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Dyani Robles  We journeyed to Chicago, the windy city, for Bang Yongguk's second solo US tour. While chatting with fellow fans in line, it became evident that many had been waiting since the early hours of the morning, some even since three in the morning, showcasing their unwavering dedication to the artist. As the doors of the Avondale Music Hall swung open, fans eagerly secured their spots at the barricade and surrounding areas. Before the show commenced, attendees had the chance to pursue the merchandise booth offering a variety of items, from t-shirts to signed albums. The palpable anticipation among the fans reverberated throughout the venue as they eagerly awaited Yongguk's performance. Prior to his appearance, the DJ treated the crowd to a spirited medley of songs, further igniting the excitement. As the DJ's set concluded, it was finally time for the main event. Yongguk took the stage and launched into electrifying performances of "Off" and "Xie Xie," eliciting an explosive response from the crowd, matching his own fervor. Following the official introductions, Yongguk delved into tracks from his latest album, "3-EP," including "IXLU," "NUMB," "BUSS IT DOWN," and the title track, "MOVIMENTO." In a heartfelt moment, Yongguk paused to express his gratitude to the fans, emphasizing the importance of self-love. This sentiment resonated deeply with the audience. Throughout the night, Yongguk delivered a total of 17 songs, concluding with a thrilling encore. One notable aspect of the show was the audience's engagement, with many opting to live in the moment rather than record every second—a refreshing sight in today's digital age. We eagerly anticipate attending future Bang Yongguk events, as he continues to captivate audiences with his unparalleled artistry. 
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Dyani Robles  Credit: Evermore Entertainment Catch The Young is a South Korean alternative pop-rock boy band that debuted in 2023 with their first mini-album, “Catch The Young: Fragments of Youth”. Sani, Kihoon, Namhyun, Juyoung, and Jungmo all contribute their talents to produce the group’s music. The boys are back with their second mini-album, “Catch The Young: Fragments of Odyssey” which consists of seven songs with the title track “Voyager” which expresses the desire to live a harmonious life together even if each person is different from each other. The five-member boy band sat down to discuss their production process, their growth as a team, and their future. Check out our discussion with this amazingly talented group below: - Youth appears to be a recurring theme in your music. What advice or message would you offer your younger selves? Namhyun: When faced with choices, there were times when the fear of the unknown held me back. So I want to tell myself to be not afraid and make the choice. Jungmo: To my younger self, I would advise to simply enjoy youth. There’s a lot to learn and experience in innocence and playfulness, which shape who we become. Embracing those moments of play and enjoyment can teach valuable lessons and contribute to personal growth, so I would advise myself to spend more time playing and simply having fun. Sani: I would advise my younger delf to invest in bitcoin and start practicing vocal techniques early, taking advantage of the vocal chord structure before it changes during adolescence. Kihoon: I would also advise myself to invest in bitcoin. - As members deeply involved in the songwriting process, how do your individual life experiences influence the music you create? Kihoon: My songwriting process is influenced by my current thoughts and emotions, which I consider vital. Additionally, I delve into past emotions at various life stages, comparing how they’ve evolved, which shapes the essence of my songs. Namhyun: When I sing, I draw from the emotions I’ve experienced and cultivated since youth. Movies I’ve watched and conversations I’ve had serves as references, helping me immerse myself deeply into the song’s emotions. - What do you think is Catch The Young’s distinctive charm as a group, and what charms do each of you bring to the group? Namhyun: The unique charm of our group lies in our passion on stage, using head-mics and performing with all our heart. Our music, which embodies the youth-pop rock genre, resonates with universal experiences of youth, connecting deeply with listeners. As for my individual charm, I focus on continuously improving my vocal and performance skills, along with maintaining a kind and approachable manner. Jungmo: As for our team’s unique charm, Namhyun has articulated it well. Additionally, Juyoung and I playfully debate over who brings the most ‘cuteness’ to Catch The Young, as I believe I have a significant role in adding that aspect to our group. Recently, Juyoung has been eyeing it. Juyoung: I do bring a certain cuteness factor being the youngest, but I don’t obsess over it. I believe I also embody a mix of cute and sexy qualities, depending on the situation. As you get to know me better, you’ll see more of the sexy side to my