BoA's first solo show harks back to K-pop's roots

The South Korean singer-songwriter's Singapore show was the last stop of her first Asia tour

- Benson Ang

South Korean music exploded worldwide since the late 2000s, and the phenomenon's roots can be traced back to first-generation K-pop stars such as BoA, who held her first solo concert here on Nov 30.

The South Korean singer-songwriter, who debuted in 2000 and is primarily active in South Korea and Japan, has been in the Lion City only a handful of times.

In 2004, she performed at the MTV Asia Awards at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. In 2012, she took the stage with SM Entertainment acts such as Super Junior, Shinee and Girls' Generation at The Float at Marina Bay.

So, her Singapore show - the last stop of her first Asia tour, following concerts in Jakarta and Taipei - has been long-awaited. After the show, she flew back to South Korea on the same night.

When the 38-year-old emerged in a shimmering sleeveless white dress, fans cheered with a pent-up fervour.