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Dyani R.  Credit: Dyani R. For anyone still catching up, STAYC is a six-member K-pop girl group under High Up Entertainment, known for their refreshing mix of bright pop, flawless harmonies, and confident energy. Since their 2020 debut with “SO BAD,” the group has built a reputation for strong live vocals and a sound that blends fun with finesse. Their Boston stop at MGM Music Hall at Fenway on October 18, 2025, as part of their “2025 STAYC TOUR [STAY TUNED], proved exactly why they’re one of the most exciting acts in K-pop right now. The energy inside MGM Music Hall was electric even before showtime. Fans flooded in dressed in amazing outfits, clutching lightsticks and homemade banners. When the screens lit up and the intro video rolled, the crowd’s anticipation turned into a roar. The members burst onto the stage with “BEBE” and “1 Thing,” followed by a sparkling performance of “Poppy.” Right from the start, the girls made it clear, this wasn’t going to be a show full of backing tracks and perfect playback. Their live vocals were front and center, powerful and clear, and they didn’t miss a note even through heavy choreography.  Credit: Dyani R. STAYC balanced their setlist beautifully, enough of their biggest hits for casual fans to sing along, and just enough B-sides and sub-unit songs for longtime listeners to lose their minds over. Of course, when “RUN2U,” “ASAP,” and “Bubble” hit, the whole venue practically vibrated. The group’s stage chemistry was undeniable — they moved as one, smiled through every beat, and made performing look as natural as breathing. The finale, “SO BAD,” brought the night full circle. As the crowd sang along, it felt like a moment of connection between the group’s debut and how far they’ve come in just five years. Beyond the tight choreography and strong vocals, what really elevated the show was the genuine interaction between STAYC and their fans. Between songs, the members chatted playfully — asking if anyone in the crowd went to Harvard (“Really? Harvard?” they laughed), trying to pronounce “Fenway,” and raving about wanting to try Boston lobster rolls and cannolis. During “Trouble Maker,” they gifted a lucky fan a GoPro for the duration of the song. The girls filmed the crowd, laughing mid-chorus and posing for fan cams. Later, during the encore, they walked around the floor, waving, taking selfies, and giving high-fives. Vocally, they were flawless. Sieun’s powerhouse runs, Yoon’s clear tone, and J’s confident stage presence blended seamlessly with Isa, Sumin, and Seeun, who each brought distinct flavors to the mix. After the final note of “SO BAD,” the crowd wasn’t ready to say goodbye. The chants of “STAYC! STAYC!” shook the venue until the girls reappeared, smiling from ear to ear. They closed the night with “Stay WITH Me,” a heartfelt thank-you to fans, surrounded by confetti and glowing lights. It was a beautiful, sincere ending, the kind that leaves your heart full and your throat sore from singing along. STAYC’s Boston stop was pure proof that they’re no longer the bright rookies of 2021, they’re confident, well-rounded performers with the stage presence of seasoned pros. Their mix of vocal talent, personality, and connection with fans made this one of the most refreshing K-pop concerts Boston has seen all year.  Credit: Dyani R.
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Brittney H.  Credit: Brittney H. K-Pop group P1Harmony landed back in the Los Angeles (Inglewood) area on October 18th for their second to last US stop of their Most Wanted tour. For those who aren’t familiar with the group, P1Harmony debuted in October 2020 under FNC Entertainment with 6 members - Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul and Jongseob. While doing a show in LA isn’t their first rodeo, this tour happened to be their very first show at the Intuit Dome and it was everything you could possibly dream of. As soon as you pulled up to the venue, you were met with hundreds of fans taking photos of the tour billboards, their purple & silver themed outfits, creating exciting tik-toks and of course everyone’s favorite part of a kpop show - handing out freebies. Every corner you turned another P1ece (P1Harmony’s devoted fandom) was handing you a fanmade photocard, bracelet or an adorable member based pin to wear. With the LA show being so close to the end of the tour, you could tell that everyone was beyond ready for the night to begin. Opening up the show with their fun and light-hearted energy was AMPERS&ONE, a 7 member group also under FNC Entertainment, a.k.a. P1Harmony’s “little brothers”. While their set only consisted of 4 songs, each member made sure to hype up the crowd as best as they could and introduce everyone to their music if they weren’t already a fan.  Credit: Brittney H. Not too long after, the lights began to dim and that familiar feeling of excitement and anticipation began. The show started off with a VCR of P1Harmony, feeding into the tour’s “futuristic” theme and storyline. With no time to prepare, the show began with a bang (literally) and all 6 members of P1Harmony rose up from the floor to begin with “Black Hole”. Following with “End It”, “Look At Me Now” and “Breakthrough”, you could tell that P1Harmony were not here to mess around and wanted to show their fans, new and old, that this tour is going to be one for the books. One thing to note is how amazing the production is this time around. With so many different lighting designs, pyro effects, fog and fire - the crowd was nothing but shocked and continued to keep everyone’s eyes on them the entire night.
