K-Pop Live Tours Generate $228M, Sell 1.6M Tickets Across Global Shows

The K-pop industry is experiencing a significant evolution in 2025, with a notable shift from album sales to live-performance revenue driving growth globally. SEVENTEEN has emerged as a leading live act, grossing $120.9 million and selling 842,000 tickets, securing the highest midyear Billboard Boxscore ranking ever for a Korean act at number three, just behind major Western artists. This success reflects a broader trend, as five K-pop acts, including ATEEZ and BTS's J-Hope, made the Billboard Boxscore Top 50, highlighting the genre's expanding influence in live music markets. Meanwhile, BTS is preparing for a full return after their military hiatus, which they managed uniquely by maintaining constant fan engagement through music releases and solo projects, setting a new standard for idol groups during mandatory service. Additionally, the new girl group Pobypo, formed by the established Pobypo Crew, aims to revolutionize K-pop with original music and creative content, targeting a global fanbase and signaling fresh innovation within the industry. Together, these developments underscore K-pop's dynamic growth and increasing global impact across live performances, group activities, and creative ventures.