K-pop groups have some of the most devoted fans in the world, but until now, they have not had a proper venue in Korea for live performances. However, that will soon change as construction has finally begun on the CJ LiveCity Arena, a new concert venue in Korea that will be dedicated to K-pop. The arena will be part of a larger K-content themed entertainment complex and is expected to be completed in 2024.
The arena is being built by CJ LiveCity Corporation, a subsidiary of Korean entertainment company CJ Group that was founded in 2015 specifically to complete this project. It was delayed due to licensing issues, and in 2019, CJ LiveCity Corporation entered into a joint venture to build the venue with AEG. CJ LiveCity Corporation and AEG expect that the complex will attract over 20 million visitors annually when it is completed, and it will help Korea further capitalize on the success of its cultural exports.
The company plans to create a “Live K-Content Experience District” that will also allow fans from around the world to experience other Korean cultural content, and the complex will include a dedicated rehearsal space, hotels, shops, and a waterfront park.
Another element of the complex, “Virtual Live City,” will involve immersive tech such as augmented reality and will allow visitors to interact in real time. Details on what exactly this attraction will entail are still vague, but K-pop groups have been embracing the metaverse and new virtual engagement opportunities, so fans should expect a cutting-edge immersive experience. Plus, the project won’t be completed for two more years at least, leaving room for a lot of innovation and new technologies to emerge in the metaverse space.
The entertainment district will be located in Goyang City, one of Seoul’s satellite cities, and the arena will have an indoor capacity of 20,000 people, and an outdoor capacity of 40,000. Through its partnership with CJ LiveCity Corporation, AEG will book domestic and international concert tours once the arena opens as it continues its expansion into Asia.