Outside the Orpheum Theatre, fans gathered with excitement for Onew, a K-pop artist who brings joy everywhere he goes. Fans were even given light-up glasses and a paper with fun instructions for activities to do during certain songs and parts of the concert. Inside the theater, the audience was a field of smiles as everyone eagerly awaited Onew's entrance on stage. Needless to say, it was only the start of a legendary night.
The lighting during Onew's opening set made him feel ethereal, yet also like a superhero ready to save the day. The blue lights illuminated him like an action figure, while the gray tones with bursts of rainbow light created a fairytale-like atmosphere. The lighting only became more cinematic as the night progressed. His music exudes a cheerful energy that relaxes you while simultaneously making you want to dance.
The crowd went wild for his song "Animal," to the point that Onew mentioned how much their reaction meant to him. He loved talking to the audience in a friendly, conversational way, making it feel as if you were chatting with a dear friend. His infectious joy and vibrant energy were impossible to resist.
The entire audience waved their lights, transforming the theater into a sky filled with stars. Onew playfully swung around a mic stand, his stage presence making it impossible to look away. His song "Happy Birthday" became an instant earworm, and his relatable anecdotes—like enjoying lazy days in bed—added a personal touch to the performance. You could feel his love for performing through his radiant smile and heartfelt thanks to his fans.
Before the encore, the audience chanted a special cheer to bring him back on stage. Onew delighted fans by running into the center of the crowd, interacting with them up close. For his final act, he honored the crowd's energy by throwing stuffed animals into the audience—a playful and memorable gesture.
Onew’s wholesome energy made the show feel like home. Time seemed to fly by, and even after the encore, you wished the night could continue. His pure energy and down-to-earth personality, combined with his immense talent, created a performance that felt truly special. It’s clear that Onew is destined for many more world tours, and I can’t wait to catch him again in California.
Photojournalist - Los Angeles
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