P1Harmony decided to bring back member solo stages again for this tour, and they were nothing short of mesmerizing. The performances started off with Jiung, who did his own rendition of “Uptown Funk”. Down to the choreography and outfits, he was completely in the zone and enjoying every single second. Next was everyone’s favorite leader Keeho, who did his high energy cover of “Phresh Off The Runway”, making sure to wear his favorite sunglasses he bought in Atlanta. Soul showed off his new and fresh dancing techniques with a self-choreographed performance, while Intak strutted out on stage with his own vibe to “Good Kisser”. Jongseob and Theo gave the audience more chances to participate in the show with their covers of “Sticky” and “What’s Up” (which definitely brought me back to my childhood). As the show moved through various sections and performances, it was clear that P1Harmony have fallen even more in love with performing and showing their love to fans all across the US and the world. The group itself has always expressed to their fans and everyone else that their tours and the preparation behind them are no joke, and always aim to show their appreciation for everyone that comes out to see them, no matter when they got into the group. Towards the ending of the show, P1Harmony took a small section of time to talk about their newly released English album, “EX” - which has since debuted on the Billboard 200 chart at No.9, marking the group’s first ever top 10. Performing “Stupid Brain”, “EX” and “Dancing Queen”, each song represents the members individually and gives them their own point to shine. Before heading off the stage and starting their ever loved encore performances, Jiung took a moment to pour his heart out to the LA crowd, amazed at how many people come out to show their support for him and the members each and every time. Promising to come back to Los Angeles each and every time, he thanked every single person in the crowd for being his hero and saving his life - leaving many fans teary eyed and warm hearted. As the encore ended and the boys said their goodbyes, it left the crowd excited for what is in store in the future. As someone who has been a fan and supporting P1Harmony since their debut in 2020 and has attended every tour, watching them grow into such amazing superstars has been nothing but amazing. From watching them perform in small theater sized venues to large-scale arenas, it’s truly wonderful to see how much they have grown in the last 5 years. I wish P1Harmony nothing but happiness, success and great health on the rest of their North American tour, heading into their Europe and LATAM tour this fall and in January 2026. Not too long after, the lights began to dim and that familiar feeling of excitement and anticipation began. The show started off with a VCR of P1Harmony, feeding into the tour’s “futuristic” theme and storyline. With no time to prepare, the show began with a bang (literally) and all 6 members of P1Harmony rose up from the floor to begin with “Black Hole”. Following with “End It”, “Look At Me Now” and “Breakthrough”, you could tell that P1Harmony were not here to mess around and wanted to show their fans, new and old, that this tour is going to be one for the books. One thing to note is how amazing the production is this time around. With so many different lighting designs, pyro effects, fog and fire - the crowd was nothing but shocked and continued to keep everyone’s eyes on them the entire night. P1Harmony decided to bring back member solo stages again for this tour, and they were nothing short of mesmerizing. The performances started off with Jiung, who did his own rendition of “Uptown Funk”. Down to the choreography and outfits, he was completely in the zone and enjoying every single second. Next was everyone’s favorite leader Keeho, who did his high energy cover of “Phresh Off The Runway”, making sure to wear his favorite sunglasses he bought in Atlanta. Soul showed off his new and fresh dancing techniques with a self-choreographed performance, while Intak strutted out on stage with his own vibe to “Good Kisser”. Jongseob and Theo gave the audience more chances to participate in the show with their covers of “Sticky” and “What’s Up” (which definitely brought me back to my childhood). As the show moved through various