personality. Kihoon: I am a very playful person off stage, but I believe I exude a sexy vibe while performing on stage. Sani: I see my role as a mediator, maintaining a neutral stance similar to Switzerland. While I value others' opinions, I don't always adopt them outright; instead, I hold my own opinions, although I may not always vocalize them. - What has been the most difficult thing in preparing for your comeback compared to your debut? Kihoon: We wanted to show a more grown, evolved versions of ourselves so in order to do that, we were really sensitive and focused during the album production period. I think that was the challenging part. Jungmo: I agree with Kihoon's point. One of the toughest challenges for us was the burden and pressure of presenting ourselves as a group committed to constant improvement in our debut album. Demonstrating this was particularly challenging. Namhyun: Under pressure, we did not lose the excitement when preparing for the second album. As much as we announced ourselves to improve, I think we are ready for that which I'm very excited about. - Among all the members, who do you think has improved the most since training and up to this date? Sani: I believe it's me. I started as a trainee at 19, and since then, I've grown into a completely different person with many changes. Knowing myself best, I choose myself. Kihoon: I also believe it's me. Like Sani mentioned, we spent the longest time as trainees in this company, dedicating ourselves to practice and improvement. Namhyun: I also believe it's me because I grew up in rural areas without prior city experience. Debuting as part of Catch The Young and releasing an album marked my first steps in the music industry, and through continuous experience, I've seen significant improvement in myself. Jungmo: To sum up, all the members have improved significantly, and each of us has our own perspective on this journey; thus the answers. Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who joined us today. It was a pleasant surprise to see so many attendees, and I appreciate your insightful questions. I look forward to meeting you again in the future and engaging further with your questions. Thank you all, and until next time! - Sani Natalia Kabenge  On March 29th, K-Pop soloist AleXa kicked off her ‘Sick of You: Part 1’ world tour. The crowd at Music Hall of Williamsburg was ecstatic to welcome her to New York, where she held the first night of her six-city tour. The B.E.L.U. Lineup got to join her for this show, and can hands down say if you haven’t already, AleXa is an artist you absolutely must see live. The show was split into two parts, with the first half of the performance showcasing the lively, upbeat half of her discography, and the second half—entitled Inferno—showcasing a bolder, more intense performance. AleXa, joined by four backup dancers, not only gave a flawless performance but created an incredibly welcoming atmosphere where every person in the venue felt a sense of community with one another, and closeness with the artist herself. During the moments she wasn’t belting a perfect note (her mic was very much on the entire night), she was interacting with the crowd, and we couldn’t help but admire her transparency and impeccable comedic timing. She took the time to share the meaning behind each song or her songwriting process before each one, allowing fans a little glimpse into her life not just as an idol, but as an everyday person. The transition between sets was a comical VCR, which AleXa later admitted she had quite the time recording as a retired theater kid. Donned in red and black (which many people in the crowd were also wearing, thanks to her suggested dress code!), she went on to perform some of her more energetic tracks, and had us dancing right alongside her during songs like “Bomb”, “Do or Die”, and a fan favorite, “Revolution”. Our favorite section of the concert was hands down her advice column. Before the show, staff had fans write down different questions asking for relationship advice, and AleXa picked a few to read while playing the part of Cupid during first half of the show, and the devil in the second half. She struggled a bit during the latter part due to how sweet the fan’s messages were, instead choosing to continue giving advice to all the lovebirds in the crowd. Throughout the night AleXa showed off her beautiful lower register, demonstrating not only her remarkable vocal agility, but that she knows exactly how to use it. We don’t want to spoil too much, but she did debut some new songs during her performance—all of which embrace the pop-punk sound, which AleXa says she’d love to bring back to the forefront of popular music. Don’t her size fool you—as a performer, AleXa is a firecracker, captivating the audience with her strong vocals, dynamic choreography, and warm personality that helps her truly shine on stage. There’s no doubt AleXa was born to be a performer, and if you haven’t already, seeing her live is an absolute must. Thank you to the team at Studio PAV for having The B.E.L.U Lineup, we couldn’t have been happier to witness her artistry live! Gallery: Natalia Kabenge
