K-pop sensation BLACKPINK is set to break new ground in the entertainment industry anew. On Thursday, November 16, they announced their first-ever virtual concert, BLACKPINK: A VR Encore, in collaboration with Meta and the Emmy Award-winning production company The Diamond Bros.
According to Billboard, the virtual concert is a recreation of the group’s special finale show from the Born Pink world tour held at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome last September 17. Moreover, the 70-minute virtual experience promises to transport fans into the heart of BLACKPINK’s music.
BLACKPINK to Gift Fans an Immersive Concert Experience in ‘A VR Encore’: Exclusive First Look https://t.co/7oWH2FvPDS
— billboard (@billboard) November 15, 2023
Among the group’s chart-topping hits that will be featured in the concert are “Pink Venom,” “How You Like That,” and “Kill This Love.”
Additionally, fans can anticipate solo performances from members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, adding a personal touch to the immersive concert.
Set to premiere on December 26, BLACKPINK’s virtual concert will be accessible exclusively in VR inside the Meta Horizon Worlds’ Music Valley, catering to Meta Quest VR headset owners in select regions.
What we know so far about ‘BLACKPINK: A VR Encore’
Alongside the announcement is the release of a trailer for BLACKPINK: A VR Encore. The 16-second clip featured snippets from the Born Pink tour that has now been tailored for VR.
In a press release, BLACKPINK expressed their excitement in being able to share their music in an innovative way. “We’re thrilled to embrace the dynamic world of VR because it allows us to reach an even wider global audience and share our music in an entirely new, immersive way,” the group said.
Additionally, they promised that the BLACKPINK: A VR Encore concert is “not just a show.” “It’s an extension of the tour we poured our hearts into. We can’t wait for you to see the magic we’ve created with The Diamond Bros and Meta,” they said.
Currently, fans eager to attend the virtual concert can start RSVP-ing to the event. And for those unable to catch it live, replays will be available for a month after the initial premiere.
Notably, this isn’t the first time that BLACKPINK ventured into virtual reality. In 2022, they had a successful partnership with PUBG Mobile where they held a virtual in-game concert.
Meanwhile, the BLACKPINK: A VR Encore concert comes amid ongoing contract renewal negotiations between BLACKPINK and YG Entertainment. As of writing, the agency says no final decision has been made yet. However, rumors about the members, specifically Lisa, not renewing with the agency has surfaced for several months.
Featured image: BLACKPINK performs at the Hyde Park. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK