The Glorious 20th Anniversary Concert
On the last day of the month, TVXQ opened their 20th-anniversary concert ’20&2′ at Inspire Arena, Incheon’s Yeongjongdo. Transforming from fresh-faced teenagers singing ‘Maditneun Uyu’ to dashing men in their thirties, the duo lit up the stage with their enduring charm. Leader Yunho Yunho described it as a significant moment, marking their transition from infancy to adulthood under the warmth of public affection.
A Night of Hits and Nostalgia
For two and a half hours, TVXQ enthralled fans with 28 hit songs. From the sophisticated allure of ‘Spellbound’ to the intense charisma of ‘Why’, the maturity of ‘Destiny’, and even a Western-themed ‘Rodeo’, the concert was a showcase of their diverse musical journey. A highlight was the sea of red balloons, their iconic symbol, descending during ‘Balloons’. This moment resonated with the saying, “Every young person of the 2000s carries a bit of TVXQ in their heart,” reflecting their impact on a generation.
Inspire Arena: A New Cultural Landmark
The concert took place at Inspire Arena, a multipurpose venue on Yeongjong Island in Incheon. Since its opening, it has hosted various K-pop performances, including MMA and Taemin’s concert, much to the delight of fans who appreciate the indoor waiting area, especially during cold winters.
TVXQ: Pioneers in K-Pop
TVXQ has set records in Japan, with 30 performances at Tokyo Dome and a total of 89 across all Japanese domes, holding the record for most performances by a foreign artist. They were the first K-pop group to perform at Nissan Stadium, a record recently challenged by girl group ‘TWICE’.
Celebrating 20 Years: The TVXQ! Exhibition [20&2]
The Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort is hosting the ‘TVXQ! EXHIBITION [20&2]’ until the 6th of this month. Spanning around 300 pyeong, the exhibition features unreleased videos and photos, stage costumes, and handwritten lyrics. A standout display is Changmin’s Manchester United jersey, revealing his fandom. The exhibition is likened to a parent’s diary of their child’s growth, marking 20 years of TVXQ’s journey.
New Album and a Glimpse into the Past
The exhibition also includes a special section replicating the filming set of their new album’s music video, along with a limited-edition merchandise store.
Their latest album ’20&2′, released on the 26th, has topped iTunes Top Album Charts in 11 regions worldwide, Hanter Chart in Korea, Recochoku Daily Album Ranking in Japan, and digital album sales charts on China’s largest music platforms QQ Music and KuGou Music. The title track ‘Rebel’ is a dance number with a powerful drumbeat and synths, embodying TVXQ’s signature energetic performance.
Exploring Inspire Mall
Visitors to the Inspire Resort should also explore the surrounding mall. It features Michael Jordan Steak House, Brasserie 1783, and Garden Farm Café. However, the ‘Aurora Street’ is particularly mesmerizing with its 150m length, 25m high ceilings, and walls adorned with ultra-high-definition LED screens creating surreal visuals. The waterfall imagery along the escalators is also quite striking.
TVXQ and the Korean Tourism Drive
In celebration of ‘2023~2024 Visit Korea Year’, TVXQ collaborated with the Korean Tourism Organization, illuminating the Lotte World Tower’s exterior in Seoul’s Songpa District in red. This media facade, featuring TVXQ’s iconic red color and the Visit Korea Year logo, will be displayed every 30 minutes for 10 minutes after sunset until the 29th of this month.
A Journey from Teen Idols to K-Pop Icons
From meteoric rise to mature K-Pop icons, TVXQ and their fans, Cassiopeia, have evolved together. As they step into their third decade, one wonders what the future holds for this iconic duo.
Reference: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/023/0003809028?sid=102
