Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Boy band EXO plays to sold-out concerts in Japan
K-pop boy band EXO meets some 100,000 fans in Japan at a large-scale meeting event “EXO Greeting Party in Japan, Hello!” at the Saitama Super Arena in the north of Tokyo, from April 11 to April 13. / Korea Times
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
Top K-pop boy band EXO wowed nearly 100,000 fans in Japan with sold-out concerts over the weekend, indicating that the geopolitics-driven anti-Korean sentiment there fell short of undermining the 12-member band’s popularity.
The band hosted five mini concerts, titled “EXO Greeting Party in Japan, Hello!” at the Saitama Super Arena near Tokyo from April 11 to 13, according to SM Entertainment. They thrilled audiences at each event with nine songs, including “Growl,” “MAMA” and “Wolf,” as well as greeting fans in pre-practiced Japanese, the agency said.
“EXO’s dance routines are covered in school festivals. I like the band since they show powerful dance moves, even male students were amazed. My jaw dropped at the sight of them dancing up close,” said Daiske, 18, who came with two other friends to the event.
Katsue, an 11-year-old girl who came with her older sister, said that she was ecstatic to see the band’s live performances. “They look much cooler than on YouTube. The talk session was also great since I could hear from each of the 12 members,” she said.
The events drew lots of attention from the Japanese media. A news outlet reported it was “exceptional” for a K-pop group that hadn’t officially made their debut in Japan to hold such sold-out fan meetings.
Meanwhile, the band will present the “EXO Comeback Show” on Tuesday evening at Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul. The event will be streamed live through Samsung Music, a newly launched music service for Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones.