YouTube to Stream K-Pop Concert Live

Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

YouTube is continuing its live video streaming coverage of Asia with a concert in Korea, which will be aired in Japan, Taiwan and Korea.

Local K-pop stars are holding a concert titled "YouTube Music Day" for fans and aspiring artists this month.

It is the first time for Korea to host such an event.

"We hope YouTube can work as a window to introduce local singers to the world", said Lee Won-jin, the managing director of Google Korea.

Hosted by drummer and composer Namgung Yeon, top groups and singers, including 2AM, Clazziquai, Epik High and Leessang, will perform.

The first live streaming event in Asia was the "YouTube Tokyo Live" event on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23, 2008. Two concerts took place in Tokyo and San Francisco, and fans could witness both simultaneously through video streaming.

One of the most popular events streamed live was U2's concert, which was held Oct. 25 last year and shown in 16 countries. Its enormity shows just how far Asia has to go, but streaming in three countries should lay a solid foundation for the future.

Live streaming has broadened its boundaries recently, with various brands and firms jumping into the trend. Fashion giant Emporio Armani transmitted their show on the labels' new Web site, while Dolce & Gabbana streamed their show exclusively on iPhones. Sports fans can follow the action through live streaming as well.

YouTube is currently one of the leading video Web sites in the world, including in Korea. Being one of the globe's most wired countries, the nation already boasts a number of video Web sites, including afreeca and Pandora TV.

"YouTube Music Day" will be held at Melon AX-Hall, Gwangjang-dong, northern Seoul, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 20. The live feed will be available on Open the link. Tickets for the concert are available at Open the link .