XG comes to Taipei Arena with THE CORE tour and a new concert production
Japanese music group XG will perform on October 17, 2026, at Taipei Arena in Taipei, Taiwan, as part of its second world tour, "XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE". The concert begins at 19:30 local time, with doors scheduled to open to the audience at 18:30. The performance is part of a concert series through which the seven-member group presents its first studio album, "THE CORE - 核", and continues building an international career combining hip-hop, R&B, pop and dance music.
For XG, returning to Taipei represents an important step. During its first world tour in 2024, the group performed at the Taipei International Convention Center, where tickets sold out very quickly after sales began. This time, the concert moves to the considerably larger Taipei Arena, whose seating areas and stage configurations accommodate performances for several thousand visitors. The change of venue demonstrates how much the group's concert reach has grown between its two world tours.
The tour program combines recognizable songs such as "LEFT RIGHT" and "WOKE UP" with newer material, including "HYPNOTIZE" and "ROCK THE BOAT". These four tracks were specifically highlighted in the announcement for the Taipei concert. Audiences can expect a performance focused on precise choreography, alternating rap verses and singing, and the visual identity for which XG has become known. Visitors wishing to choose a particular seating section in the arena should secure their tickets in good time.
From the first single to a world tour: how XG built an international audience
XG, whose name stands for "Xtraordinary Genes", consists of seven members: JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA and COCONA. The group debuted in March 2022 with the single "Tippy Toes", which already introduced its combination of rhythmic hip-hop, confident vocal performances and choreography. From the beginning, the group developed with an international audience in mind, while English-language lyrics and its musical aesthetic opened opportunities beyond the traditional Asian idol market.
Rather than being easily classified into a single musical genre, XG uses the term X-POP to describe its own approach. The term refers to music that incorporates elements of different genres while combining them into a distinct identity. Its songs feature hip-hop production, R&B melodies, electronic rhythms and pop choruses, while its concerts place particular importance on the way vocal and rap sections are integrated with dance.
The group's international breakthrough gained particular momentum during its first tour, "The first HOWL". According to the group's figures, it performed 47 shows in 35 cities, attracting approximately 400,000 attendees in total. The tour concluded on May 14, 2025, at Tokyo Dome before an audience of approximately 50,000 people.
Another important milestone was the group's appearance at the Coachella festival in April 2025, where XG performed as the closing act on the Sahara stage. This prominent festival position further introduced the group to audiences who typically follow electronic music, hip-hop and the international pop scene.
THE CORE album provides a new musical foundation for concerts
The group's first studio album, "THE CORE - 核", was released on January 23, 2026, and forms the central musical theme of the current tour. The release entered the top 100 of the US Billboard 200 chart, marking a new achievement in XG's discography. The album contains ten tracks, including "GALA", "ROCK THE BOAT", "TAKE MY BREATH", "NO GOOD", "HYPNOTIZE", "UP NOW", "4 SEASONS" and "PS118".
The album's title refers to the very core of the group's identity. The songs do not follow a single production formula: some emphasize dance rhythms, others focus on rap performances, while still others highlight harmonies and a softer vocal expression. As a result, the album provides a broad foundation for the concert's dramatic structure, allowing energetic sections to alternate with more melodic passages.
"H YPNOTIZE" is not only one of the album's important songs but also its lead single. Its production draws on house rhythms, piano motifs and a dreamy electronic atmosphere. Compared with the more aggressive sound of "WOKE UP", it represents a different side of XG, shifting the emphasis toward dance and melody.
"ROCK THE BOAT" and "GALA" further expand the range of the current repertoire, while "NO GOOD" demonstrates how the group continues developing its performance style following its initial international successes. This diversity is particularly interesting in a concert setting because it allows changes in rhythm and performance focus without abandoning the group's recognizable sound.
XG has also announced the single "DEPENDS", scheduled for release on November 6, 2026. This makes it clear that the current concert phase does not mark the end of the album's promotional cycle. However, there is currently no confirmation that this unreleased song will be performed in Taipei.
Which songs could define XG's concert in Taipei?
The Taipei Arena announcement explicitly highlights "LEFT RIGHT", "WOKE UP", "HYPNOTIZE" and "ROCK THE BOAT" as songs associated with the current tour program. They represent different stages of the group's musical development, from earlier internationally recognized singles to material from the album "THE CORE - 核".
"LEFT RIGHT" offers a rhythmic R&B and pop sound built around melody and a lighter groove. "WOKE UP" represents the group's harder hip-hop side, featuring prominent rap sections and a more intense rhythm. "HYPNOTIZE" introduces electronic dance music, while "ROCK THE BOAT" belongs to the newer repertoire that has become the foundation of the second world tour.
An insight into previous concerts comes from the performance held on September 5, 2026, at Adidas Arena in Paris. According to setlist.fm records, XG opened that concert with "GALA" and also performed "MASCARA", "SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT", "PUPPET SHOW", "GRL GVNG", "HOWLING", "IYKYK", "TAKE MY BREATH" and other songs throughout the evening. The closing section included "SHOOTING STAR", "MILLION PLACES", "NEW DANCE" and "LEFT RIGHT".
