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| K-pop boy group SHINee performs 'Dream Girl' at the KSPO Dome in southern Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment |
By Jung Da-hyun
K-pop sensation SHINee took the stage by storm, holding their electrifying sixth solo concert, "SHINee WORLD VI [PERFECT ILLUMINATION]," at the KSPO Dome in southern Seoul's Olympic Park. From June 23 to 25, the venue pulsated with the energy of devoted fans who eagerly awaited the group's mesmerizing performance.
The concert buzzed with excitement as SHINee offered a sneak peek of its upcoming album, "HARD." SHINee presented six songs from the new album on the stage, including "HARD," the title track of the band's eighth full-length album.
The concert held even greater significance for SHINee, as it marked the band's return to the stage after a hiatus of more than six years and nine months since its last show in September 2016. A staggering 30,000 spectators gathered to witness the much-awaited reunion over the course of three days.
While Onew, the leader of the group, was absent due to health concerns, the stage was graced by the stellar presence of three members, Minho, Key and Taemin.
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| SHINee takes the opening stage on a spaceship-shaped stage suspended in the air. Courtesy of SM Entertainment |
As the crowd erupted in thunderous screams, SHINee burst onto the stage with a dynamic performance of "Chemistry," the second track from the band's sixth album, "The Story of Light," released in 2018.
Dressed in sky-blue suits adorned with sparkling decorations, the members made a grand entrance on a spaceship-shaped stage suspended high in the air, captivating the audience's imagination.
"I was so scared of the spaceship-shaped stage in the air. It wasn't until the last day that I got used to the spaceship," Key said regarding on the intense stage setup, Sunday, the last day of the three-day concert.
The concert was broadcasted live globally via the Beyond LIVE platform. Amid a breathtaking five consecutive performances, SHINee's members took a moment to connect with their international fanbase, greeting them warmly not only in Korean but also in English, Japanese and Spanish.
"It's the last day, so I might not have as much energy, but I promise to give my all until the end," Taemin said.
The crowd swayed and sang along as familiar hits like "Dream Girl," "Sherlock," "Don't Call Me," "Everybody" and "View" reverberated through the concert hall. The stage pulsated with vibrant choreography, interwoven with heartfelt SHINee-style ballads, captivating the audience's hearts.
It was not just the music that dazzled fans. Under the subtitle "PERFECT ILLUMINATION," the concert unfolded with a visual spectacle like no other. The stadium came alive with an enchanting symphony of vibrant lighting effects. Laser beams danced through the air, amplifying the overall impact of the performance.
Minho captured the essence of the concert, saying, "This performance, true to its subtitle, is a harmonious tapestry of light, music and magic, that resonates within this grand stadium."
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| SHINee performs to 30,000 fans in southern Seoul's KSPO Dome, June 23-25. Courtesy of SM Entertainment |
Another highlight of the concert was the fan-organized events. Fans, known as SHINee World, adhered to the dress code of a white T-shirt paired with a mint-colored item, representing SHINee's signature colors.
SHINee concluded the main event with a powerful performance of "An Encore," the finale from their fourth full-length album, "Odd," and "The Feeling," a brand-new song from their upcoming album. The crowd swelled with euphoria as they passionately sang along, filling the stadium with a symphony of voices, echoing the unbreakable bond between the group and their adoring fans.
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| SHINee performs the new song "HARD" for the first time at the KSPO Dome in southern Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment |
"The preparation for the new album and this concert was so intense. But I really would like to thank everyone who has supported and contributed to our journey," Key said.
Taemin, his voice filled with emotion, shared his joy, saying, "To be loved by so many people in this grand setting fills my heart with immense happiness. I promise to continue growing as an artist who will never cease to amaze and delight our fans."
The group's eight full-length album, "HARD," is scheduled to be released on June 26.
