Experiencing Kai’s ‘KAION’ Solo Concert in Seoul

On May 18, 2025, I experienced something I’ll never forget—Kai’s first-ever solo concert, KAION, held at the Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul. As a huge fan of Kai’s solo music, seeing him performing on stage at his own show was emotional, electric, and exhilarating.

The Day Before

My journey actually started a day earlier. Thinking about how fast SM’s official merchandise tends to sell out or how long the line had the potential to be, I went to the venue on May 17th to secure my must-haves. Luckily though, I showed up to no line and there was only one item sold out thus far. I managed to grab the KAION t-shirt, sweatpants, and of course a pin for my collection. Holding that merch in my hands made everything feel real—it was happening.

Concert Day

On the day of the show, I truly mixed up the times of the concert the day before and showed up much later than I intended. I prefer showing up quite early for concerts. Here in Korea there’s often photozones or interactive exhibits for fans to engage with while they wait. I highly recommend showing up at least a few hours early to be able to experience everything. Regardless of my stress, I had a standing ticket—and that changed everything. Being on the floor meant being close. Really close.

As the lights dimmed and the first notes of a rendition of “Sinner” echoed through the stadium, it felt like my heart was stopping. I had my top two songs I wanted to hear live, but with both being minor b-sides, my expectations were low. With “Sinner” being the top of the two, I was already overwhelmed. When Kai emerged, the energy on the floor surged. There were no seats between us—just pure, kinetic connection. You could feel the bass in your chest and see the sweat on his brow. Every movement, every breath, every glance felt magnified from that perspective.

Kai’s Performance: A Masterclass in Presence

Kai owned the stage with effortless charisma and unmatched grace. He glided through songs like “Rover,” “Vanilla,” “Peaches,” and “Reason,” each performance more hypnotic than the last. “Vanilla,” his personal favorite, transformed the entire space into a dreamlike reverie.

The standing floor had its challenges—jostling for space, aching feet—but none of that mattered. Every time Kai looked towards our section or reached out toward the crowd, it was all worth it.

One unforgettable highlight was the different dance breaks featuring famous dancer and choreographer, Bada Lee. It was raw, sharp, and emotionally charged. Watching that from just meters away? Absolutely unreal.

Intimate Moments and Final Cheers

Between sets, Kai shared heartfelt reflections—his nerves, his gratitude, his memories of debuting with EXO. He looked genuinely overwhelmed by the love in the room. We all screamed, cried, and sang along together.

Towards the end I had a second song on my list but once he came out for the encore stage and I heard the beginning chords of “Blue” I couldn’t stop myself from tearing up. That song means the world to me and I never thought I’d see Kai perform it live, let alone while I’m in Korea. He closed the show with “To Be Honest,” the stage flashing with light. It was powerful, fun, and perfectly captured everything the concert was: bold, passionate, unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Attending KAION wasn’t just about seeing an idol perform—it was about witnessing an artist I love dearly perform how he was meant to. The standing floor gave me a close-up view not just of the stage, but of the emotion, the artistry, and the incredible bond between Kai and his fans.

Leaving the venue, I was exhausted but euphoric. My feet were sore, my voice was hoarse, and I was already reliving every moment in my head. Kai’s solo concert debut wasn’t just a milestone—it was a memory I’ll carry for the rest of my life.

If you get the chance to see Kai live—or even stream one of his shows—don’t hesitate. And if you’re planning on going? It’s 100% worth it.