The Paris performance demonstrates that the tour was not conceived exclusively as a presentation of the new album. Older songs retain an important place in the program, making the concert appealing to audiences who have followed XG since the beginning of its career. At the same time, this repertoire provides enough material for visitors attending their first XG performance to become familiar with the group.
The sequence mentioned above refers to a previous concert and does not represent a confirmed setlist for Taipei. Song selections, their duration and running order may change between performances.
Choreography, rap and visual production at the heart of the live experience
XG's concerts rely on a strong connection between music and movement. Rap sections often receive a more powerful choreographic emphasis, while melodic passages provide more room for vocal harmonies. This alternation distinguishes individual songs and gives the performance a rhythm that is not based solely on a succession of hits.
At the London concert held on September 2, 2026, at OVO Arena Wembley, the opening visual sequence with its futuristic aesthetic attracted particular attention. According to a concert review by DAVIDE K-POP, the group opened the performance with an impressive video and the song "GALA", accompanied by costumes, lighting and dance movements that matched the concept of the new tour.
The Paris concert also demonstrated the distinction between individual rap and vocal performances. "PS118" was performed by JURIN, HARVEY, MAYA and COCONA, while "4 SEASONS" was performed by CHISA, HINATA and JURIA. Such sections of the program allow audiences to become better acquainted with the different performance qualities of the group's members.
Not all stage effects, costumes or production details have been individually confirmed for the Taipei concert. Nevertheless, the experiences from London and Paris demonstrate the performance approach XG has developed during the "THE CORE" tour.
The concert is particularly attractive to fans of modern R&B, hip-hop and dance-pop, as well as audiences interested in choreography, stage design and contemporary Asian popular music. For longtime fans, comparing this tour with the previous one will be important, while the combination of different styles offers newcomers a broad overview of the group's musical identity.
Taipei Arena: a larger venue and a different concert experience
Taipei Arena is located in the city's Songshan District, at 2, Section 4, Nanjing East Road. It is a multipurpose indoor arena that opened on December 1, 2005, built on the site of the former municipal baseball stadium.
The arena was designed for sporting competitions, concerts and other major events. Its seating areas can be adapted to different stage layouts, meaning the number of available seats is not the same for every event. In sports configurations, the capacity is approximately 15,000 seats, while concert layouts depend on the position of the stage, production equipment and which sections of the audience seating remain open.
For XG's audience, seat location is particularly important because of the choreography and visual elements. Seats closer to the stage make it easier to follow performers' facial expressions and individual movements. Central seating sections can provide a wider view of formations involving all the members, while more distant positions offer a different perspective on the lighting and overall stage layout.
The acoustic experience also depends on seat location, the sound system and the specific concert configuration. An enclosed venue allows more controlled conditions than an outdoor stage, but it does not guarantee identical sound quality throughout the audience seating areas.
When choosing tickets, it is therefore useful to check the seating sections and stage position specifically for this concert rather than relying solely on Taipei Arena's general seating plan.
Getting to Taipei Arena and parking
The arena is well connected to Taipei's public transport network. The easiest option for most visitors is the MRT metro system, especially because traffic on surrounding roads increases during major concerts.
Taipei Arena station is located on the green Songshan-Xindian Line, and the arena management recommends Exit 2 for arriving visitors. The station carries the code G17. Passengers traveling from other parts of the city can transfer from other metro lines, depending on their starting point.
Essential arrival information:
- Arena address: 2, Section 4, Nanjing East Road, Songshan District, Taipei.
- Metro: green Songshan-Xindian Line, Taipei Arena station (G17), Exit 2.
- Bus: the intersections around Nanjing East Road and Dunhua North Road are served by numerous city bus routes, including 33, 262, 275 and 307.
- Car: Taipei Arena's underground parking garage is located on level B2, with access from the direction of Dunhua Road.
- Additional parking facilities: available near Taipei Municipal Stadium, Taipei Gymnasium and Songshan Sports Center, subject to available spaces.
Visitors arriving by car are advised to allow extra time for traffic and finding a parking space. The arena itself warns that surrounding roads and pedestrian areas become significantly busier during major events.
Those visiting Taipei for the first time should also plan their return route in advance. After the concert ends, several thousand visitors may head toward the metro, taxis and bus stops simultaneously. Spending a short time in the area around the arena may be more practical than attempting to enter the largest crowds immediately.
Doors opening, expected finishing time and entry rules
The announced starting time for XG's concert at Taipei Arena is 19:30, with audience admission scheduled from 18:30. Arena management lists 21:10 as the expected finishing time. This information represents the planned event schedule and may change depending on how the performance actually unfolds.
Arriving before the doors open is especially practical for visitors who need to find a specific entrance, check their seating section or pass through security screening. Holders of standard tickets should follow the instructions for their designated sections, while VIP package holders should separately check the applicable conditions and any additional admission times.
