AGP Executive Report

K-pop’s India Surge: KATSEYE will headline Lollapalooza India in January, while tickets for the first Weverse Con Festival India sold out in 20 minutes. ILLIT’s “It’s Me” also passed 200 million YouTube views as the group’s latest EP set a first-day sales record. Live Music: Diljit Dosanjh is set to play Delhi on October 30 after police approved the show following a security review. In Jakarta, Ye’s concert and the Java Rockin’Land festival generated a reported Rp625 billion in economic impact. Regional Sounds: Kashmiri hip-hop group SOS is taking its music beyond the Valley, while Borneo artist Belle Sisoski brings the region’s musical heritage to a global audience. Japan’s Pop Legacy: Tokyo Film Festival opener “Sukiyaki” revisits the story behind Kyu Sakamoto’s 1963 global hit, as director Zeze Takahisa reflects on Japan’s once more open pop culture.

Indian Classical: Sitarist Niladri Kumar’s new tour pairs Indian and American musicians and honors his recorded collaboration with Zakir Hussain, due out later this year. Japan’s Song Legacy: Tokyo International Film Festival opens with Sukiyaki, a drama revisiting Kyu Sakamoto’s 1963 global hit. India’s Big Stage: Take That will make their first performance in the subcontinent at Mumbai’s Nov. 17 Earthshot Prize, alongside composer Shashwat Sachdev. Live Update: Diljit Dosanjh’s Oct. 30 Delhi concert is on after police approved the organisers’ security plan; he visited the Taj Mahal ahead of the show. K-pop in India: Weverse Con Festival will make its India debut at Delhi’s Yashobhoomi in March 2027.

K-pop Business: HYBE has launched a global label-services unit to coordinate distribution, marketing and promotion across its labels. Separately, JYP shares jumped after reports of a possible tender offer for up to half the company; JYP says it has received no offer. India Stage: Take That will make its India debut at the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Mumbai on Nov. 17, alongside performances by Shreya Ghoshal and composer Shashwat Sachdev. Live Music: Seventeen’s Junghan and Joshua topped Oricon’s weekly album chart with “Dreamscape,” selling more than 800,000 copies in a week; their Asia tour starts Oct. 30. China’s Concert Economy: A Phoenix Legend show in Jinan helped drive hotel bookings sharply higher, illustrating how concerts are drawing visitors and boosting local spending. New Music: Kenshi Yonezu has written “Haru ga Tomori” as the theme for the December “Apothecary Diaries” film. South Korea’s first Vocaloid, SeeU, has also returned with a newly revealed voice. AR Rahman: Ahead of his India tour, the composer says he builds set lists around musical appeal, rather than language, as he balances songs from across India.

Delhi Concert Update: Diljit Dosanjh’s Oct. 30 show is back on after police cleared the organisers’ security plan, resolving a weeklong permission dispute. K-pop in India: Weverse Con Festival will make its India debut at Delhi’s Yashobhoomi in March 2027. Classical Milestone: Hindustani vocalist Mahalaxmi Shenoy is the first artiste from coastal Karnataka to receive the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. Industry Backlash: Shilpa Rao’s microphone was reportedly cut during the Bollywood Music Project, drawing condemnation from AICWA, which has offered legal support. Heritage Meets Electronic: Malaysian singer Belle Sisoski is introducing the Lun Bawang tapi’ to new audiences, fusing the Borneo instrument with electronic music on “New Day Rising.” Global Stage: Composer Joe Hisaishi will join the LA Phil as composer-in-residence for five seasons from 2027–28, with performances, commissions and education projects.

Live Music: Shilpa Rao’s microphone and lights were reportedly cut during her Bollywood Music Project set; the All India Cine Workers Association condemned the incident and offered legal support. Diljit Dosanjh’s October 30 Delhi concert, initially denied clearance over security concerns, is back on after police reviewed organisers’ safety plan. Indian Film Music: AR Rahman says composing Ramayana songs in five languages is a major responsibility, and discussed his collaboration with Hans Zimmer amid mixed reactions to the music. K-pop: Virtual group Plave’s latest EP sold 1.32 million copies in its first week, while self-produced shows are increasingly helping idols build fan loyalty and reach new audiences. Regional Sounds: Macau’s China–Portuguese-speaking countries arts festival brought nearly 690 performers together for concerts and cultural events; in India, Kashmiri hip-hop crew SOS is taking its sound beyond the Valley.

