Mandopop, C-pop Idols and Southeast Asian Pop — 2026-10-24

Top developments

Vietnam’s live music market explodes with 200,000 concert attendees

In the final week of October, Ho Chi Minh City hosted a series of major concerts that attracted nearly 200,000 attendees, signaling a robust recovery and expansion of Vietnam's live entertainment sector. This surge in attendance highlights the growing purchasing power of Vietnamese fans and the viability of large-scale domestic events alongside international tours.

Jay Chou breaks tradition by self-submitting to the Grammys

In a strategic move to promote Chinese music globally, Jay Chou has reportedly taken the initiative to submit his work to the newly added Grammy categories. Unlike previous years where submissions were handled by record labels, Chou's direct participation marks a shift in how major Mandopop stars engage with Western award bodies. This action coincides with his massive "Carnival" world tour, which has seen tickets sell out in minutes across mainland China.

Phuong My Chi’s "Gao Cua Ta" reinforces V-pop’s cultural wave

Vietnamese singer Phuong My Chi released the third MV from her album Dan Choi Dan Ca, titled "Gao Cua Ta" (Our Rice). The video, produced by the "Made in Vietnam" team, continues her trend of blending traditional folk elements with modern pop, generating significant pride and engagement among local audiences. This release follows the success of her previous singles, solidifying her position as a leading figure in the "new folk" movement in V-pop.

BIGBANG’s Hanoi concerts mark a high-demand K-pop crossover in Vietnam

K-pop giants BIGBANG are performing two sold-out nights in Hanoi this weekend (Oct 24-25) as part of their "XX: COSMOS" tour. The demand has been so high that fans have been planning travel and accommodations months in advance, with local media noting the intense anticipation for hits like "Bang Bang Bang" and "Haru Haru." This event underscores the continued dominance of K-pop in Vietnam, even as domestic V-pop artists like Phuong My Chi and CONGB rise in popularity.

Local view

Vietnam: Domestic Pop Rises Amidst K-Pop Dominance Local media outlets like Znews and Vietgiaitri are highlighting a dual trend: while K-pop acts like BIGBANG and G-Dragon (who is also in Hanoi for the BIGBANG shows) draw massive crowds, Vietnamese artists are achieving significant milestones. Vietgiaitri reports that singer CONGB’s solo track "Cho Chut..." has achieved an "All-Kill" on all major Vietnamese music charts, a rare feat for a domestic solo male artist. This suggests a healthy ecosystem where international giants and local stars coexist and compete for attention.

China: Concert Economy and Global Ambitions Weibo and Sina are buzzing with the "Concert Heat Index," where artists like Zhou Shen and Wang Yuan are topping lists for upcoming 2026 tours. The narrative focuses heavily on the economic impact of these tours, with platforms like Damai reporting millions of "want-to-see" clicks. The discussion around Jay Chou’s Grammy submission is framed as a cultural breakthrough, positioning him not just as a local icon but as an ambassador for Chinese music on the global stage.

Context & numbers

• Concert Attendance: Nearly 200,000 people attended concerts in Ho Chi Minh City over the last weekend, indicating a booming live music market in Vietnam.
• Streaming Milestones: While specific new figures for this week are limited, established P-pop groups like SB19 and BINI continue to maintain their status as the first Filipino acts to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, a benchmark that local media often references when discussing regional competitiveness.
• Chart Performance: Vietnamese singer CONGB achieved an "All-Kill" on domestic charts with his single "Cho Chut...", marking a significant victory for local V-pop against international releases.

On the radar

• JJ Lin’s 16th Album: JJ Lin has confirmed that his 16th studio album is in the final stages, expected to launch in late 2026. He recently performed a 90-minute set at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix, premiering the new English single "Rise Without A Sound," which fans speculate is a lead single for the new record.
• T-Pop Solo Debut: Thai artist guncharlie (Kicks Records) held his first solo concert, "October Theory," in Bangkok, performing new material including the song "Kuen Kam," signaling the maturation of the T-pop indie scene.
• BTS Immersive Experience: Singapore will host the only BTS "The City: ARIRANG" experience in Southeast Asia from December 1-31, 2026, coinciding with BTS concerts at the National Stadium.