sections and performances, it was clear that P1Harmony have fallen even more in love with performing and showing their love to fans all across the US and the world. The group itself has always expressed to their fans and everyone else that their tours and the preparation behind them are no joke, and always aim to show their appreciation for everyone that comes out to see them, no matter when they got into the group. Towards the ending of the show, P1Harmony took a small section of time to talk about their newly released English album, “EX” - which has since debuted on the Billboard 200 chart at No.9, marking the group’s first ever top 10. Performing “Stupid Brain”, “EX” and “Dancing Queen”, each song represents the members individually and gives them their own point to shine. Before heading off the stage and starting their ever loved encore performances, Jiung took a moment to pour his heart out to the LA crowd, amazed at how many people come out to show their support for him and the members each and every time. Promising to come back to Los Angeles each and every time, he thanked every single person in the crowd for being his hero and saving his life - leaving many fans teary eyed and warm hearted. As the encore ended and the boys said their goodbyes, it left the crowd excited for what is in store in the future. As someone who has been a fan and supporting P1Harmony since their debut in 2020 and has attended every tour, watching them grow into such amazing superstars has been nothing but amazing. From watching them perform in small theater sized venues to large-scale arenas, it’s truly wonderful to see how much they have grown in the last 5 years. We wish P1Harmony nothing but happiness, success and great health on the rest of their North American tour, heading into their Europe and LATAM tour this fall and in January 2026. [Mini Interview] Kevin and Kang-Min on Impact of Music and Emotions in ‘My Bias is Showing!’10/15/2025 Maria T.  Credit: IPQ Popular webtoon by Nabit and Eol My Bias Is Showing?! Has finally made its onscreen adaption debut with Omega X member Kevin and actor Kim Kang Min. With its witty humor and raw detailing of idol culture, the drama also showcases what can occur when you suddenly start a budding romance with your favorite idol. Kevin’s character Na Ae-joon, a school teacher, shows up for work unaware that his favorite member from group A-One Si-yeol (Kim Kang-Min) is preparing to become his “co-teacher” for a tv show filming at the school’s location. Si-yeol, immediately taking a liking to Ae-joon, is just the start of their complicated relationship as Ae-joon tries to hide his bias, and Si-yeol conceals some secrets of his own. As we get to see this compelling dynamic bloom into something real and raw, we also get to witness the complex detailing of idol culture, music, and the unfiltered detailing of what falling in love feels like when you have found the one. Whether it be the confusion, anger, or pure blissfulness of a moment, the drama tells it all through its music score and the acting of the two leads.  Credit: IPQ While chatting with Kang-min and Kevin just before the release of episode 7, we asked what it was like balancing both the humor and tension of the drama, as well as how the musical components of the series influenced them along the way.
“The series has great comedic timing, but there are also heavier moments—like the tension we see in episode 7. Was it challenging to balance the humor with the more serious parts of the story?” Kang-min: “Our job as actors is to deliver and convey those emotions in a scene so that audiences may feel and see them too. So rather than saying that conveying certain emotions was difficult or easy, I would say that there's a certain flow to the emotions in each scene, from the beginning to the end of the drama, that we were aware of from the script reading. Interpreting each flow of emotions as the character we are playing, and finding a natural way to express these emotions with each other were our main focus. So, I don't think there was a time where I felt that it was challenging or overwhelming to balance these different aspects of the story.” “Throughout the series, Ae-joon finds comfort in the songs and lyrics Si-yeol creates. How did the musical elements of the drama influence the way you approached your characters and the overall story, especially given its focus on idol life?” Kevin: “There's a scene where Ae-joon really expresses his love for Si-yeol. Ae-joon's lines in that scene move Si-yeol, and start to make him change his mind about Ae-joon. Each line in that scene are actually things my fans have said to me too: "This is the message we wanted to say to you." I think those lines are also what Ae-joon really wanted to express to Si-yeol, and even watching Si-yeol's emotions changing because of these words also made me feel a certain way in the most unexpected way.” Not shying away from the difficult conversations, My Bias Is Showing