NewJeans Becomes First K-Pop Girl Group to Perform at 'Countdown Japan 24/25'

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The group NewJeans will be the first K-pop girl group to appear at Japan's representative year-end festival 'Countdown Japan 24/25'.

On the 6th, their agency ADOR announced that NewJeans will take the main stage on the festival's final day, which runs from December 28 to 31 at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo.

'Countdown Japan' is Japan's largest indoor festival since its inception in 2003, attracting over 130,000 attendees last year.

This year, NewJeans joins the lineup alongside top Japanese artists like Creepy Nuts, Vaundy, Man With A Mission, and SixTONES.

NewJeans' activities in Japan have been particularly prominent this year.

Their Japanese debut single 'Super Shy', released in June, achieved million-seller status, with the title track topping major local music charts. Notably, despite being a Japanese single, both the title track and the B-side 'Right Now' climbed high on domestic music charts.

The most remarkable achievement is their entry into Tokyo Dome just one year and eleven months after debut—the shortest period among foreign artists.

Their fan meeting 'Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome', held over two days on June 26 and 27, drew a total of over 91,200 attendees.

Music industry insiders are giving positive evaluations of NewJeans' appearance at 'Countdown Japan'.

One insider commented,
"It's highly significant that a K-pop girl group has been invited to Japan's representative year-end festival for the first time," adding, "This proves NewJeans' influence in the local market."

Another expert analyzed, "Being invited to 'Countdown Japan' following last year's 'Summer Sonic' is evidence that NewJeans' musicality is being recognized in the Japanese market."

NewJeans' participation in this festival is expected to set a new milestone for K-pop girl groups. Performing on the main stage on the festival's final day is considered a symbolic example showcasing their status.

NewJeans' activities in Japan are being hailed as a successful case of establishing a solid foothold in the local music market, beyond merely expanding overseas as a K-pop group.

In less than two years since debut, they've achieved notable accomplishments like entering Tokyo Dome and reaching million-seller status.

Attention is focused on what kind of performance NewJeans will showcase at 'Countdown Japan' and how they will further expand their influence in the Japanese music market through this opportunity.

There is anticipation about whether they can deliver a performance befitting the title of the first K-pop girl group to do so.

'Countdown Japan 24/25' is expected to not only brilliantly conclude NewJeans' 2024 but also serve as a new stepping stone toward 2025.

As the global influence of K-pop groups continues to expand, there is keen interest in whether NewJeans' upcoming stage can open a new horizon for K-pop.