On December 20, 2024, the 2024 KBS Gayo Daejun, known as the global festival, brought together K-pop artists across generations at KINTEX, Ilsan. This year’s event was hosted by the talented trio of ZICO, IVE’s Jang Won-young, and actor Kim Young-dae, marking another successful celebration of music and culture.
The festival kicked off with vibrant performances by newcomers like UNIS and TripleS, who showcased their electrifying acts. The theme of the event, 'Infinity,' symbolized the unbreakable bond between generations through music. UNIS opened with 'You Don’t Know,' displaying youthful charm, whereas TripleS followed with 'Girls Never Die,' energizing the crowd with their fierce stage presence.
Among the standout moments was DJ KOO’s collaboration with UNIS, TripleS, and Kep1er, who reimagined the classic hit 'Choryeon' for the audience, blending timelessness with modern beats. The exhilarating energy continued as IVE’s Lee Young-ji dazzled the stage with her hit 'Small Girl' and shared the spotlight with NCT's Mark for their debut performance of 'Fraktsiya,' quickly becoming one of the festival's highlights.
Further captivating the audience, K-pop legends such as Baby V.O.X made their long-awaited return, performing as a complete group for the first time in 14 years. Their set included powerful renditions of 'Get Up' and 'Urian,' demonstrating their unwavering charisma and impact on the industry. Baby V.O.X member Yoon Eun-hye expressed her joy, stating, "We practiced almost all night for two weeks. Thanks to this, we had such good times laughing and crying together." The nostalgia they brought was palpable and ignited memories for many fans present.
The festival also featured stunning performances from the likes of aespa, who delivered their chart-topping hits 'Whiplash' and 'Armageddon,' captivating viewers with their signature stage presence. Their ability to seamlessly fuse different musical styles showcased the creativity and diversity of contemporary K-pop.
Other notable performances included seasoned artists like Bada, who reminded everyone of her iconic status by performing remixes of her hits 'MAD' and 'Dreams Come True' alongside her powerful vocals. Her expressions of gratitude mirrored those of many artists at the festival.
Among the newer acts, ENHYPEN and NCT also shone brightly, with performances characterized by their unique blend of energy and precision. Both groups showcased what made them fan favorites: impressive choreography and catchy lyrics, ensuring they contributed to the festival's high energy.
The night was not just about celebrating past legends but also highlighting the new generation's creativity. Performers like Boy Next Door and P1Harmony creatively interpreted songs, creating unique collabs like their lively version of 'You’re Here for Me' which saw engaging interactions on stage.
Indeed, the festival was graced with diverse musical styles, with trot influence evident as veteran trot singers like Lee Chan-won, Jang Min-ho, and Young-tak crooned joyous songs, connecting with audiences of all ages. Their performances elicited cheers from fans—evidence of K-pop’s multi-generational appeal.
Closing the festival, acclaimed singer Yoon Soo-il performed his classic 'Apartment,' which had been reignited by the recent success of Rosé’s version. The collaboration saw all the artists coming together, both young and old, to celebrate music's lasting impact. Yoon expressed his delight about being part of such a vibrant event and was seen sharing the spotlight harmoniously with the new stars.
Overall, the 2024 KBS Gayo Daejun was not just about the dazzling performances and nostalgic returns but also about the way these artists connected through music, emphasizing the festival's theme of unity and growth across generations. The excitement, passion, and camaraderie among performers and fans alike made this year's event truly unforgettable.