Taipei Arena has rules of conduct that apply during concerts. Eating and drinking are not permitted in the audience seating areas, and photography as well as audio and video recording are prohibited without the organizer's permission. Dangerous and flammable items are also prohibited.
A particularly important rule states that spectators on the second and third tiers of the stands are not allowed to stand up during performances. Arena management also prohibits jumping during events due to audience safety and conditions in the surrounding area. Children shorter than 110 centimeters are not permitted to enter the third tier of the audience seating.
Visitors should check the conditions of their tickets and any additional concert instructions in advance, particularly regarding permitted items, luggage and special admission arrangements. The arena's general rules do not necessarily mean that every detail is identical for every event.
Concert merchandise and information for XG fans
Merchandise sales for the Taipei performance have been confirmed at a separate sales location near North Entrance No. 4 at Taipei Arena. According to XG's announcement, sales are scheduled to begin at 12:00, well before the arena doors open for the concert itself. No merchandise sales are planned after the performance ends.
Cash and local bank transfers are listed as payment methods, with a note that available options may depend on conditions at the location. Visitors planning to purchase merchandise are advised to bring cash in New Taiwan dollars.
The availability of individual products may vary between concert cities. It is therefore impossible to guarantee in advance that every item from the tour collection will be available in Taipei.
XG has also announced that the Bluetooth wireless lighting control function of the "XG OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK Ver.1" will not be used at the performances covered by this announcement, including Taipei. Visitors who already own this fan accessory should distinguish between its normal functionality and synchronized effects during the concert.
Taipei as a concert destination and places to visit nearby
Taipei is one of East Asia's major urban centers, with a developed metro network, diverse cuisine and numerous cultural attractions. For international visitors attending the concert, one of its advantages is the ability to travel around the city without a car, using a simple combination of the metro and walking.
Taipei Arena is located in a densely built-up part of Songshan District, an area containing office buildings, shops, restaurants and cafés. Visitors wishing to eat something before the concert can explore the streets around Nanjing East Road, while allowing enough time to enter the arena.
For a longer stay, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is an interesting destination. This cultural space was created through the conversion of a former industrial complex. According to the city's tourism information, it is located approximately 1.4 kilometers from Taipei Arena. The site is known for design-related attractions, exhibitions and creative shops, making it a possible addition to a daytime itinerary before the evening performance.
Another well-known evening destination in the district is Raohe Street Night Market, offering Taiwanese street food, including pepper buns, noodles and various dishes prepared at market stalls. It can be reached via the green metro line toward Songshan station, and according to city tourism information, the market is open every evening.
Concert visitors traveling from other cities or countries should remember that all published times for the concert, doors opening and merchandise sales refer to local time in Taipei. A single-day ticket applies to the performance on October 17, not to other dates on the tour.
Why the Taipei performance is an important stage of THE CORE tour
The Taipei concert follows performances in Asia and Europe and comes immediately after the Australian part of the schedule, which includes announced shows in Melbourne and Sydney. The second world tour began in Japan in February 2026 and expanded to various international markets throughout the year.
Taipei occupies a special place in this schedule because it marks a return to a city where the group had already enjoyed a successful performance on its first tour. Moving from the Taipei International Convention Center to Taipei Arena creates a different relationship between performers and audiences while providing room for a larger concert production.
For fans who saw XG in 2024, this is an opportunity to compare two phases of the group's career. The new tour brings music from the first studio album, experience gained on major international stages and a more developed catalog of songs. For visitors only now discovering the group, the performance offers an overview of material ranging from earlier singles to the album "THE CORE - 核".
When selecting tickets, it is worth considering the seating layout, availability of individual sections and arrival time. Visitors traveling to Taipei are advised to coordinate their transport and accommodation with the announced start and planned finish of the program.
Sources:
- XG (xgalx.com/en/xg/profile/) - group members, debut single, history of world tours, international performances and album achievements.
- XG (xgalx.com/en/xg/news/detail.php?id=1130382) - release date, concept and track listing of the album "THE CORE - 核".
- XG (xgalx.com/en/xg/news/detail.php?id=1135971) - announcement of the single "DEPENDS".
- XG (xgalx.com/en/xg/news/detail.php?id=1134785) - merchandise sales and payment conditions at the Taipei concert.
- Taipei Arena (arena.taipei) - announcement of XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE, the group's return to Taipei, performance starting time, doors opening and expected finishing time.
- Taipei Arena (english.arena.taipei) - capacity, arena history, transport connections, parking and rules of conduct.
- setlist.fm (setlist.fm/setlist/xg/2026/adidas-arena-paris-france-23757437.html) - documented repertoire of XG's Paris concert on September 5, 2026.
- DAVIDE K-POP (davidekpop.com) - review of the London concert on THE CORE tour, stage performance and visual production.
- Taipei Travel (travel.taipei) - information about Taipei Arena, nearby cultural attractions and Raohe Street Night Market.