The crisp autumn air was charged with excitement on the evening of September 13, 2025, as fans packed into Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium. The occasion? The much-anticipated first encore concert of '현역가왕2' (Hyunyeok Gawang 2), a show that has rapidly become one of South Korea’s most celebrated live music events of the year. According to CBC News, this concert was conceived as a direct response to the overwhelming enthusiasm for the initial '현역가왕2 전국투어 콘서트,' which began four months earlier and swept across the country, gathering momentum and fans at every stop.
From the moment the doors opened, the venue pulsed with anticipation. Fans, some of whom had followed the tour from its very first date, buzzed with excitement—many clutching banners and singing snatches of their favorite songs. By the time the house lights dimmed, the roar of the crowd was deafening, a testament to just how deeply the TOP7 of '현역가왕2' had captured the hearts of their audience.
The concert kicked off with a dazzling group performance of '황홀한 고백' and '영일만 친구,' two songs that have become synonymous with the group’s energetic and heartfelt style. As reported by Maeil Business Newspaper, the seven stars—Park Seo-jin, Jin Hwa-sung, Eden, Shin Sung-tae, Kim Jun-su, Choi Soo-ho, and Kang Moon-kyung—took the stage in coordinated navy outfits, immediately commanding attention. The crowd’s response was electric, with standing ovations erupting before the first chorus had even finished.
Each member then stepped into the spotlight for solo performances, giving fans a chance to experience the unique talents that earned them their spots in the TOP7. Park Seo-jin, widely regarded as the group’s ace, delivered a particularly memorable set. In a moment that brought the audience to a hush, he debuted a brand-new song titled '당신 이야기' ('Your Story'), composed by the renowned Yoon Myung-sun. This performance marked the first public unveiling of the track, with the official release still weeks away. Before singing, Park addressed the crowd with heartfelt words: "Since this is a song for the fans, I hope you’ll listen carefully to the lyrics," he said, according to CBC News. He added, "It’s the kind of emotional song you might want to sing to someone you love. I hope you’ll give it lots of love."
The reaction was immediate and intense. As Park’s voice soared through the gymnasium, the audience was spellbound—so much so that, for a few moments, the usual concert chatter and noise faded into a collective silence. The spell was only broken by thunderous applause and cheers as the final notes faded away, a moment that seemed to unite the entire venue in shared emotion.
Other members also shone in their solo spots. Jin Hwa-sung delivered a performance brimming with deep emotion, drawing the audience into his world. Eden’s soulful vocals had fans on the edge of their seats, while Shin Sung-tae was dubbed the “king of emotion” for the night, his performance pushing the crowd to the brink of tears. Meanwhile, Kim Jun-su, Choi Soo-ho, and Kang Moon-kyung each brought fresh energy and never-before-seen sides to the encore stage, offering new songs crafted specifically for the tour—a detail confirmed by Maeil Business Newspaper.
But it wasn’t just the solos that left a mark. The encore concert introduced new unit and duet stages that hadn’t been seen during the main tour, creating a sense of novelty and excitement. Park Seo-jin, Jin Hwa-sung, and Kim Jun-su joined forces for '추억 속으로' ('Into Memories'), while Shin Sung-tae and Choi Soo-ho’s duet on '쓰리랑' ('Three Lang') turned the gymnasium into a sea of synchronized singing and dancing. As fans joined in, the line between performers and audience blurred, transforming the concert into a true communal celebration.
The night’s climax came when all seven members returned to the stage for a group rendition of '사람이 꽃보다 아름다워' ('People Are More Beautiful Than Flowers'), a song they had released earlier in the year to widespread acclaim. In that moment, as voices from the stage and the seats merged, it was clear that this was more than a concert—it was an affirmation of the powerful bond between artist and audience.
Reflecting on the evening, Park Seo-jin shared, "Performing with friends and sharing stories was very meaningful," a sentiment echoed by many fans leaving the venue. For those who couldn’t attend, there’s still hope: the '현역가왕2 앵콜 콘서트' is set to continue with shows in Busan on September 27 and Daegu on October 25. Anticipation is already building among local fans, eager for their chance to experience the magic firsthand.
Live music in South Korea has always been more than just entertainment; it’s a cultural touchstone, a way for communities to come together and celebrate shared stories and dreams. The success of the '현역가왕2' encore concert underscores just how vital these moments are, especially after years when such gatherings were restricted. The blend of familiar hits, heartfelt new material, and innovative stage collaborations made for a night that will linger in memories long after the final encore.
As the tour continues, all eyes are on Busan and Daegu. If the Seoul concert is any indication, fans in those cities are in for an unforgettable night—one where music, emotion, and community take center stage.