[REVIEW] Taeyeon’s ‚The Tense‘ concert celebrates decade of solo success

Taeyeon performs throughout her „The Tense“ live performance, held from Friday to Sunday on the KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park, Songpa District. Courtesy of SM Leisure

Taeyeon, one in every of Ok-pop’s most distinguished feminine vocalists and member of Ladies‘ Era, celebrated a decade as a solo artist with a blinding spectacle in her live performance „The Tense.“ On an evening when followers would usually bathe her with items, the singer as a substitute turned the tables — delivering a wide ranging efficiency that felt like a gift for them as a substitute.

From Friday to Sunday, the KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park reworked right into a sea of pink mild as Taeyeon took the stage. The three-day occasion was fully offered out, drawing greater than 30,000 attendees, her company, SM Leisure, mentioned.

The live performance marked Taeyeon’s return to the solo stage after practically a 12 months and 7 months. Her final efficiency was in June 2023 on the similar venue.

Solely six feminine solo artists in Korean music historical past — together with Taeyeon — have headlined KSPO Dome, a venue extensively thought to be each Ok-pop performer’s dream. With a capability exceeding 10,000, it is a stage reserved for singers of the best caliber — these with expertise, presence and a loyal fan base to fill such an area.

Taeyeon’s followers swarmed Olympic Park hours earlier than the Sunday present, the ultimate night time of the live performance. Excited concertgoers snapped photographs and browsed official merchandise, all whereas clutching their beloved official pink Ladies‘ Era mild sticks.

Taeyeon of Ladies‘ Era performs throughout her „The Tense“ live performance, held from Friday to Sunday on the KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park, Songpa District. Courtesy of SM Leisure

At 5 p.m. sharp, the venue’s pink glow dimmed to darkness and an keen cheer erupted from the group. Rising from underneath the stage sporting a glimmering ivory gown and a golden headpiece, Taeyeon’s presence was simply as commanding as her well-known voice.

The singer wasted no time, launching into her self-love anthem „Fabulous.“ She then seamlessly transitioned right into a sequence of her greatest hits, her hovering vocals reducing via the instrumentals as she delivered performances of her debut solo monitor, „I,“ adopted by the lead single from her newest album, „Letter to Myself.“

After delivering a sequence of hovering excessive notes, Taeyeon briefly paused to deal with the viewers, her voice full of gratitude.

„We’re already right here on the ultimate day of the live performance. I assumed I would not be nervous, however I nonetheless really feel it. Thanks to all of the followers who traveled from afar to be right here at this time,“ she mentioned. „It is already been 10 years since I began my solo profession and that’s the reason this live performance carries quite a lot of that means for me. I hope it turns into an exquisite reminiscence for all of you, too.“

Draped in a glowing white ensemble, Taeyeon continued her efficiency with angelic renditions of „Blue Eyes,“ „Make Me Love You“ and „Heaven,“ her voice floating via the venue.

Taeyeon performs alongside dancers throughout her „The Tense“ live performance, held from Friday to Sunday on the KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park, Songpa District. Courtesy of SM Leisure

However the serenity did not final lengthy, as crimson mild drenched the stage in a dramatic shift. Taeyeon then pivoted to her extra commanding aspect, delivering fierce performances of „Scorching Mess“ and „Chilly as Hell,“ clad in a charismatic black outfit.

A performer via and thru, Taeyeon balanced vocal precision with dynamic choreography, showcasing the flexibility that made her a real Ok-pop icon.

The manufacturing was simply as charming, with waves of adjusting mild stick colours, pulsating lasers and elaborate stage results — together with floating platforms and suspended components — making a spectacle so grand that followers couldn’t even dare to blink.

A signature perfume crafted by Taeyeon herself, a woody scent with some flowery notes, wafted via the venue, including to the expertise by participating followers‘ senses past sight and sound.

Taeyeon performs throughout her „The Tense“ live performance, held from Friday to Sunday on the KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park, Songpa District. Courtesy of SM Leisure.

Nonetheless, essentially the most potent pressure of the night time remained her voice. With unwavering management, she belted out „INVU,“ „Soften Away,“ „To.X“ and „What Do I Name You,“ leaving the viewers in awe.

The live performance took one other flip as Taeyeon reappeared in a shiny varsity jacket, bringing a playful vitality with tracks like „Weekend,“ „Stress“ and „Why.“ But, even in these lighter moments, she made positive to stun together with her vocal prowess, taking up demanding tracks like „4 Seasons“ and „Catastrophe“ with ease.

She carried out „Ending Credit“ because the night drew to an in depth, signaling the inevitable farewell. As the ultimate notes light, the credit rolled on display screen, revealing her deep involvement in each element — from the live performance’s title to its poster and even confetti designs, underscoring her dedication.

Taeyeon performs throughout her „The Tense“ live performance, held from Friday to Sunday on the KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park, Songpa District. Courtesy of SM Leisure

The night time had an additional layer of significance — it additionally marked the singer’s birthday.

In the course of the encore efficiency of „Curtain Name,“ followers held up customized banners earlier than breaking right into a birthday tune to have fun the singer. Taeyeon was visibly touched because the live performance crew shocked her with a cake.

„I really feel like I’ve acquired all of the love I may ever get in my life — it virtually appears like a wedding proposal. Thanks for all the time cheering for me on the excellent timing,“ she expressed, including that it was the perfect birthday present she may have ever requested for.

„Each time I launch an album or maintain a live performance, you all look ahead to me and fully fill these venues. I by no means imagined each seat could be occupied via this three-day live performance. It has been such an emotional expertise.“

With Seoul behind her, Taeyeon now takes „The Tense“ on the highway. The Asia tour continues with stops in Taipei, Manila, Jakarta, Tokyo, Macau, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong, the place extra followers will get to expertise the magic that solely she will ship.