The desert festival just got a serious dose of K-pop power. Coachella 2026 has officially unveiled its lineup, and three of the biggest names in Korean music are on the bill—Big Bang, Taemin of SHINee, and rookie girl group KATSEYE. The announcement, made on September 16, immediately sent fans into a frenzy online.
K-pop shines at Coachella
KATSEYE will kick things off on April 11 and 18, marking the girl group’s first-ever Coachella stage since debuting only a year ago. Taemin, the SHINee star who’s carved a strong solo career, is slated for April 12 and 19.
Then comes the heavy hitter—Big Bang. The legendary boy group will perform on April 13 and 20, making their long-awaited Coachella debut while celebrating a huge milestone: their 20th anniversary.
For longtime fans, it’s almost poetic. Big Bang had been scheduled to appear at Coachella 2020 before the pandemic wiped out the festival. Now, six years later, the group finally gets its moment.
A star-studded lineup
Of course, Coachella isn’t just about K-pop. The 2026 lineup also boasts international names like Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G, The xx, Anyma, and rising star Edison Rey.
Japanese performers like Fujii Kaze and Creepy Nuts will further highlight Asia's increasing prominence on international music stages.
Since its founding in 1999, Coachella has grown to become the biggest music festival in the United States, bringing more than 200,000 people to Indio, California, each year. The festival is well-known for its diverse lineup, which includes hip-hop, pop, rock, and EDM. Its acceptance of K-pop further solidifies the genre's popularity.
Also read: Coachella 2026: Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G and Anyma announced as headliners
Buzz around the world
Social media is already buzzing over the news, with "Big Bang at Coachella" trending in a matter of hours. Fans are calling it both a long-overdue return and a perfect anniversary gift.
For SHINee fans, Taemin's inclusion heightens the suspense, and KATSEYE's quick ascent demonstrates how quickly up-and-coming performers can make an impression at international festivals.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.