Photo Credit: SM Entertainment
The concert took place on the 18th at the Handball Stadium located in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul, marking the commencement of Kai's solo concert tour under the name 'KAION'.
Structured into four distinct thematic sections reflecting the emotional tone of the music, the concert journey included 'The Stranger in the Mirror', 'The Many Selves Within Me', 'All Selves Unite', and 'A New Journey of Mine'. The stage was meticulously designed, incorporating Kai's English typography 'KAI', synchronized VCRs, an expansive LED display, and intricate props to amplify the visual spectacle.
The performance commenced with 'Sinner' from Kai's third mini album. Dressed in red attire, he engaged the crowd with the title track 'Mmmh' from his initial mini album and 'Nothing On Me', as fans resonated with chants of his real name, 'Kim Jongin'.
Exhibiting a radiant smile, Kai expressed his enjoyment of the fan cheers, welcoming attendees to his debut solo concert 'KAION'. Addressing the audience in every corner, he warmly inquired, "Did you miss me?" and shared his nerves by stating, "Today is the second day, and I'm slightly more anxious than yesterday. On the first day, it was about questioning 'Can I do this?', but today, it's about the eagerness to excel and have fun."
The first part culminated with renditions of 'Hello Stranger' from Kai's first mini album, 'Slidin'' from his third mini album, and 'Ride Or Die' also from his first mini album.
The subsequent segment featured dance performances to EXO tracks 'My Lady', 'Baby Don't Cry', and 'Into Your World'. In a three-piece suit, Kai executed solo dances to these songs, accompanied by enthusiastic fan sing-alongs that completed the ambiance. During 'Come In' from his second mini album, Kai conveyed his affection for fans with a heart gesture.
Kai remarked, "How was the EXO medley after such a long time?" He continued, "Performing while hearing EXO-L's chorus after so long was overwhelming. It evoked numerous memories from the debut till now with you all, and during 'Into Your World', I nearly teared up."
He further articulated, "I hope you appreciated the introductory and transitional videos. They received great feedback. They depicted the evolution of the new Kai. I hope you found a novel aspect of me. After 14 years, there remains much to showcase. New things keep emerging," vowing 'eternity' with his fans.
Kai reappeared wearing rimless glasses to perform 'Vanilla' from his second mini album, the title track 'Peaches', and 'Adult Swim' from his fourth mini album.
"I'll shift the song dynamics," Kai announced while donning a suit jacket. The audience erupted into cheers during his performances of 'Wait On Me', the lead track from his fourth mini album, 'Pressure', 'Walls Don't Talk', and 'Bomba' from his third mini album.
As the third segment commenced, the concert reached its zenith. Adorned in a leather jacket and black cap, Kai's stage presence during the unreleased solo track 'Confession' and 'Domino' from his second mini album elevated the concert's intensity.
Breathless, Kai commented, "This is the death segment," met with resounding applause from EXO-L. He conveyed, "Through this concert, I aimed to demonstrate my return. I wished to ensure that the time you spent waiting and supporting me was worthwhile. Above all, I aspired to rekindle your feelings for me. 'That's why I like Kai', 'Only Kai fulfills me', 'My genuine dopamine is Kai'—these are the sentiments I sought to affirm."
He encouraged, "Let's go wild today," and delivered 'Reason' from his first mini album.
Near the concert's conclusion, Kai expressed, "Today was genuinely a joyous and delightful experience. I'm immensely grateful that our members attended," naming Suho, Chanyeol, and D.O. He continued, "Owing to the encouragement from my brothers, I was able to hold this concert. Thank you. To the members and each one of you for being part of my first solo concert 'KAION'. I promise to return with an even more remarkable stage after further growth," pledging his commitment. He closed the third segment with a performance of his widely cherished solo piece 'Rover'.
Despite the conclusion of the performance, EXO-L persisted in chanting 'Kim Jongin'. In response, Kai performed 'Blue' from his second mini album. He expressed gratitude for the encore, stating, "This feels like the most strenuous performance I've ever delivered. I exerted all my energy during 'Rover'." During a photo session, EXO-L surprised him with a slogan event reading "Jongin, we love you," which moved him to tears.
Kai shared, "I'm deeply touched and elated. It was a moment filled with myriad emotions. There was apprehension and numerous thoughts, yet in those times, I consistently thought of you. I believe I could conduct the concert by focusing solely on you. On stage, I experience nothing but happiness. Today reaffirmed my love for performing in front of you. I will never forget this day," and he ceremoniously concluded the Seoul concert with 'To Be Honest' from his second mini album.