "Ready To Be" world tour is more than just a series of concerts; it is a testament to the globalized nature of modern music. By successfully navigating the transition from a domestic sensation to an international powerhouse, TWICE is paving the way for the future of the genre.
With the London O2 Arena sale approaching on April 28, the momentum for TWICE shows no signs of slowing down. As they "Set Themselves Free" on the global stage, the "Ready To Be" tour stands as a career-defining moment for one of the most successful girl groups in history, promising an unforgettable experience for fans across the European continent this autumn.
