Jin military discharge: UAE fans are among the biggest K-pop lovers in Mena

Popular K-pop boy band BTS’ member Kim Seok-jin has been discharged from the military. The singer enlisted in December 2022 and recently concluded his compulsory military service. His discharge ceremony today turned into an emotional event for him and his fans.

In videos going viral on social media, BTS leader and rapper RM can be seen presenting uniform-clad Jin a bouquet and performing their Grammy-nominated song ‘Dynamite’ on saxophone. Jin then met other members of the group too.

Jin completed his training just in time for BTS anniversary. 1,000 BTS fans will queue in South Korea’s capital Seoul on Thursday for a hug from the singer. The three-hour marathon is his first public event since being discharged from the army.

BTS is the most streamed K-pop artist in Mena

There is no doubt that K-pop has a loyal fanbase across the globe, including in the UAE. A 2019 survey noted that the Gulf state’s fans are among the most loyal. Spotify confirmed that fans in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the top streamers in the vast Mena region.

BTS is the most streamed K-pop artist regionally. The fans are predominantly females and the main age group of listeners is the 18 to 24 bracket, as per the streaming service. Noting the massive popularity that Korean pop music enjoys in the region is just mind-boggling.

Of the most popular K-pop artists, Blackpink and Twice round out the top three in the UAE, according to the 2019 estimates. The UAE’s most streamed K-pop songs included Boy With Luv, BTS featuring Halsey; Kill This Love, Blackpink; and Love Scenario, iKon.

Dubai hosts ‘K-pop Overdose’ concert in January

Is it possible to overdose on K-pop? No. Dubai hosted the ‘K-pop Overdose‘ concert in January 2024, luring hundreds of fans. Xiumin, Chen and Chanyeol of EXO took to stage performing their solo hits. DJ Raiden, a South Korean DJ and instrumentalist, performed too.

The name of the event is a callback to one of EXO’s popular tracks, ‘Overdose’. The song is a snapshot of 2014 – its year of release – featuring bright lights, electronic music, gravity defying hairstyles and phenomenal performances.

UAE’s most streamed K-pop artists (2019)

1. BTS

2. Blackpink

3. Twice

4. ikon

5. Stray Kids

6. RM

7. Red Velvet

8. Got7

9. Seventeen

10. Exo