While K-pop draws concert tourists, J-pop freezes out foreign fans

THIS spring, two giants of East Asia’s entertainment scene are holding very different tours.

Following a free public comeback concert on Mar 21, K-pop phenomenon BTS will set off on a world tour in April, starting with three stops at home before heading to more than 20 other countries across four continents.

Despite the international reach of future stops, many foreigners are expected to fly into South Korea for the start of the tour. Hotels have jumped at the chance to push ticket-and-stay packages, and Seoul has ramped up foreigner-friendly support in preparation.