India’s Concert Circuit: Delhi Police approved Diljit Dosanjh’s Oct. 30 JLN Stadium show after organisers revised their security plan. At Bollywood Music Project, AICWA condemned Shilpa Rao’s mic and lights being cut mid-performance and offered legal support; Himesh Reshammiya reportedly faced a similar interruption. New Indian Music: Indian rappers have released a six-track multilingual climate album, turning issues including water scarcity into songs. K-pop & Stage: South Korean singer Hanroro will hold her first arena concerts in January, while producer Shin Chun-soo is teaming with The Lion King director Julie Taymor on a new musical premiering in New York in May 2027. Classical Calendar: Bengaluru’s Oct. 31–Nov. 1 Spirit of Unity concert will bring Carnatic and Hindustani performers together, including descendants of M.S. Subbulakshmi and Kumar Gandharva.

India Live: Diljit Dosanjh’s October 30 Delhi concert is back on after police approved organisers’ security plan, ending a tense permit dispute. Pakistani Pop: Lost Frequencies has remixed “Majboor,” the South Asian hit by Sheheryar Rehan and Zoha Waseem, opening the 2025 song to a wider global audience. K-pop Milestone: BTS’s “Swim” has passed one billion Spotify streams, the first 2026 release to reach the mark; Kyuhyun also announced an Asia tour starting in Seoul this December. Screen Soundtracks: A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer unveiled music for the film Ramayana at a Chennai event. Music Legacy: Japanese writer and producer Ryu Murakami, who died at 74, helped bring Cuban group NG La Banda to Japan, producing recordings and concerts that introduced timba to local audiences. T-Pop Reach: Universal Music Southeast Asia is backing Thai artist Jeff Satur’s global ambitions, with a 2027 album and world tour planned.

Live-show innovation: Guru Randhawa’s December 12 Delhi stadium concert will feature robots dancing onstage and among fans, in a first for an Indian live music show. Delhi concert row: Diljit Dosanjh’s October 30 show is back on track after police cleared it following a security review; threat emails naming the concert venue and Amitabh Bachchan also prompted concern. Festival watch: Rolling Loud India has named Burna Boy, Metro Boomin, Karan Aujla and Skepta among its 2026 headliners. K-pop’s reach: BTS’ “Swim” has passed one billion Spotify streams, while BIGBANG drew fans to Hanoi for a two-night tour stop. Seventeen also topped Pollstar’s Asia touring chart, with $97 million in reported revenue.

India Live: Diljit Dosanjh confirmed his October 30 Delhi concert after police approved it following safety-plan discussions. Festival Lineup: Rolling Loud India returns to Mumbai on December 12–13, with Karan Aujla, Burna Boy, Metro Boomin and Skepta among the headliners, alongside Indian hip-hop acts. Philippine Music: Regine Velasquez’s “Finale” concerts featured her son Nate and their family band, Meet Me at the Elevator; the shows coincided with her new album, Golden Hours. Honours: Usha Mangeshkar will receive Assam’s inaugural Bhupen Hazarika National Award at a November 29 ceremony featuring a musical tribute to the singer-composer. New Releases: K-pop group A2O Soul is set to release its debut album on November 9, while Universal Music South East Asia says it is pursuing global opportunities for Thai artist Jeff Satur.

Diljit Dosanjh: Delhi Police cleared the singer’s October 30 concert after organisers agreed to a detailed security plan, reversing an earlier refusal over safety concerns. Separately, a reported threat email named Dosanjh’s November Mumbai show and Amitabh Bachchan’s home; police checks found nothing suspicious. Live Shows: JJ Lin headlined the Singapore Grand Prix with a 20-song set and premiered a new single. Industry Moves: Universal Music South East Asia signed Thai artist Jeff Satur, aiming to build his global profile. India Festivals: Rolling Loud India named Burna Boy, Metro Boomin, Skepta and Karan Aujla among its 2026 headliners. K-pop on Screen: BTS’ ARIRANG tour is coming to 89 cinemas across India. Touring Power: Seventeen topped Pollstar’s Asia touring chart with $97 million in revenue.

India Concerts: Delhi Police denied security clearance for Diljit Dosanjh’s Oct. 30 Delhi show, citing specific threat-related inputs; the decision has sparked a political row. T-Pop Goes Global: Universal Music Southeast Asia signed Thai star Jeff Satur, who plans a 2027 album, Bangkok stadium show and world tour. Festival Watch: Rolling Loud India’s 2026 Mumbai lineup includes Karan Aujla, Burna Boy, Metro Boomin and Skepta. Music Rights: Paniya artist Prasad K. received just ₹3,000 and no royalties when his song was used in a Malayalam film, spotlighting the poor credit and pay often given to tribal musicians. Japanese Music: Joe Hisaishi will become the LA Philharmonic’s composer-in-residence in 2027, beginning a five-year partnership that includes new works and performances. Asian Classical Talent: South Korean violinist Lee Su-bin placed third at Poland’s Wieniawski Competition, while young Korean pianists also earned major international prizes. Japan Charts: Sakurazaka46’s “Ai MUST BE” topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 after its single sold more than 736,000 copies in its first week.

