| Suga performs onstage during his concert, 'D-DAY in SEOUL', at Jamsil Arena, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Music |
By Pyo Kyung-min
In an explosive display of charisma, Suga, a member of K-pop powerhouse BTS, set the stage ablaze during his two-day solo concert in Seoul on June 24 and 25. Attracting a crowd of 15,000 fervent fans, the idol released a whirlwind of energy that left no doubt about his ability to command the spotlight, even without his fellow BTS members by his side.
Taking over the Jamsil Arena for an unforgettable weekend, Suga unleashed an outpouring of his passion for hip-hop music. The arena teemed with an ocean of devoted fans, known as ARMYs, each clutching “BTS Army Bomb” official group light sticks, which they held up as radiant symbols of their support for BTS and its members. Chants of Suga's name rippled through the air, long before he stepped foot on stage.
Although BTS had temporarily pressed pause on their group activities in 2022, Suga managed to seize the moment. He dropped his full-length solo album, "D-Day," on April 21, marking a triumphant return after a three-year hiatus from solo projects since his smash hit "D-2" in 2020.
Suga kicked off the show with the electrifying title track "Haegeum" from his latest album, instantly igniting a frenzy of thunderous screams from his fans. The star took the stage with other popular tunes he composed such as, "Daechwita", and "Give it to Me".
| Some 15,000 fans wave “BTS Army Bomb” official group light sticks in the air while they watch BTS member Suga perform in Jamsil Arena, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Music |
Suga embarked on the global tour "Suga | Agust D-Day," starting the journey with a show-stopping performance at the UBS Arena in Belmont, New York, back in April. From there, he crisscrossed the globe, electrifying audiences across nine cities, including stops in Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, before finally arriving at his hometown of Seoul.
"The concert today is the last journey of my 'D-Day' tour," Suga said amid the pulsating beats of "Agust D." "Please enjoy, and let's not leave any regrets behind." An eruption of the fans' unified voices echoed through the air, expressing unwavering love and support.
| Suga performs onstage during his concert, 'D-DAY in SEOUL', as his fans wave “BTS Army Bomb” light sticks, Sunday. Suga's solo concert was held in Jamsil Arena, Seoul, for two consecutive days, June 24, and 25. Courtesy of BigHit Music |
One of the highlights of the concert was Suga's dazzling display of musical versatility. He seamlessly transitioned from one instrument to another, skillfully strumming the guitar and cascading his fingers across the piano keys.
"My songs usually contain a lot of anger in them, but tonight, I'm afraid my softer side is gone for good." Suga said after performing "Seesaw", "SDL" and his "People" series. "Do you like my angry side? Should I stay this way?" He chuckled.
The concert not only showcased Suga's solo creations, but also breathed new life into beloved BTS songs such as "UGH!" and "Ddaeng," mesmerizing the audience who eagerly sang along to every lyric. As the stadium reverberated with the powerful words of the BTS Cyphers Pt. 3 and 4 ― “I love, I love, I love myself" ― a collective roar filled the air, an anthem of self-love resonating with thousands of souls.
| Suga performs onstage during his concert, 'D-DAY in SEOUL', at Jamsil Arena, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Music |
Suga expressed heartfelt gratitude to three of his fellow BTS members ― Jimin, V, and Jungkook ― for attending his show saying, "My brothers have also joined to make my day. Thank you, and I want to thank my fans too."
In a touching tribute, Suga paid homage to the late composer Sakamoto Ryuichi. He shared a heartfelt video capturing their shared moments from the past, ensuring that his mentor's spirit was felt throughout the arena.
Wrapping up the concert, Suga thanked his fans and promised that this will not be his last performance. "Thanks to all of you, this has been an unforgettable experience ... You have rekindled my love for live performance." He said.
Suga also announced that additional solo concerts are to be held on Aug. 4, 5, and 6 at Seoul Olympic Stadium in Jamsil.