Melon Music Awards, SBS Gayo Daejon and more to take place at new Inspire Arena

Music & Performance

Published: 28 Nov. 2023, 16:36

Melon Music Awards, SBS Gayo Daejon and more to take place at new Inspire Arena

Inspire Arena inside the new Moghegan Inspire Entertainment Resort in Incheon [MOHEGAN INSPIRE ENTERTAINMENT RESORT]

The new Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort in Incheon on Tuesday announced a slew of shows that are set to be held in its state-of-the-art arena throughout December, including the 2023 Melon Music Awards and K-pop star Taemin's solo concert.

Inspire Arena is an indoor multipurpose performance hall that can seat 15,000 people.

The Melon Music Awards, Korea’s leading music honors and festival event, is slated to take place on Dec. 2, while Taemin's solo concert, “Metamorph,” will follow on Dec. 16 and 17. SBS Gayo Daejeon, a year-end special music program, will be held on the 25th and boy band TVXQ's concert “20&2" will take place on the 30th and 31st.

The 2023 Melon Music Awards and SHINee's Taemin's solo concert both sold out immediately after ticket sales opened. The upcoming TVXQ concert, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is also expected to attract many fans from overseas.

Inspire Arena inside the new Moghegan Inspire Entertainment Resort in Incheon [MOHEGAN INSPIRE ENTERTAINMENT RESORT]

Located on Yeongjong Island in Incheon, Inspire Arena boasts a top-tier sound setup with the latest Panther System from Meyer Sound. The venue is capable of hosting a wide variety of events, including music concerts, award ceremonies, Esports competitions, sporting events and large-scale exhibition fairs and shows.

The resort, which announced its partial soft opening on Nov. 30, will also hold holiday events throughout the year, including a weekend candy-giving parade beginning Dec. 15 led by a “hip” Santa Claus and a group of elves; Christmas photo events with the backdrop of lavishly decorated main social spaces with Christmas and Tree of Life themes; and mini concerts. The resort also plans to invite children from a nearby shelter in Incheon to a holiday experience that will include gifts and a special performance.

Entertainment street inside the new Moghegan Inspire Entertainment Resort in Incheon [MOHEGAN INSPIRE ENTERTAINMENT RESORT]

A New Year’s Eve countdown event will be held at the resort's 150-meter-long entertainment street on Dec. 31, and Aurora Bar will host digital shows and DJ performances.

“Inspire makes its debut on Nov. 30 with a soft opening,” said Michael Jensen, Mohegan Inspire's chief operating officer. “We look forward to welcoming domestic and international visitors with diverse entertainment content, including Korea’s first performance-focused Arena, three hotel towers with distinct concepts, a glass-domed indoor water pool, MICE facilities, and Inspire signature restaurants. The Arena will host Korea’s leading music events, concerts, and Christmas and New Year's celebrating events in December to welcome both domestic and international guests.”

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]