Surrounded by anticipating fans, the LED screen doors opened to aespa members Karina, Winter, Giselle, and Ning Ning posing on top of a set of stairs. Illuminated with a white background, the screen gave individual close-ups to all the members before they reached the center stage, ready for their first song “Drama.” When the familiar beats rang out from the speakers, the final stop of their world tour officially began.
Since Jun. 29 of last year, “2024-25 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK: PARALLEL LINE – ENCORE” has served as the finale for the group’s successful world tour, which spanned 18 countries and 28 cities. The encore, held in Seoul’s KSPO Dome, commenced Mar. 15-16, gathering more than 20,000 people from all parts of the globe.
Leader Karina expressed her gratitude to MYs (fandom name), “Welcome to our encore concert. We’re so happy to start and end our second world tour here in Seoul. I hope you all have a good time with us tonight.”
Aespa performed their hit songs “Drama,” “Black Mamba,” “Salt & Sweet,” and “aenergy” clad in black uniforms with gold detailing. Their charisma hit the roof with this outfit, as the stage effects amplified their presence. Fireworks, puffs of fire, fog, spotlights, and the LED background were put to good use to immerse the audience, and many shouted in frenzy when their favorite members were caught on the screen.
Their next sequence involved the use of metal bars that imitated a more elegant jungle gym. Now in white, flowy outfits, the members performed “Mine,” “Die Trying,” and “Flowers,” showing their softer, lovelier side. When it was time to perform their respective solo songs, first revealed in the first Seoul concert last June, fans screamed while waving their lightsticks to express their anticipation.
Seven months of touring has brought a new level of confidence in aespa’s performance. Giselle’s “Dopamine” was upbeat with an R&B groove. Karina’s hip-hop song “UP” was well-received for its catchy instrumentals and dance moves. Ningning’s “Bored!” was captivating with its rhythmical R&B vibe, and Winter’s “Spark” was the perfect EDM solo to end the members’ solo sequence.
Aespa has steadily become a recognized name in K-pop’s fourth generation. “Supernova” and “Pink Hoodie” proved how they’ve earned that title with their energetic dances and powerful vocals. Winter, especially, had a strong voice that reverberated and filled the stadium with every breath.
It was easy to see how much the members loved performing. In between songs, they would glance lovingly into the crowd or wave their hands to their fans. Before singing “Hold on Tight,” the members teased that they might come closer to the crowd. During “Live My Life” and “YEPPI YEPPI,” many MYs found themselves awestruck when they found themselves within arm’s reach of aespa as they made their way around the stadium between the first and second floors. To many, it was a dream come true to finally see their favorite idols close-up.
As the night progressed, a variety of celebrities showed their support for aespa, including KBS' “Synchro U” hosts Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Juck, and Jonathan, as well as artists like G-Dragon, Gummy, and Younha. Actors Lee Dong-hwi, Kim Ji-won, and Kal So-won, along with fellow K-pop stars ITZY’s Ryujin and TWICE’s Jihyo, were also invited to enjoy aespa’s powerful performance. Their presence heightened the intensity of an already electric atmosphere.
When aespa returned to the stage, they ended strongly with their most recent release, “Whiplash,” and continued with “Set the Tone,” “Next Level,” and “Armageddon.” As the members headed down the stage lift to prepare for the encore, fans entertained themselves with a dance challenge and sang “Forever.”
After aespa reappeared on stage, the members took a moment to share their appreciation for their fans and the production team involved in making all of this possible.
“I’m so happy to have created new memories with all of you. We’ll hold on to the remnants of tonight as we count the days down for our next meeting. It won’t take us too long to see you all again,” Karina laughed. “So please, wait a little. Tonight has been filled with so much happiness because of you all.”
Ningning added, “None of this would have been possible if our staff hadn’t been here to help us put a successful show together. Please thank them as well.”
This chapter has closed, but the pen lies close, for it won’t be long until aespa writes out the next chapter of their career. On Mar. 19, aespa will attend Japan’s MTV “VMA” and the “Billboard’s Women in Music 2025” in Los Angeles.
