TAIPEI (TVBS News) — K-pop stars arrived in Taiwan Thursday (Jan. 8) ahead of the 40th Golden Disc Awards (金唱片獎) at Taipei Dome (台北大巨蛋) Saturday (Jan. 10). ENHYPEN, TWS, Cortis, ZB1, and BOYNEXTDOOR flew from Incheon Airport to prepare for the milestone anniversary celebration. Additional high-profile arrivals, including actor Song Joong-ki (宋仲基), singer Jennie, and girl group IVE, are expected Friday (Jan. 9) afternoon.
Congestion at Incheon Airport caused safety concerns Thursday as multiple artists departed simultaneously for Taiwan, with reporters nearly tripping and K-pop performers being jostled in the chaotic crowd. The incident sparked discussions about crowd control and safety measures at the South Korean airport, raising questions about future celebrity departures. The charter flight landed smoothly in Taiwan, where artists used a VIP channel to avoid similar disorder upon arrival at the airport.
Fans in Taiwan adhered to regulations by remaining outside cordoned-off areas, ensuring orderly conditions upon the artists' arrival at the airport without any pushing or shoving incidents reported. The controlled reception in Taiwan contrasted sharply with the chaotic departure scenes witnessed at Incheon Airport earlier Thursday. Security personnel and event organizers coordinated the VIP arrival process to maintain safety standards for both K-pop artists and waiting fans.
The 40th Golden Disc Awards ceremony Saturday will feature performances from the assembled K-pop artists at Taipei Dome (台北大巨蛋), drawing fans from across the region to Taiwan's capital. Organizers are preparing for the 40th-anniversary celebration as additional high-profile artists, including Song Joong-ki (宋仲基), Jennie, and IVE, continue arriving Friday (Jan. 9) afternoon. The event marks a significant moment for K-pop entertainment in Taiwan. ◼