Sydney Travel Guide is abuzz with the K-Pop explosion that has gripped the world. It’s crazy to think that it’s already been more than ten years since the K-Pop genre has rocked the entertainment industry and is still rapidly gaining momentum. Today they’re the biggest selling artists in the world. One of the best examples of the K-Pop success stories is all-male group ATEEZ comprising eight artists and is defying all traditions. K-Pop fanatics will be popping out of their skin to learn that ATEEZ are on their way to Sydney for two shows as part of their 2026 headline tour. This is everything you need to know for their upcoming performances plus the undeniable rise of K-Pop globally and exactly why it has become the musical force to be reckoned with.
ATEEZ
They’re known for their highly polished stage performances and receive high acclaim for turning a concert experience into a fully immersive musical experience. Eight male members make up this South Korean pop group which debuted in October 2018. Since then they’ve had an impressive journey and this year, iHeartRadio declared ATEEZ “K-Pop Artist of the Year”.
The eight members, HONGJOONG, SEONGHWA, YUNHO, YEOSANG, SAN, MINGI, WOOYOUNG, and JONGHO will be touring Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne on Monday 2 March and Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney on Saturday 7 March for their 2026 World Tour “In Your Fantasy.” The 2026 tour follows from their successful 2024-2025 World Tour “Towards the Light: Will to Power”.
Fans are anticipating an impressive experience as ATEEZ celebrates their headline tour. They are known to bring a signature high-energy performance, impressive choreography, and high quality visuals.
The K-Pop Hype
K-Pop has officially popped and taken musical centre stage, globally. The world’s biggest artists are joining the momentum and Apple TV+ is further endorsing the hype with new TV series and exposès of the leading K-Pop artists. 2025 launched a TV competition series featuring judges and artists such as Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls members Melanie B and Emma Bunton, Vanilla Ice, Kesha, Boy George, TLC, Jess Glynne and Boyz II Men.
The eight-part series called “Kpopped” is hosted by actor and comedian Suzy Son. Lionel Richie and CJ Vice Chair Miky Lee are executive producers. The K-pop lineup includes Psy, ITZY, Kep1er, Ateez, STAYC and Kiss of Life. Viewers were treated to new interpretations of tracks such as “Savage” (2020), “Wannabe” (1996), “Ice Ice Baby” (1990), “Lady Marmalade” (2001) “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” (2001) and “Waterfalls” (1995).
Kpopped streamed globally on Apple TV+, the Apple TV app for Android and Korean platform Tving. It’s a small sign of the global phenomenon of K-Pop sweeping the globe.
K-Pop Demon Hunters
K-pop Demon Hunters hit the ground running last year as an animated musical fantasy film that became a global sensation after its release on Netflix. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, it blends K-pop music, fantasy action, and Korean mythology into one story. The film follows a world-famous K-pop girl group called Huntr/x (pronounced “Hunter X”) who secretly live double lives as demon hunters fighting supernatural threats while performing pop concerts. They face off against a rival boy band called the Saja Boys, whose members are actually demons in disguise. Cool right!
A huge part of its appeal is the original K-pop soundtrack, featuring songs performed as the fictional group Huntr/x. Tracks such as “Golden” became international hits—and Golden has now topped global music charts and won major awards. The soundtrack made history by having multiple songs simultaneously in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10.
Who’s Who in K-Pop today
Over the past ten years, K-Pop has evolved from a fun new genre into a mainstream worldwide force, driven by groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, NewJeans, and TWICE. These groups now regularly top international charts (Billboard, UK Official Charts, Spotify Global), sell out stadium tours across North America and Europe, and break YouTube and streaming records. If you need to list some of the most famous names in K-Pop (or in music in general) then these are the must-know names.
Boy Groups
- BTS – One of the most popular music acts worldwide; recently returned from hiatus with new music and tour plans.
- Stray Kids – Fourth-generation powerhouse with multiple Billboard No.1s and huge global tours.
- SEVENTEEN – Self-producing group with strong global influence and consistent chart performance.
- ENHYPEN – Rapidly rising boy group with growing global tours and streaming numbers.
- TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) – Versatile young group blending genres and building overseas popularity.
- ATEEZ – Well-loved performance-focused group with strong album sales and international tours.
Girl Groups
- BLACKPINK – One of the most successful K-pop acts globally with huge streaming, fashion influence, and solo soloist success by members.
- TWICE – Veteran girl group with strong global fanbase and chart history.
- aespa – Fourth-generation innovators known for unique concepts and hit songs.
- IVE – Viral group with strong releases and world tour activity.
- NewJeans – Massive Y2K-inspired global breakout girl group.
- (G)I-DLE – Creative girl group with domestic and international recognition.
Notable Solo Artists
Unsurprisingly, many members of big groups are thriving on their own. Here’s a few who have gone solo and are making a break for it.
- Jung Kook (BTS) – One of the biggest solo acts worldwide.
- V (BTS) – Highly influential solo performer.
- Jennie (BLACKPINK) – Leading female solo artist with major streams and awards.
- Rosé (BLACKPINK) – Breakthrough soloist with global collaborations and nominations.
Emerging K-pop Artists
Just when you thought you were getting a handle on the top artists, there’s always a handful waiting to making their break. These are the names at the forefront of tomorrow’s K-Pop success.
- LE SSERAFIM – Fast-rising girl group gaining global attention.
- Kep1er – Girl group with early commercial success.
- Katseye – New international act blending K-pop styles and gaining global exposure.
Qudos Bank Arena
Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena will host the ATEEZ headline performances over two nights. Here’s everything you need to know for a memorable concert experience.
Friday March 6 and Saturday March 7
Qudos Bank Arena | Sydney
19 Edwin Flack Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park
Ticketed Start Time: 7:30pm
General tickets for all four shows are on sale via frontiertouring.com/ateez and via ticketek.com.au
What you need to know
For the best experience, patrons are strongly encouraged to arrive early for the event and leave additional time for the Security Screening Process when entering the Arena.
Consider your travel options, plan ahead and allow extra travel time
If you’re planning to catch public transport visit transportnsw.info for the latest travel advice.
The Arena is now 100% cashless, please bring your card or phone for payments
No backpacks regardless of size will be permitted
No bags over a5 (20 cm x 15 cm) will be permitted
Follow signage and the directives of staff at all times
Qudos Bank Arena values the safety of all patrons. To report anti-social behaviour or if you require assistance, SMS 0428 785 717 with your issue and location during an event
If you plan to drive, you can pre-book your parking. Parking can be pre-booked up to 24hrs before the live event starts.
