Waterbomb, a symbol of summer K-pop outdoor stages, returns in 2026. The Seoul performance will be held at the KINTEX Outdoor Stage from July 24th to 26th, 2026, and will subsequently continue in Busan, Sokcho, and other locations. This article summarizes key points to watch, focusing on girl group and female artist stages from the first lineup announcement.
Stages to Watch in the 1st Lineup
Below are the girl groups and female artists from the first lineup announcement. This lineup is based on the first announcement and may be subject to additions or changes, so please check official channels for the final list and daily appearances.
- Karina (aespa): Strengths include sharp group choreography and stage presence as a center. Her performance, with distinct moves even when wet, is particularly a hot topic on the Waterbomb stage. It becomes even more interesting when linked with aespa's activities in the same season.
- Kiss of Life: A team with good balance in vocals and performance, you can expect stages with a high proportion of live performances.
- Sunmi: A solo female artist with excellent stage presence and concept interpretation. She has many songs that are well-suited for summer outdoor stages.
- BIBI: With strong stage expressiveness, her presence is significant on open stages like Waterbomb.
- Lee Youngji: With rapper-based, energetic stages, a setlist that encourages sing-alongs is expected.
Note: Among the five above, 'girl groups' are Karina (aespa) and Kiss of Life, while Sunmi, BIBI, and Lee Youngji are classified as solo artists/rappers.
Things to Check Before Attending
- Daily Appearances: Who performs on which day between July 24th and 26th varies by session. Be sure to check the performance date before booking tickets.
- Waterproof Essentials: A waterproof phone case, spare clothes, a towel, and aqua shoes are practically essential.
- Venue: The Seoul performance is at KINTEX Outdoor. Public transport and parking congestion will be significant, so it's advisable to plan your travel route in advance.
Reasons why the Waterbomb stage is special for girl groups and why fancams become a hot topic every year are summarized in the permanent guide Waterbomb Stage — Girl Groups' Summer Sanctuary. For travel-related information such as schedule and tickets, please refer to the Waterbomb Comprehensive Guide. The lineup, sessions, and setlist may be subject to change, so we recommend always prioritizing official Waterbomb announcements for confirmed information.