displays a great deal of the softness of falling in love, but also the impacts one can feel when not everything falls into place. In moments where vulnerability and honesty shine through we see the reflection and impact it has on the other, showcasing how important those aspects are in a blooming relationship. Ae-joon and Si-yeol’s relationship goes far beyond just idol and fan in this love story. Through both of their experiences we as an audience get to see what real love is and what’s just potential obsession over what could be, in all aspects. As Kang-Min furthers his career as an actor well-versed in all genres looking forward to more love in his future projects, Kevin continues as a member of Omega X while continuing to learn different aspects of the acting world. All episodes of My Bias Is Showing are now streaming on iQIYI and GagaOLala. Dyani R.  Credit: Dyani R. On September 11th, Korean hip-hop artist Ash Island took the stage at The Royale in Boston for the first time as part of his 2025 world tour, Voice Memo: Black Rose. With eight U.S. stops on the tour, Ash Island created lasting memories with fans in every city, and Boston was no exception. The night began with an intimate soundcheck, where select fans got a sneak peek of songs before the venue filled up. Ash Island used the time to sign albums and chat casually with fans about the city and the show, making the experience feel even more personal. Once the doors opened, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Fans rushed to secure their spots, while others mingled and shared their anticipation. It didn’t take long for the moment everyone was waiting for—Ash Island stepping onto the stage. He kicked off the night with “Drop Top,” “A STAR IS BORN,” and “U Know It,” immediately setting the tone. Blending smooth R&B beats with his effortless shifts between rap and vocals, Ash Island showed from the start that the night would be defined by his undeniable talent.  Credit: Dyani R. After a few songs, he paused to connect with the crowd, asking what he should do while in Boston and expressing how grateful he was to visit the city for the first time. He then dove back into his set, performing fan favorites alongside tracks from his latest release, Voice Memo. As the show progressed, the energy only grew stronger. The vibe shifted as Ash Island delivered harder-hitting tracks like “BAND,” “PARANOID,” and “BEER,” originally collaborations with fellow artists from the Ambition label. It was a treat to see him take on his label-mates’ verses, showcasing both versatility and stage presence. After nearly two hours, Ash Island shared the bittersweet news that the night was coming to an end. He gathered fans for a group photo, performed his final song, and said his heartfelt goodbyes to the Boston crowd. With his first U.S. tour now wrapped, The B.E.L.U. Lineup congratulates Ash Island on this milestone and looks forward to what’s next in his journey.  Credit: Dyani R. [Mini Interview] From Omega X to OX:N: A Sub-Unit’s Journey of Musical Exploration and Identity7/25/2025 Dyani R.  Credit: IPQ “Feel-good guys” is how Yechan describes the four-member sub-unit OX:N. Formed from the K-pop boy group Omega X, OX:N consists of members Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, and Yechan. The group has explained that the unit’s concept centers around symbolism, maturity, and musical exploration. OX:N debuted on June 20 with their first EP, N. The five-track EP showcases their ability to seamlessly transition between genres. The members sat down to discuss their debut, the experience of making music as a sub-unit, and their group identity. *Questions asked by other publications ; answers have been modified for clarity “If you could describe OX:N’s identity in three words, what would they be and why?” Yechan: “ I’ll say one thing. Feel good guys.” Xen: “FGG…Does anyone have other ideas?” Jaehan: “He already gave a good answer.” Xen: “I’ll say… What was it? Nice face Xen” “As a smaller unit, do you feel a stronger sense of creative freedom or responsibility?” Jaehan: “I feel a stronger sense of responsibility. When we had 11 members, there was this subtle feeling that someone else would cover a certain part if I didn't. But now that it's just the four of us in OX:N, it's more like, "if I don’t do it, no one else will." That shift has made me take more responsibility, and I think that mindset pushes us in a better direction.” Xen: “I actually feel a stronger sense of creative freedom. When there were 11 of us, I had to convince 10 other people to get on board with my ideas. But now, ok only need to persuade three, so I think I’ve gained more freedom to try things I’ve always wanted to do in this new environment.” “Some tracks on ‘N’ embraced the retro sound. Who shaped your music taste and inspired you when you were younger?”