I really don't understand why Kpop companies don't milk the European fans when it comes to touring. Is it logistical problems? Lack of offers? Or what? It's always US, Japan and some Asian countries. Whilst Kpop is a niche industry in Europe and less popular than US- the market is still there for touring and there are also a lot of fans willing to spend money to see their faves. Europe is a big ass continent and is also huge in concerts after the USA. Make use of it.
Okay, scratch that lol. That was my first thought while writing a post to rant (kinda) after seeing no EU tour dates in Agust D concert, but then I compiled the listeners stats on Spotify to see the audience per city in different countries. And here's what I found...
Kpop is really that niche in Europe cause these are the top groups with most listeners on Spotify, and even then the numbers are really not that much to do a European leg besides London, Paris and maybe Germany. BTS is an exception to this ofc, but not counting them since they are an anomaly.
Note: This only takes into account the Top 50-100 cities of an act because the Spotify API only gives limited access. So what made the list is probably only like 50-55% of the base listeners in Europe as a whole. Other cities didn't make a cut because the listeners are so spread out. The cities that made the list are usually like the biggest cities with huge population in each countries in Europe.
BTS
forum.allkpop.com/suite/attachment/264215/
forum.allkpop.com/suite/attachment/264217/
Twice
forum.allkpop.com/suite/attachment/264216/
London- 185,178
Paris- 6095
London- 78,699
Paris- 3,061
Source: https://songstats.com/
Okay, while the numbers are not that impressive, the audience is still there and just imagine this is only like the 50-55% of the base listeners in Europe, and other cities are not included. But since Kpop fans are so dedicated and will really travel to other cities or even neighboring countries to see the faves- I think companies are really underestimating the audience in Europe.
Even HYBE underestimates BTS' demand in Europe and only booked the 'popular' route for kpop concerts like London, Paris, Germany, Netherlands and Spain in the past.
For companies, Europe ticket prices might not be that expensive compared to the US one, but like I said it is also profitable and there is a huge market for touring if done right. Never know why companies won't make such effort to promote groups here.