K-pop Sensation Twice Captivates Thousands at First Taiwan Concert

K-pop group Twice electrified audiences in Kaohsiung over the weekend, marking their first concert in Taiwan. The event drew thousands of enthusiastic fans to the Kaohsiung National Stadium, coinciding with a special homecoming for Taiwanese member Chou Tzu-yu (周子瑜). The concert on March 15, 2024, was a highly anticipated occasion, with fans eager to see their favorite idol perform live.

Chou, speaking to the crowd in Mandarin, expressed her excitement about returning to her hometown with her bandmates. She noted, “I’m thrilled to finally bring my team to Kaohsiung,” which resonated with the audience. Fans began gathering early in the day to purchase official merchandise, and by the afternoon, over 10,000 people had assembled to enjoy a glimpse of the group during their rehearsal.

The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering as the rehearsal music echoed throughout the stadium grounds. The turnout included a significant number of international fans, many of whom flocked to nearby MRT stations to capture memories with oversized posters of Chou.

The impact of Twice’s concert extended beyond the stadium, as it significantly boosted Kaohsiung Metro ridership. On the day of the concert, ridership reached 350,000, marking the highest single-day figure for the year and the ninth-highest in the system’s history. Additionally, light rail usage surged to 54,000 trips, as reported by officials.

While Twice’s concert attracted considerable attention, city officials indicated that the increase in metro usage was also influenced by other major events occurring that weekend. These included performances by popular artists Wu Bai (伍佰) and Sun Shu-may (孫淑媚), alongside various city festivals that enriched the cultural landscape of Kaohsiung.

Former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) shared her enthusiasm for the event on social media, noting that her feed was filled with posts related to Twice. She also shared a photo with Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁), both donning blue hair to match the color associated with the group’s fanbase. Tsai emphasized the pride many felt in having a Taiwanese artist performing on home soil, highlighting the significance of Chou’s long-awaited concert.

The event not only celebrated Twice’s musical talents but also fostered a sense of community and pride among fans, showcasing the deep connections that K-pop artists like Chou Tzu-yu establish with their audience. As the night concluded, fans left the stadium buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating future performances from the group.