Live Show Setbacks: Delhi Police denied permission for Diljit Dosanjh’s October 30 concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, citing security threats and festive-season commitments. AAP leaders questioned the decision; the show’s status remains unclear. Regional Music Ties: Malaysia and Indonesia are pursuing wider access for each other’s films and music, joint productions and talent development, following new creative-industry agreements. Asia-Pacific Tours: Queens of the Stone Age have announced dates in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, followed by shows across Australia and New Zealand. T-Pop Push: Thai star Jeff Satur has signed with Universal Music Southeast Asia, with a 2027 album and world tour planned. Classical Spotlight: Malaysia’s youth orchestra set a national record with a performance on the 86th floor of the Petronas Twin Towers, blending classical works with traditional Malaysian songs.

Box Office & Charts: Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 topped ₹300 crore in India net collections in its first week, while Seventeen’s Jeonghan and Joshua debuted their unit EP at No. 1 on Japan’s Oricon chart, selling 650,000 copies on day one. K-pop Momentum: K-pop touring revenue and physical album sales are rising across Asia. Aespa will celebrate its sixth anniversary with Seoul fan meetings next month, and BTS’ citywide fan experience is set for Singapore. New Talent: Hong Kong University and Pacific Music Group have launched M Records to fund, distribute and promote emerging student artists across Asia. Thai singer Jeff Satur has signed with Universal Music Southeast Asia, with an album and world tour planned for 2027. Live Music: Rolling Loud India has named Burna Boy, Metro Boomin, Skepta and Karan Aujla among its headliners; meanwhile, Umamusume’s first US concerts were canceled after visa problems blocked Japanese performers. Artist Respect: Indian industry groups and musicians have rallied behind Daler Mehndi after a minister publicly reprimanded him during a performance.

New Releases: Japan’s SPYAIR marked 16 years of anime music with a 17-track compilation, while South African amapiano star Young Stunna dedicated his new album, Busisiwe, to his late great-grandmother. Industry & Touring: Seventeen topped Pollstar’s Asia touring chart with $97 million in revenue, as K-pop touring and physical album sales gain ground. India Live: Rolling Loud India booked Burna Boy, Metro Boomin, Skepta and Karan Aujla; the first Weverse Con in India will bring ENHYPEN, TXT, LE SSERAFIM and Hwasa to Delhi in March 2027. Cross-Border Pop: Thai singer Jeff Satur signed with Universal Music Southeast Asia and plans a 2027 album and world tour. An Indonesian adaptation of a Chinese song has passed 2 billion streams. Regional Spotlight: Shakira’s Bishkek concert drew fans from 33 countries. Tribute: Tamil film composer Deva, 75, died, prompting tributes from artists including Rajinikanth.

K-pop & Industry: A new Grammy category for Asian pop is stirring debate, with some fans criticizing K-pop acts that submitted; BTS has opted out. South Korea’s Olive Young is also turning album launches into live shopping, with K-pop artists, fan interaction and exclusive purchase perks. Music With a Message: Indian rappers have released the country’s first multilingual climate-rap mixtape, tackling water shortages and climate threats. Festival Season: Mumbai’s Sunburn and Rolling Loud India have revealed lineups, while Shah Rukh Khan’s UNIFYD festival in Abu Dhabi is set to feature Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam and Karan Aujla. India will also host its first Weverse Con in 2027, with K-pop acts including ENHYPEN, TXT and LE SSERAFIM. Touring & Reach: Seventeen topped Pollstar’s Asia touring chart with $97 million in revenue, while Shakira’s Bishkek concert drew fans from 33 countries, highlighting music’s pull for regional tourism.

A farewell onstage: Regine Velasquez brought fans to tears at the final “Finale” concert on Oct. 19, saying it was her last time singing Jennifer Holliday’s “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” as she steps back from some signature hits. Festival watch: Mumbai’s Sunburn returns Dec. 18–19 with The Chainsmokers, Jason Derulo, DJ Snake and Sebastian Ingrosso. Rolling Loud India also unveiled a Mumbai lineup led by Burna Boy, Metro Boomin, Skepta and Karan Aujla. India-bound K-pop: ENHYPEN, TXT, LE SSERAFIM and Hwasa will headline the first Weverse Con Festival in New Delhi in March 2027. Abu Dhabi date: Shah Rukh Khan’s UNIFYD festival is set to bring Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam and Karan Aujla together next March. Big-stage impact: Shakira’s Bishkek concert drew more than 10,000 visitors from 36 countries, putting Kyrgyzstan’s event scene in the spotlight. Tour canceled: Umamusume: Pretty Derby scrapped its first Los Angeles concerts after performers’ U.S. visas were not approved in time. Remembering Deva: The veteran Tamil composer, whose hits shaped generations of film music, died at 75.