* Yechan: “When I was younger. I was really into Maroon 5’s music. I grew up listening to their album, Songs About Jane, which features “This Love” Xen: “A band just popped into my head. Do you know Muse? Their song “Time is Running Out” suddenly came to mind.” Jehyun: “Rain, a Korean singer, was someone I really looked up to growing up. Watching him as a kid left a strong impression on me, and I felt a deep sense of respect for him.” Jaehan: “I'll go back to what Xen said because I also agree with him. When I first started a band back in middle school, the first song we played was Muse's "Time Is Running Out." Rock has consistently been my favorite style of music, and I feel like Muse was the band that made rock more approachable and accessible for me” “This is the first sub-unit of Omega X. How does it feel to be in a smaller group, and what are the positive and challenging aspects of this situation.”* Yechan: “One of the strengths is that when we're moving or waiting, everything takes about half the time compared to when we're moving as an 11-member group. We can also use our energy more efficiently. But one of the challenges we always think about during performances is how to fill the stage with just four members. We constantly think about ways to make our performances feel full and powerful with fewer people.” “What do you hope to show to the public, your fans, and even to yourselves through this unit?”* Yechan: “As mentioned earlier, we want to show everyone the FGG, "feel good guys," side of us. Over the past half year, there weren't many chances to meet our fans, and now that our album is out and we have finally started seeing them. I think there might have been moments where fans felt a bit of longing or disappointment, so moving forward, we want to make sure there's none of that. We'll do our best to make everything we do feel like the most exciting and fulfilling part of the day, like having a favorite hobby. We want to be artists who always bring joy and satisfaction through performances.” With their debut EP N, OX:N introduces a fresh chapter not only for themselves but also for the evolving sound of Omega X. By embracing symbolism, maturity, and genre versatility, the sub-unit sets a distinct tone that separates them while staying true to their roots. As Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, and Yechan continue to explore new musical landscapes together, OX:N is proving that sub-units can be more than just a side project—they can be a powerful expression of artistry in their own right.  Credit: IPQ Dyani R.  Credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT Looking for your next favorite Korean rock band? Look no further than the five-member band Catch The Young. Under EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT, Sani, Jungmo, Kihoon, Namhyun, and Junyong debuted in 2023 with their first mini-album, Catch The Young: Fragments of Youth. Since then, the band has been steadily building on their success, producing outstanding musical projects and gracing the stages of multiple music festivals throughout South Korea. The B.E.L.U. lineup had the opportunity to sit down with the group to chat about their most recent release, "이상형 (Ideal Type)," reflect on their growth since debut, and discuss where they see themselves in the future. *Questions asked by other publications ; answers have been modified for clarity. “Congratulations on your comeback with ‘Ideal Type’. Since your debut in 2023 with ‘Fragments of Youth’ to your latest release, how has your creative sound evolved over the years?”* Sani: “We felt like our first release had a strong focus on showing who we are as a band and introducing our identity. But since then, we've been continuing to make music and perform live, and I think our sound is becoming more and more defined. I don't think I can say our first album or latest single is necessarily better than the other, but with every release, I do think our unique color and style are becoming clearer.” “Your new single "Ideal Type" has been described as breezy synth-rock with a touch of pop experimentation. Rock, historically, has evolved by absorbing diverse influences. For Catch The Young, what’s the intent behind blending pop and rock, as a rock band?”* Junyong: “Our motto as a band is to create music that can resonate with all generations. We’re blending rock elements that older generations can enjoy with pop elements that appeal to younger listeners to ultimately make music that brings different age groups together through sound that everyone can connect with.” “How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard about CATCH THE YOUNG?”