Following the explosive Born Pink concert by BlackPink, Vietnamese fans have eagerly awaited another large-scale international show. Surprisingly, however, a wave of domestic concerts has filled the gap, delivering both emotional and economic resonance.

From Anh trai, Em xinh, to Chi dep, these local shows have laid promising groundwork, turning Vietnam into a potential hotspot for global music tours.

Local concerts pave the way for global acts

Since BlackPink’s Born Pink tour made Vietnam its historic stop at the peak of their fame, few large-scale international concerts have followed. Although some international artists have held fan meetings or smaller-scale shows, none have matched the scale or momentum of Born Pink. Optimism once surged about Vietnam becoming a regular destination for global stars, but progress has since stagnated.

Unexpectedly, from 2024 onwards, it’s been local concerts that have reignited the live music scene. Shows like Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai and Anh trai say hi marked a new trend - musicians moving from TV fame to live concert stages. Even the artists themselves didn’t anticipate extending their shows to 7 or 8 nights, with some, like Anh trai say hi, even expanding to international markets. Following this success, female artists joined the wave with shows like Chi dep dap gio re song and Em xinh say hi, proving the power of local stardom.

National holidays have also become a stage for free, large-scale concerts that attract tens of thousands. Despite the free admission, these shows stimulate consumption in food, transport, hospitality, and retail - highlighting the Vietnamese public's growing appetite for high-quality entertainment across all age groups.

With this concert boom, audiences now expect more for the price they pay. This pressure is also a motivator, prompting organizers to invest heavily in sound, lighting, and stage design - striving for international standards. Fans no longer seek just a performance, but a complete emotional journey where artists, music, technology, and audience are deeply connected.

Behind the scenes, event planners and sponsors play a crucial role. Their success in domestic concerts has equipped them with the confidence and capability to approach international talent.

Vietnam ready for the world stage

One upcoming test is G-Dragon’s solo concert in Hanoi on November 8. As the K-pop legend wraps up his Thailand tour, Vietnamese fans will compete with his massive international fanbase for tickets. His choice of Hanoi as a final stop signals confidence in Vietnam’s infrastructure, fanbase spending power, and event management capability.

Concerts like Anh trai have demonstrated the growing strength of domestic production, using laser shows, 3D mapping, LED walls, and synchronized lighting systems to reduce the gap between artist and audience. Most recently, Em xinh say hi brought in a DMX Lift Table - a high-tech stage system previously only seen at global shows. Combined with AR/VR effects, this created dynamic stage illusions that felt nearly tangible.

Such innovations signal not just passion, but production competence. When local audiences experience tech-driven visuals and audio effects typically seen in global concerts, they feel more empowered to demand higher standards - and to pay for it.

On the flip side, this investment also boosts Vietnam’s image among global artists. International acts can now observe first-hand how Vietnamese crews implement complex staging, operate safely, and deliver world-class visual experiences. Should G-Dragon's Hanoi concert succeed, it could cement Vietnam as a regular stop for major tours rather than an afterthought.

From Born Pink to the rise of domestic concerts and the much-anticipated G-Dragon show, Vietnam is evolving from an experimental venue into a credible force with sufficient organizing ability and consumer strength to earn its place on the global entertainment map.

While challenges remain - particularly when compared to Bangkok or Singapore in infrastructure and professional consistency - the rapid growth of Vietnam's entertainment industry, coupled with high consumer demand and aggressive investment by local organizers, is opening new doors for a global-caliber live music industry.

PV