Michael Jason Perez  Credit: Michael Jason Perez In a dazzling display of talent and energy, K-pop sensation ONEUS graced the stage of MGM National Harbor, leaving audiences spellbound and craving for more. The evening was nothing short of a spectacle, with fans eagerly anticipating the electrifying performance promised by this dynamic group. From the moment the lights dimmed and the music filled the air, it was evident that this would be a night to remember. The show kicked off with an explosive energy that set the tone for the rest of the evening. ONEUS wasted no time in captivating the audience with their impeccable choreography, synchronized moves, and powerful vocals. Each member brought their unique charisma to the stage, commanding attention with every step and gesture. From the smooth vocals of Seoho to the charismatic presence of Leedo, each member of ONEUS showcased their individual talents while maintaining a cohesive and harmonious performance as a group. One of the most impressive aspects of the show was the seamless integration of music and visuals. The stage was adorned with stunning visual effects, from vibrant LED screens to dynamic lighting that enhanced the mood of each song. The choreography was expertly executed to complement the music, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Throughout the evening, ONEUS treated fans to a diverse setlist that showcased their versatility as artists. From the infectious beats of "Twilight" to the haunting melodies of "Valkyrie," each song was delivered with passion and precision, eliciting cheers and applause from the crowd. Highlights of the evening included powerful performances of fan favorites like "LIT" and "To Be or Not to Be," which had fans singing and dancing along with every beat. However, it wasn't just the music that made the show memorable; it was the palpable connection between ONEUS and their fans that truly stood out. The members took every opportunity to interact with the audience, whether through playful banter, heartfelt messages, or fan interactions. It was clear that they appreciated the love and support of their fans, and their genuine enthusiasm only served to further ignite the crowd's excitement. As the night drew to a close, it was evident that ONEUS had left an indelible mark on MGM National Harbor. Their performance was a testament to their talent, dedication, and passion for music, and it's no wonder that they have amassed such a dedicated fanb ase around the world. For those fortunate enough to witness this unforgettable show, it was an experience that will be cherished for years to come. As the lights dimmed and the echoes of applause filled the air, it was clear that ONEUS had delivered a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. Gallery by: Michael Jason Perez
Deborah Rodriguez & Natalia Kabenge  With just over two years in the industry under their belt, the four-member girl group, H1-KEY, is reaching new heights with their music. Members Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo, and Yel debuted in January of 2022, and since the very beginning have had the goal of spreading a message of determination and self love through their music. In 2024, they began their H1-KEYnote project, a series of songs released with the goal of freely expressing themselves as artists and providing comfort to their fans, M1-KEY. The project currently has two parts—H1-KEYnote #1, Thinkin’ About You and H1-KEYnote #2, Deeper—with more set to be released in the future. The B.E.L.U. Lineup had the chance to ask the members of H1-KEY more about the messages they wish to share through their music, and their involvement in the music making process.
H1-KEY is recognized for delivering an empowering message of self-love and resilience. Can you share with us some of your favorite artists who inspired you with a similar message? Seoi: I find songs by IU, who recently hosted a concert, align well with the messages our songs aim to convey. She shares her own stories of overcoming challenges as well as writes songs that resonate with the public's taste. She's a significant inspiration to me. Are there any plans for any of the members to contribute to the composition and the songwriting process in any upcoming releases? Riina: All four of us would love to participate in the songwriting process, but we haven't had the chance to do so yet. If an opportunity arises for us to learn, we would be more than happy to take it. As the group continues to evolve, H1-KEY has expressed their desire to meet M1-KEY abroad and present their performances outside of South Korea. They hope to take their message to big cities around the world like Paris and New York City. Additionally, the members of H1-KEY have shown interest in exploring different genres throughout their career while consistently conveying messages of self-love. H1-KEY is undeniably leaving a significant impact on the K-Pop scene with their distinctive concept and message. We eagerly anticipate witnessing their growth in the years ahead. Thank you GLG and Helix Publicity for this opportunity! |