K-Pop Pioneer Rain Sets Three-City North American Encore Tour

K-pop superstar Rain is set to return to North America in 2025 with his encore tour, Still Raining: Encore, bringing his electrifying stage presence to audiences in three major cities. The tour, produced by Infinite Prospects Entertainment—the same team behind his previous U.S. concerts and recent G-Dragon productions—will highlight his greatest hits and iconic dance routines, reinforcing his reputation as a dynamic and enduring live performer.

The encore dates begin on November 23 in New York, continue in Los Angeles on November 26, and conclude in Atlanta on November 29. These shows follow Rain’s successful 2023 U.S. comeback after a 16-year hiatus, which included sold-out performances in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. According to music industry expert Soo-min Lee, “Rain’s ability to draw both longtime fans and new listeners reflects a broader trend of veteran K-pop acts expanding their global footprint through nostalgia-driven yet contemporary productions.”

Attendees can expect a setlist similar to Rain’s recent Asian tour, blending classics like “It’s Raining” and “Rainism” with reimagined covers of songs by artists such as NewJeans and Bruno Mars. This approach not only pays tribute to his own influential catalog but also demonstrates his ongoing artistic evolution and connection to current musical trends.

Rain, born Jung Ji-hoon, debuted in 2002 with the single “Bad Guy” and quickly became a defining figure in K-pop. His 2004 album “It’s Raining” was a commercial milestone, selling over a million copies and playing a key role in popularizing K-pop across Asia. His leading role in the widely loved drama “Full House” (2004) further elevated his profile, making him one of the region’s most recognizable stars. In 2006, Rain made history as one of the first K-pop artists to sell out New York’s Madison Square Garden, a landmark moment that foreshadowed the genre’s global expansion.

After fulfilling mandatory military service in 2012, Rain resumed his career with notable roles in Hollywood films like “Ninja Assassin” and continued releasing music. His 2020 collaboration with J.Y. Park, “Switch To Me,” became a viral success, highlighting his lasting appeal. Widely regarded as a pioneer of the Hallyu Wave, Rain’s early achievements helped pave the way for K-pop’s current worldwide influence, securing his legacy as a groundbreaking artist.