* Kihoon: “If I were to describe our group, especially to people around our age, I’d say we’re a team that grows together, creating music that feels like youth. We want to make songs that, when you look back one day, feel like cherished memories. At the same time, we want to be a group that does music that moves forward into the future and can grow and journey with.” “You guys are set to perform at the 2025 Jeonju Ultimate Music Festival for the second year in a row, congratulations! Are there any preparations you are doing that differ from how you prepared for your festival appearance the first time?” Kihoon: “Last year, we performed at the festival too, and we felt like we were able to share our energy with a big crowd. But since we’re getting the chance to perform again this year, we’re working on putting together an even more polished and powerful performance.” “You guys recently performed at various university festivals for crowds that were around the same age as you, How was that experience?”* Namhyun: “Since the audience was around our age, I remember how we got drawn into their energy during the performance. It felt different from a festival. While festivals are more about showing our skills and band sound to the fullest, university festivals are more about having fun together and giving comfort to students who are tired from studying. So we approached it with a more relaxed and playful mindset, enjoying the moment with everyone.” “What is the biggest challenge while preparing for the festivals, any difference from performing on a broadcast stage?”* Sani: “At festivals, each team is given a set amount of stage time, and it’s important to stick to that for the teams before and after us to provide the audience the best experience. So I think one of the hardest parts is creating and rehearsing a set list that fits perfectly within the given timeframe. Something we always feel is that, especially for this festival, instead of just performing one song at a time, we want to create a flow that feels like you’re watching a short film with a story. The biggest difference from music shows would definitely be the live performance settings.” “We have new releases all the time in the industry. So in your opinion, what makes Catch The Young different from others?”* Jungmo: “Before talking about what sets Catch The Young apart individually, I’d like to talk about us as a K-band. One key difference between us and other bands is that we aim to create performances that are fun for both the eyes and the ears. From my knowledge and experience so far, most bands usually don’t incorporate performance or choreography into their live performances, but we do. By adding choreography, we’re able to create stages that are not only musically engaging but also visually exciting, which I think is what really makes us stand out.” “What are your hopes and goals for this single—both artistically and in terms of reaching new audiences?” Jungmo: “We think it’s great to have big dreams and goals, but at the same time, a dream without foundation can feel empty. That’s why we believe in building from the ground up. First, we want to make Catch The Young known here in Korea as a representative K-band. Once we’ve laid that foundation, our goal is to expand globally and become a team that shares our unique color with fans all around the world.” As Catch The Young continues to grow nationally as well as internationally, The B.E.L.U. Lineup team wishes them nothing but success for their future and we are excited to see their growth! Thank you to Catch The Young, Evermore Entertsinment, Helix Publicity, and our fellow publication teams.  Credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT Dyani R.  On a buzzing night at Racket NYC, rising 8-member Japanese boy group ONE OR EIGHT lit up the stage for their first-ever U.S. fan meeting, SHŪKAI. From the moment fans began filling the venue, excitement was in the air—conversations swirled about setlists and favorite songs, and the anticipation was palpable. As the lights dimmed and the group took the stage, the energy erupted. Opening with fan-favorite hits “Don’t Tell Nobody” and “KAWASAKI,” ONE OR EIGHT immediately set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Their synchronized choreography and commanding stage presence made it clear: these boys came ready to leave their mark. After the explosive start, the members took a moment to personally introduce themselves--Souma, Mizuki, Tsubasa, Reia, Ryota, Takeru, Yuga, and Neo—each bringing their unique charm to the spotlight. Following introductions, they briefly exited the stage, setting the scene for the next act: solo and unit performances. These sets offered fans a deeper look into the members’ individual talents, from sharp rap verses to emotionally resonant vocals and dynamic dance breaks.  