World tour that generally consisted of U.S. and European pop stars has now seemed to transition towards Asian market. Last year SM Entertainment's recording artists' joint performance 'SMTown Concert' successfully concluded in Paris, France. Also Cube Entertainment held a successful joint performance in London, UK and Latin American in Brazil. JYJ successfully concluded their solo concert in Spain, Germany as the first activities of the New Year.

Looking back in K-Pop history of Korea the term 'World Tour' was used from 2006 when singer Rain, real name Jung Ji Hoon, began his solo tour. Since six years ago now many things have changed. Compared to the past when first generation K-Pop top idol group 'H.O.T.' took 7 years to reach overseas, now a days it seems the fever is extraordinary. As K-Pop spreads out through SNS in North America, Europe, and Latin America the hallyu fans that fill up the concert venues are naturally being formed.

The growth seems to be more spectacular as we begin 2012. With the start of 2NE1 winning MTV Iggy's Best New Band in the World, Girls' Generation appearance on U.S. CBS 'Late Show with David Letterman' and ABC 'Live! With Kelly,' and many artists have announced world tour this year.

Let's look at the K-Pop artists who are holding world tour in 2012.

Big Bang launched their first world tour '2012 Big Bang Alive Tour' to 16 countries and 25 cities since their debut. The group made their comeback with the release of their fifth mini-album on February 29 and kicked off the tour in Seoul on March 2 the group will soon tour to Asia, North America, South America and Europe.

Big Bang's concert is to be promoted and produced by world experts. YG Entertainment joined together with Live Nation, the world's largest concert organizer who was worked with pop star Madonna, U2 and more. The main director of the tour is to be led by world renowned stage director Laurieann Gibson who has worked with Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, and Beyonce. The stage light design is led by Leroy Bennet who worked with Madonna, Bon Jovi, and Paul McCartney.

BEAST has recently wrapped up their performance 'Beautiful Show' in Germany and China. They will continue their world tour to 14 countries, 21 cities and 35 performances in Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, U.S. and Europe. Based on the successful concert in Brazil last year, they are expecting to perform in three countries in South America.

JYJ last year held the very first solo concert in Spain and Germany as the first Korean idol group. They are  to continue on their world tour in Chile and Peru on March 9 and 11. Also plans to hold further 'World Tour' during the second half of the year as well as individual plans for domestic and overseas activities.

Super Junior recently finished their world tour performance in Taiwan and Singapore will continue the fever to U.S., Europe and South America in the first half of the year.

KARA also kicked off their Asia tour 'KARASIA' in Seoul with their very first solo concert in Korea on February 18-19 at the Seoul Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium. The group will continue their Asia tour from April starting from 5 cities in Japan, and 6-7 countries in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and other Asian countries.