TWICE Announces Major European and Asian Extension to Ready To Be Fifth World Tour Following Global Success of Latest Album
Global K-pop sensation TWICE, managed by JYP Entertainment, has officially announced a significant expansion to their fifth world tour, titled "Ready To Be." The announcement, shared via the group’s official social media channels on April 23, marks a pivotal moment for the nine-member ensemble as they prepare to bring their high-energy performances to several of Europe’s most prestigious arenas for the first time. This expansion follows the massive success of the tour’s initial launch in Seoul earlier this month and the previous unveiling of seventeen dates across Asia and North America.
The "Ready To Be" world tour is the group’s most ambitious touring project to date, reflecting their meteoric rise in the international music scene. Comprising members Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu, TWICE has transitioned from a domestic powerhouse in South Korea to a dominant force on the global stage. The decision to extend the tour into Europe comes as a response to the overwhelming demand from their international fanbase, known collectively as "ONCE."
Expansion into the European Market
The newly announced European leg of the "Ready To Be" tour is set to feature three major stops in September, representing a significant milestone for the group. The tour will commence its European journey at the O2 Arena in London on September 8. The O2 Arena, renowned for hosting some of the world’s biggest musical acts, serves as a fitting venue for TWICE’s London debut, with a capacity that reflects the group’s massive UK following.
Following the London performance, TWICE will travel to France to perform at the Accor Arena in Paris on September 11. The tour’s European segment will then conclude at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin on September 14. These venues are among the largest indoor arenas in Europe, signaling JYP Entertainment’s confidence in the group’s ability to sell out major international spaces. Tickets for the London show are scheduled to go on sale at 10:00 AM on April 28, with high demand expected to result in rapid sell-outs, a common occurrence for the group’s live events.
Background and the Ready To Be Era
The expansion of the world tour is intrinsically linked to the success of TWICE’s 12th mini-album, also titled "Ready To Be," which was released in March. The album serves as a thematic foundation for the tour, emphasizing themes of confidence, liberation, and the breaking of boundaries. The lead single, "Set Me Free," alongside the pre-release English-language single "Moonlight Sunrise," has solidified the group’s standing on international charts, including the Billboard 200 and the Hot 100.
"Moonlight Sunrise," in particular, played a crucial role in building momentum for the album and the subsequent tour. As the group’s second original English single, it peaked at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing TWICE’s growing appeal in Western markets. The success of the single was followed by a high-profile performance of "Set Me Free" on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." This appearance not only introduced the group to a broader American television audience but also highlighted their synchronized choreography and vocal stability, further cementing their reputation as top-tier performers.
Evolution of TWICE’s Global Strategy
The "Ready To Be" tour represents a strategic shift in how JYP Entertainment manages TWICE’s global presence. Historically, K-pop groups focused primarily on the East Asian markets of South Korea and Japan. However, TWICE’s trajectory has shifted toward a more balanced global approach. Their previous world tour, "III," saw them perform in sold-out arenas across the United States, including a historic stadium show at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, making them the first K-pop girl group to headline a stadium in the U.S.
With the fifth world tour, the group is scaling up significantly. The North American leg of the "Ready To Be" tour includes iconic venues such as SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. By adding major European dates, TWICE is following in the footsteps of a select few K-pop acts who have successfully navigated the logistical and cultural complexities of a truly global tour. This expansion is a testament to the "Hallyu" (Korean Wave) continuing to gain ground in Europe, a region that was once considered a difficult market for K-pop to penetrate.
Chronology of the Ready To Be Tour
The timeline of the "Ready To Be" tour illustrates a carefully choreographed rollout designed to maximize global engagement:
- February 2023: JYP Entertainment announces the first set of dates for the "Ready To Be" world tour, covering South Korea, Australia, Japan, and North America.
- March 10, 2023: The 12th mini-album "Ready To Be" is released globally, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200.
- April 15-16, 2023: The tour officially kicks off with two nights of performances at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, featuring a redesigned stage and updated setlist.
- April 23, 2023: Official social media channels announce the tour extension, including the European leg and additional dates in Southeast Asia.
- April 28, 2023: General ticket sales begin for the European dates, starting with the London O2 Arena show.
Technical and Artistic Direction
The "Ready To Be" tour is expected to feature a production scale that exceeds the group’s previous outings. Reports from the opening nights in Seoul suggest a focus on high-definition visual storytelling, utilizing massive LED screens and intricate pyrotechnics. The setlist is a curated blend of their recent hits and the "bubblegum pop" classics that originally propelled them to fame, such as "Cheer Up" and "What is Love?"
Musically, the tour highlights the members’ growth as artists. Several members have taken on increased roles in songwriting and creative direction for the "Ready To Be" album, and these personal touches are reflected in the tour’s solo stages. In previous tours, solo or unit performances were a highlight, and the "Ready To Be" tour continues this tradition, allowing each of the nine members to showcase their individual strengths in dance, vocals, or rap.
Implications for the K-pop Industry
The expansion of TWICE’s tour into Europe has broader implications for the K-pop industry at large. As one of the "big three" girl groups of the third generation of K-pop, TWICE’s success in Europe paves the way for younger groups to consider the region as a viable tour destination. The logistical success of booking and filling arenas like the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin demonstrates that the infrastructure for K-pop tours in Europe is becoming more robust.
Furthermore, the timing of this tour is significant. TWICE recently renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment in late 2022, a move that defied the "seven-year curse" often associated with K-pop groups. This tour serves as a declaration of their longevity and their intention to continue growing as a group well into their second decade of activity. It sends a message to the industry that veteran groups can maintain and even expand their relevance through strategic international promotion and consistent musical evolution.
Economic Impact and Fan Engagement
The economic impact of a TWICE world tour is substantial. Beyond ticket sales, the revenue generated from merchandise, VIP packages, and local tourism in host cities contributes significantly to JYP Entertainment’s quarterly earnings. The "Ready To Be" tour is also a major driver for the group’s digital presence, as fans share clips and experiences on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, further increasing the group’s visibility.
For the fans, the tour extension is a long-awaited opportunity to see the group in person. European ONCEs have been vocal on social media for years, campaigning for tour dates in their respective countries. The inclusion of London, Paris, and Berlin is seen as a major win for the European K-pop community. The "Ready To Be" theme—encouraging fans to be their authentic selves—resonates deeply with a global audience, fostering a sense of community that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers.
Official Responses and Inferred Reactions
While official statements from the members themselves regarding the European dates are usually channeled through organized press releases or live streams closer to the event dates, the group has frequently expressed their desire to meet fans in person after the limitations imposed by the global pandemic. During the Seoul kick-off, the group expressed gratitude for the "unwavering support" of their global fans, noting that the energy of the live audience is what drives them to continue performing.
JYP Entertainment has emphasized that this tour is about "redefining TWICE’s global reach." By securing top-tier venues and coordinating a complex international schedule, the agency is positioning TWICE not just as a K-pop group, but as a global pop powerhouse capable of competing with the biggest names in the Western music industry.
Future Outlook
As TWICE prepares for the next phases of the "Ready To Be" world tour, the focus will remain on maintaining the health and stamina of the nine members throughout a grueling international schedule. The tour is expected to continue through the end of 2023, with the possibility of further dates being added in regions such as Latin America or additional cities in Asia, depending on scheduling and demand.
The "Ready To Be" tour is more than just a series of concerts; it is a celebration of TWICE’s journey from a reality show survival group to international icons. As they head to Europe this September, they carry with them the expectations of millions and the momentum of a career that shows no signs of slowing down. For the music industry, the success of this tour will be a key indicator of the continued health and expansion of the global K-pop phenomenon.
