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Veteran idols to perform on small stages with rising rookies during 11-day music festival
When people think of K-pop, grand-scale concerts often come to mind — but next month, fans will have the chance to experience K-pop in a more intimate and up-close setting. K-pop Week in Hongdae will feature a series of performances by diverse artists at small theaters around the Hongdae area, Mapo-gu, Seoul.
Running from May 1 to 11, K-pop Week in Hongdae is a music festival held across several small venues around Hongdae — including K-pop Stage, Sangsang Madang, Musinsa Garage and H Stage — each with a capacity of around 150. With the slogan “Closer, More Sincere,” the festival aims to narrow the distance between fans and artists, while delivering the essence of live K-pop.
A diverse lineup of artists will take the stage for roughly two-hour performances, offering fans a closer look at K-pop’s multifaceted talent in the heart of Hongdae.
The festival is organized by Yoonso Group, an entertainment company led by comedian Yoon Hyung-bin.
“K-pop shows in smaller venues are actually very common in Japan’s Shin-Okubo area in Shinjuku (of Tokyo). It was disappointing to see there weren’t similar places in Korea where fans could meet idols up close,” Yoon said during a press conference held Wednesday in Mapo-gu, Seoul. “I felt Hongdae was the perfect place to make that happen.”
“I’m grateful to all the artists who agreed to join the lineup. It’s not easy for an idol or musician to perform on a small theater stage, but they agreed to take part out of a sincere desire to connect more closely with fans,” Yoon added.
There are several familiar names in the lineup. Yang Seung-ho, the leader of veteran boy band MBLAQ who now performs as singer-songwriter Leni.M, will take the stage. Also on the list are TeenTop member and solo artist, musical actor Chunji, as well as Nam Tae-hyun, formerly of boy band Winner, having left the group in 2022 after legal issues over drug use.
Rookies Kim Si-hun and Kang Hyun-woo, who gained attention through JTBC’s “Project 7” that aired from October to December 2024, are also part of the lineup. The genre diversity is further enriched by Koonzo Crew — the winning co-ed group from MBN’s “Shocking Night” — and Ryu Phillip, a multifaceted entertainer who has built a career spanning trot, film and theater.
Other acts set to perform include boy group LUN8, former CLC member Yeeun and rookie girl group Arvvy.
“The K-pop genre has such a wide spectrum and so many artists. I wanted to create an event where those artists could have ongoing opportunities to meet audiences in a place like Hongdae,” said Yoon, emphasizing the festival’s inclusive nature.
“Each of us is preparing a unique stage, and I’ve even invited a surprise guest to my show — so please look forward to it,” said Yang, hinting that fellow MBLAQ members might join him.
All the participating artists expressed hope that performances in smaller venues would become more common, helping to expand the diversity of K-pop. “I hope events like this don’t end as one-time projects, but continue so more artists with a deep desire to perform can have these opportunities,” said Ryu.
Reflecting on Japan’s live scene, Yoon expressed his wish for Korea — K-pop’s home ground — to offer more accessible concert options for tourists as well. “In Japan, you can find all sorts of small venues — 100 seats, 200 seats, 300 seats — and that’s something I admire,” Yoon said.
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