It took KARA and SNSD 6 to 7 years to hold concerts in Tokyo Dome ... 4th Gen Girl Groups achieved it in less than 3 years

 

As the first 4th-generation girl group to perform at the Tokyo Dome, Aespa met a total of 94,000 fans over two days, August 5-6 last year. From March to June, they had toured four cities in Japan, performing ten concerts, with the Tokyo Dome being the highlight of their tour. Not only did they achieve a sell-out at this venue, which is reserved for top-tier artists, but they also opened additional seats with restricted views due to high demand from local fans.

Aespa's first concert at the Tokyo Dome was just two years and nine months after their debut, making them the fastest foreign artist to hold a concert there after debuting. This August, they will once again take the stage at the Tokyo Dome. They told us, "It felt like a dream to perform at the Tokyo Dome last year, even before our official debut in Japan. We're incredibly happy and excited to perform there again for the second consecutive year. We're preparing to ensure it's a satisfying concert for both our fans and us."

4th Gen Girl Groups Take Less Than 3 Years to Hold Concerts at the Tokyo Dome

4th Gen representative groups like Aespa, IVE, and New Jeans have already secured dates for their Tokyo Dome concerts. This is all within less than three years since their debut. Considering it took 6-7 years for 2nd-generation girl groups like KARA and Girls' Generation to perform at the Tokyo Dome, this is considerably faster. Even 3rd-generation girl groups like TWICE and BLACKPINK took 3 years and 5 months, and 3 years and 4 months, respectively, to perform at the Tokyo Dome.

IVE, currently touring 19 countries since October last year, will hold the encore performance of their first world tour, "Show What I Have," at the Tokyo Dome in September. This comes just 2 years and 9 months after their debut in December 2021, and less than 2 years since their debut in Japan in October 2022. Meanwhile, New Jeans will debut officially in Japan in June and immediately perform at the Tokyo Dome. They will release their debut single "Supernatural" on May 21st and hold a fan meeting at the Tokyo Dome on May 26-27th. This marks just 1 year and 11 months since their debut in July 2022.

Tokyo Dome, which holds 50,000 spectators, is considered a "dream stage" in Japan, reserved only for successful artists. Since 2007, artists like Rain, TVXQ, SHINee, EXO, Big Bang, BTS, Girls' Generation, and KARA have performed there. The fact that 4th generation girl groups have made it to Tokyo Dome in such a short time indicates a shift in focus within the Japanese market from boy groups to girl groups. Kim Doheon, a popular music critic, explained, "While the global K-pop wave created by senior idol groups plays a part, 4th generation girl groups have attracted significant attention in Japan due to more sophisticated planning and captivating storylines from the moment they debuted."

Increased Expectations for Performance and Vocal Skills

The tradition of Korean girl groups debuting with a high level of performance and vocal skills is also a crucial factor in their popularity. This distinguishes Korean idols from Japanese idols. Kyutak Lee stated, "Japanese fans expect different things from K-pop girl groups compared to J-pop girl groups. Japanese girl groups often follow a 'growth concept,' where fans watch the group develop over time. In contrast, they look to K-pop girl groups for their dazzling performances and excellent vocal skills, seeing them as professional artists. The anticipation of seeing a polished performance and skilled singing has contributed to the trust and brand power of K-pop. The 4th generation girl groups, who have shown a more refined image from their debut compared to their seniors, have successfully met the high expectations of Japanese fans."

The unique concepts and narratives that 4th generation girl groups bring, which are hard to find in Japanese girl groups, make them stand out even more in the Japanese market. These groups showcase confidence rooted in self-love, rather than being limited to traditional femininity, and emphasize their distinctive emotions and worldviews, appealing strongly to Japanese fans. 

For example, Aespa released their intense and charismatic new song "Supernova" on the 13th, known for its 'metallic' vibe. IVE has been promoting their song "HEYA," which emphasizes classic Korean beauty, since last month. NewJeans caused a stir with the music video for their new song "Bubble Gum," released on the 27th, featuring a strong sense of nostalgia with analog symbols like videotapes and camcorders.

Popular music critic Jeong Min-jae noted, "For Japanese teenagers and young adults, K-pop is already one of the main genres. So even newly debuted girl groups with hit songs can perform at domes. There's no longer a need for prolonged stays in Japan to build recognition as before." Critic Kim Do-heon added, "With K-fashion and K-beauty becoming 'hot' cultures among Japanese youth, there's increased interest in the music of Korean girl groups who act as trendsetters. The increasing number of young female fans in Japan is also supporting the popularity of 4th generation girl groups."

theqoo

-Of course, it’s easier for the newer generation since the previous ones paved the way.

-Naturally, the earlier groups paved the way, created the route, and built the image of K-pop groups, so it’s only natural that the newer generation can progress faster.

-Obviously, it’s because the earlier generations worked so hard to pave the way.

-The spread of Hallyu in Japan is all because of their seniors, so writing the article like that is just to stir controversy...

-Who do you think made it possible for them to achieve this in 3 years?

-It's true that the newer generations benefit from the older ones. KARA and SNSD paved the way. Who do you think made it possible to achieve this in 3 years? It seems so easy to perform at Tokyo Dome nowㅋㅋㅋ

-Isn’t it obvious? As much as I like the 4th and 5th generations, they are walking the path paved by the seniors, so you can’t really compare.

-It’s possible because KARA and SNSD paved the way.

-KARA and SNSD are truly amazing and respectable for achieving all this without any Japanese members.

-Even the 2nd generation benefited from groups like S.E.S, BoA, and TVXQ.

-4th Gen groups can’t even fill the Gymnastics Arena in Koreaㅋㅋㅋ Honestly, everyone knows the difficulty of performing at Tokyo Dome has significantly decreased.

-What kind of dumb article is this?

-Of course, the fourth generation groups are entering Tokyo Dome easily because KARA and SNSD paved the way. You need to compare things that are comparable.

-Who do you think paved that path?