MSG Entertainment is reportedly planning a Sphere-style music venue for K-pop performances in Hanam, South Korea.
Via Dezeen, MSG has signed a memorandum of understanding with the city of Hanam, which is located east of Seoul.
According to the Korea Economic Daily, Asia’s first Sphere could be part of the planned 900,000-square-metre K-Star World entertainment destination in Hanam.
David Stern, vice chairman of MSG Entertainment, visited Hanam in May 2023 to discuss a construction plan. A Hanam city official said the establishment of K-Star World and the Sphere is expected to take three to four years.
Mayor Lee Hyun-jae told the Korea Economic Daily in an interview: “If Hanam attracts Asia’s first MSG Sphere, it will be an opportunity for Korea’s entertainment industry to take a quantum leap in attracting huge overseas investment and tourists.”
K-Star World is estimated to cost around 2.5 trillion won ($1.9 billion). Building the Sphere will cost an additional 3 trillion won ($2.2 billion). One-third of this would be financed by MSG, the city official said.
Korea JoongAng Daily reports that Sphere Entertainment hopes to start building the site in 2025. The publication said the attraction would be 120 metres high, making it the world’s tallest Sphere.
World’s tallest Sphere planned for Hanam
The first Sphere opened in Las Vegas in late September with a U2 residency. Designed by stadium specialist Populous, it is the world’s largest spherical structure.
The state-of-the-art entertainment destination is home to immersive experiences, performances, competitions, and productions by Hollywood directors.
London’s mayor Sadiq Khan later rejected plans for a second Sphere beside the Olympic park in Stratford.
“While we are disappointed in London’s decision, there are many forward-thinking cities that are eager to bring this technology to their communities,” said a spokesperson for Sphere Entertainment. “We will concentrate on those.”
Images courtesy of Sphere Entertainment