What made SHŪKAI particularly special was its emphasis on fan interaction. This wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration. The group split into two teams, “Team Brooklyn” and “Team Yankees,” engaging in playful competitions including charades and a soccer juggling challenge. Laughter and cheers echoed throughout the venue, and by the end of the games, Team Brooklyn claimed the win. These moments of levity added a personal, heartfelt touch, allowing fans to connect with the members beyond the music. Midway through the evening, ONE OR EIGHT unveiled a sneak peek of their future sound with unreleased tracks like “My Lil Heart Attack” and “Day Ones.” The new songs were met with enthusiastic applause, a promising sign of what’s to come from this talented group. As the show neared its end, the full group reunited onstage to deliver more high-energy performances, closing out the night with a burst of emotion and power. During their final moments on stage, they took the time to wave, form hearts with their hands, and pose for photos—grateful, present, and fully engaged with the fans who supported them. With SHŪKAI, ONE OR EIGHT proved they are far more than just “the new kids on the block.” Their blend of musical range, authentic fan engagement, and magnetic stage presence paves the way for a bright future not only in Japan but on the global stage. And as anyone in attendance that night could tell you—this certainly won’t be the last time ONE OR EIGHT lights up a stage in the U.S.  Jennifer A.  On April 14th, 2025 the members of 8TURN enthusiastically hit the stage at The Plaza Live in Orlando. This would make it the third successful stop of their first world tour, ‘8TURNRISE’. Many fans excitedly stood in line wrapping the venue waiting to get in. As the show doors opened, fans had the opportunity to leave a handwritten note for the members of 8TURN. These were later randomly picked and read on stage by the members themselves! While conversing with a fan writing words of encouragement on her sticky note, she shared how excited she was to see 8TURN perform as she had been a fan since their debut in 2023. She also thought it was cool that they were able to make a stop visiting floridan fans as many K-pop groups usually do not have stops in Florida.  As the lights dimmed, eager screams filled the venue and a sea of lightsticks appeared in the air. The stage transformed into hues of red lights as the beginning notes of their song ‘WORLD’ started playing. Jaeyun, Myungho, Minho, Yoonsung, Haemin, Kyungmin, Yungyu, and Seungheon hit the stage slowly before breaking into sing and dance. Infectious smiles and high energies transpired through the whole night. Their setlist included other hit songs such as ‘RU-PUM PUM’, ‘EXCEL’, ‘SAY MY NAME’, ‘TIC TAC’, and ‘LEGGO’. The members interacted with fans in the audience often and partook in a couple activities on stage to make the night even more memorable for everyone. This included the members splitting into two groups and making fans scream the loudest for who they thought performed the best dance cover. They jokingly mentioned whoever won the dance challenge would get an extra hour of sleep as the other team would have to get up earlier to get ready at their next tour stop. The songs they danced for this challenge were ‘BOUNCY’ by K-pop group Ateez and ‘Angel Numbers/Ten Toes’ by Chris Brown.  As the show came to an end, all eight members gave fans the last surprise of the night as they stepped off the stage and into the crowd. They handed fans lollipops as they made their way up and down the isles singing. Staff followed all the members around to ensure everyone’s safety.
As I reflect on this night it was definitely one for the books! I along with the B.E.L.U. Team wish them luck on the rest of their tour and hope to see them back in Florida in the future! Lexy E.  The six-member K-pop boy group OnlyOneOf made a much-anticipated return to Texas as part of their “Our Only Odyssey” 2025 North America Tour. Taking the stage in Dallas, the group delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant performance for their devoted fanbase, known as lyOn. Kicking off the night with their high-energy track “dOpamine,” the group immediately set the tone—impressing with razor-sharp choreography and igniting a wave of deafening cheers that echoed throughout the venue. Known for their focus on themes of human connection, OnlyOneOf’s performance felt deeply personal. The crowd’s enthusiasm was matched by the members’ heartfelt comments, as they expressed how much they had missed performing and being reunited with their fans. That genuine bond between artist and audience was at the heart of the entire show. The group poured their all into every moment, delivering a performance that felt extremely polished and emotionally raw. Even from the back of the venue, it was clear just how much thought and effort went into every detail—from their coordinated denim-on-denim outfits adorned with glittering jewels to the way each movement on stage synced perfectly with the lyrics. Midway through the concert, the spotlight shifted to the individual members as they took the stage for their solo performances. Each solo was a standout moment, revealing the group’s versatility. Whether through dance-focused stages that showcased a fresh, more dynamic side of the members, or vocally driven ballads that highlighted their technical skill and emotive delivery, every performance added a new layer to the show’s depth. Later, as the group reunited for slower, more vocal-heavy songs, they demonstrated their vocal strength with harmonies that left a lasting impression.  