Dreams come true: TXT mesmerizes 21,000 fans at KSPO Dome

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Thu, November 30, 2023 | 10:37

K-pop

Dreams come true: TXT mesmerizes 21,000 fans at KSPO Dome

Posted : 2023-03-27 17:04

Updated : 2023-05-08 11:26

K-pop act Tomorrow X Together (TXT) performs during its concert at the KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, southern Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Big Hit Music

TXT kicks off 'ACT : Sweet Mirage' world tour in Seoul

By Dong Sun-hwa

For the members of the K-pop boy group Tomorrow X Together (TXT), it was a dream come true for them to perform at the KSPO Dome in Olympic Park. Located in southern Seoul, the KSPO Dome is one of the largest concert venues in Korea, accommodating up to 15,000 spectators.

"I shed a lot of tears during yesterday's concert because I was proud of myself for realizing my long-standing dream," member Yeonjun said during a brief press event held ahead of Sunday's concert. "When I was an idol trainee, I was part of the audience for K-pop juggernaut BTS' concert at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena ― the former name of the KSPO Dome ― and I always dreamed of performing here. I finally achieved my dream last night and this gave me complex feelings. It also reminded me of TXT's bygone days, when we were undergoing a tough time."

TXT members had a short meeting with reporters a few minutes before starting their Sunday concert. Courtesy of Big Hit Music

Beomgyu added, "I got emotional when we opened our show with 'Blue Hour' (2020) yesterday. It was so impressive to see the five of us on stage at the KSPO dome and so many fans who were there just for us."

TXT, consisting of Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun and HueningKai, kicked off its second world tour, "ACT : SWEET MIRAGE" in Seoul, holding two nights of sold-out concerts on Saturday and Sunday. It attracted an audience of 21,000.

Sunday's gig was a blast from the start. A shining merry-go-round slowly came down from the ceiling and signaled its beginning, creating a fairytale-like spectacle. Then, the five members appeared on stage against the backdrop of a white castle and started their performance of "Blue Hour." A sweet and aromatic scent ― a perfect match for the tune ― was sprayed amid the performance to pump up the dreamy mood. As member Taehyun said before the concert, TXT's show was not just about singing and dancing. It gratified people's different senses ranging from sight to smell.

"We have prepared a lot of magical moments, but we need you to join us," frontman Soobin told his followers during the concert.

Beomgyu added, "The title of our concert is 'Sweet Mirage.' So, please do not miss what kind of mirage we will show you."

K-pop act Tomorrow X Together (TXT) performs at the KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, southern Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Big Hit Music

TXT took the stage with its well-known hits like, "Run Away" (2019), "Can't You See Me?" (2021), "0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)" (2021) and "Good Boy Gone Bad" (2022). The set list also included fan favorites, "Dear Sputnik" (2021) and "Opening Sequence" (2022). For the latter, Soobin and Taehyun partnered with Beomgyu and HueningKai, respectively, and danced in pairs, while Yeonjun performed solo. The singers looked like born performers exuding tireless energy.

The crown jewel of the 180-minute show was "Happy Fools" (2023), for which Yeonjun crafted easy-to-follow choreography. The 23-year-old, who did a dance challenge on TikTok with this bubbly and uplifting song, asked all people on the spot to dance along with TXT after teaching them the moves. Among the audience members was Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of TXT's management company, HYBE.

"I already ran the 'Happy Fools Challenge' on TikTok, but I wanted to enjoy this together with everyone this time," Yeonjun said. "It is really rewarding to see so many of you joining us."

K-pop act Tomorrow X Together (TXT) drew some 21,000 fans over two nights of concerts in Seoul from March 25 to 26. Courtesy of Big Hit Music

By the end of the concert, the members thanked their fans for their unwavering support and promised they would soon return to Seoul again.

"When I was out of energy in the middle of the concert, I recharged my power with your happy faces," Beomgyu told his fans. "TXT will be able to enjoy our world tour thanks to all of you. I promise it will not take very long for us to come back here."

Taehyun elaborated, "We will return with even better performances."

As part of its world tour, TXT is scheduled to hold concerts in 12 more cities including Taipei, Osaka and Los Angeles. The last leg of its tour will take place in Los Angeles in May.

sunhwadong@koreatimes.co.kr