Blackpink Hanoi concert pulls sixth-highest revenue in Asia

Girl group Blackpink. Photo from Blackpink Instagram

Independent ticket sales watcher Touring Data revealed that Blackpink’s two sold-out concerts at Hanoi’s My Dinh National Stadium at the end of July, part of the group’s Born Pink world tour, sold a total of 67,443 tickets. The corresponding revenue generated was $13.7 million.

This also made Vietnam the tour’s stop with the eight highest number of tickets sold, impressively showing against competition from the K-pop industry’s traditional markets such as South Korea, China, and Japan.

A representative from a company with many years’ experience organizing events for international artists told VnExpress the revenue the concerts garnered in Vietnam was "admirable and inspiring."

The revenues are believed to be the highest ever for a concert in Vietnam.

"This proves the Vietnamese market’s purchasing power," the representative added. "Vietnamese audiences are willing to spend their money on events with popular artists and professional organizers."

It has been reported that the revenue a concert generates is taxed 15%. Another extract is spent on royalties and commissions for domestic ticket distributors. The remaining amount is divided among the artists, the artists’ management agency, and local event organizers at discussed rates.

Blackpink debuted in 2016 and consists of Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo and Rosé. The group has since achieved international success with numerous hits like "Ddu-Du Ddu-du," "Kill This Love," and "Pink Venom."

The group’s Born Pink world tour began late last year and has grossed around $260.6 million so far, with 1.5 million tickets sold.

This makes it the highest grossing girl group tour of all time, surpassing the previous record set by the Spice Girls' 2019 Reunion Tour ($78.2 million).

The status of the girl group has recently been a hot topic due to their imminently expiring exclusive contract with YG Entertainment. South Korean news outlets have quoted "music industry insiders" who said Rosé is the only member that has renewed her contract with the talent management agency, while the remaining three members are keeping their options open.

Member Lisa has also been embroiled in controversy over her striptease performances at the Crazy Horse Paris, renowned for its nude female dancing, on September 28-30. She has been criticized for possibly setting a bad example for her fans, many of whom are minors, and for sexualizing women.