OnlyOneOf’s passion for their craft was evident throughout the night. Regardless of where they were in the setlist or how exhausted they may have been from touring, they never let their energy waver. Their dedication extended beyond the music—interacting with fans through playful gestures, finger hearts, and waves, they made sure the crowd felt seen and appreciated. During the talking segments, their playful personalities took center stage, including a surprise comedic moment when a picket fan sign of member Rie made a cameo “appearance,” complete with the group giving it a voice and even having it “sing” along. Of course, no OnlyOneOf concert would be complete without a performance of their viral hit “libidO.” The moment the opening notes played, the energy in the room skyrocketed. The crowd erupted in cheers, lightsticks pulsing with excitement as fans sang and danced along. The choreography—frequently viral online—was performed flawlessly, even deep into the set. The group didn’t miss a beat, proving why the song continues to captivate audiences around the world.  As the show came to a close, the members embraced the local spirit by donning cowboy hats for their final goodbyes. It was a bittersweet moment—full of laughter, waves, and a shared sense that something special had just taken place. For both OnlyOneOf and their Dallas fans, it was a night that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Dyani R.  On April 15, Korean rock band ONEWE brought their signature sound and heartfelt energy to Boston with a sold-out performance at Sonia in Cambridge, marking a standout stop on their debut world tour, ‘O! NEW E!volution Ⅳ.’ Known for blending the raw energy of rock with the polish and emotional depth of K-pop, ONEWE proved themselves not only as skilled musicians but as powerful live performers who know how to connect with an audience. From the moment doors opened, the venue was buzzing. WEVE, official name for ONEWE’s fans, packed every corner of the intimate space, their excitement palpable. It was clear this show was more than just a concert—it was a moment fans had been waiting for, and the atmosphere reflected it. Sonia, beloved for its warm acoustics and up-close stage view, proved to be the perfect setting for such a highly anticipated night.  ONEWE didn’t keep the crowd waiting long. The band launched into their opening number with commanding presence and high energy, immediately drawing everyone in. Their setlist offered a comprehensive journey through their discography, including tracks from their latest album, ‘WE: Dream Chaser’, released just over a month earlier on March 5. Each song was performed with precision and passion, showcasing the band’s musical range and onstage chemistry. Lead vocalist Yonghoon’s powerful voice filled the venue with emotion, while Kanghyun's expressive guitar solos elevated each track with depth and artistry. Harin on drums and Giuk on bass delivered a tight, driving rhythm section, and multi-instrumentalist Dongmyeong brought both musical versatility and charm to the performance. Together, they created a sound that was both rich and intimate. As the concert progressed, the crowd’s energy only intensified. Fans waved lightsticks, sang along to every word, and responded to the band’s every gesture with enthusiasm. Proving that there was no language barrier when it came to their music. ONEWE clearly felt that energy and gave it back in kind, engaging with the audience throughout the night with gratitude and warmth. One particularly emotional highlight came midway through the set when the band paused to introduce a sentimental song. Speaking directly to the audience, they shared that even if fans couldn’t understand the Korean lyrics, they hoped the song would evoke thoughts of their parents. The moment struck a deep chord—especially for those who had brought family members along—and the band gave a heartfelt shoutout to the parents in attendance before beginning the performance. It was a simple gesture, but one that exemplified ONEWE’s ability to create meaningful, inclusive moments for all listeners.  By the time the final note rang out, it was clear the Boston stop had been more than just another city on the map—it was a milestone for both the band and their fans. The evening was a celebration of music, emotion, and connection. For many in the crowd, it wasn’t just about seeing ONEWE live; it was about being part of something bigger—a shared experience that will be remembered long after the tour has ended. As ONEWE continues their global journey, the response from the Boston audience underscores a larger truth: their music transcends borders, and their message—rooted in sincerity, passion, and artistry—resonates deeply across cultures. As ONEWE finishes out their first North American tour, it is evident that this will not be the last time they meet with US fans or bring their talents to the West.  |