Debuting Just Over a Year Ago, Group Draws Enthusiastic Crowds and Unveils New Tracks

SOURCE MUSIC

The fervor surrounding K-pop girl group Le Sserafim reached a crescendo as they marked the dazzling kickoff of their inaugural world tour, "Flame Rises," with a mesmerizing two-day spectacle at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Songpa District, southern Seoul, over the weekend. Despite debuting only a year and three months ago, the dynamic performances ignited an unmistakable frenzy among impassioned fans who braved the scorching heat.

Amid temperatures soaring both outside and within the fervent venue, the two-day concert welcomed more than 5,000 fervent fans each day, affirming the group's meteoric rise.

The second day's performance on Sunday commenced at 5 p.m. with Le Sserafim enthralling the audience with "The World Is My Oyster," the opening anthem from their debut album "Fearless" (2022). As the rousing one-minute track reached its conclusion, the group's five members—Sakura, Kim Chae-won, Huh Yun-jin, Kazuha, and Hong Eun-chae—mysteriously vanished from the stage, one by one, like participants in a trust fall.

Addressing the electrified crowd, Kim, the group's leader, playfully inquired, "Were you guys surprised? Did you think we really fell off the stage? Don't worry. We are safe." She added, "This is only the beginning. We have way too much left to show you guys."

Huh, one of the lead vocalists, expressed her aspirations for the group's future, stating, "At the end of the concert, we hope people start saying that Le Sserafim's concert is a must-see and that they have to see the members perform live." Hong, another member, chimed in, "We've prepared stages that are filled with the colors of Le Sserafim, so I hope you enjoy them."

Le Sserafim's uniqueness is embedded in their concept of fearlessness, propelling them to chart their path with determination. The name itself is an anagram for "I'm Fearless," while their official fandom goes by the name Fearnot. The title of their world tour, "Flame Rises," is another clever anagram derived from their group name.

Among the standout moments was the full performance of "The Great Mermaid," in which the quintet synchronized their choreography with 20 dancers, crafting an enchanting stage reminiscent of five mermaids on a beach. Flame machines and fog frames, harmonizing with the tour's thematic title, adorned the performances.

Le Sserafim delved into their discography, including the title track "Fearless" from their debut album, alongside a rock-infused rendition of "Blue Flame," introduced by a striking guitar solo from Huh. Intermittently, the members engaged with the audience, traversing the stage and encouraging waves of light sticks from their dedicated fan base.

Huh shared a poignant sentiment about the collective experience, remarking, "We have a lot of people in the stadium, and I think it's so touching that this many people, all with the same interest, can come together as one."

The concert showcased a medley of b-side tracks from the group's repertoire, featuring selections like "Sour Grapes" from their debut album, "Good Parts (when the quality is bad but I am)" and "The Hydra" from their second EP "Antifragile" (2022), and multiple tracks from their first full-length album "Unforgiven," including the first-time performance of "Fire in the belly."

Additionally, Le Sserafim unveiled a new composition, "We got so much," spotlighting powerful vocals from Huh and Kim. The sentiment behind the track was expressed by Huh: "We tried to unpack our gratitude towards the love and support that Fearnot sent us so far... I hope the lyrics relayed to your heart."

As the poignant two-hour-long concert concluded, the members shared reflections on their journey. Huh conveyed, "Through our music, through the voices of the inner mind, we followed what we really wanted to do, and we are here today." Kim acknowledged the day's joy, thanking everyone for the indelible memories.

Le Sserafim's trajectory is not only about artistic excellence but personal growth. Kim expressed a larger aspiration, "I strive to be someone who can provide our members and Fearnots with good influences, and I will try every day to influence you guys positively." Sakura, the group's member, conveyed the profound impact of their fans, known as Fearnot, emphasizing their unwavering support.

With the Seoul leg of their world tour concluded, Le Sserafim is set to release their second Japanese single, "Unforgiven," on August 23. The global tour is poised to continue in Nagoya and Tokyo in Japan, followed by performances in Osaka, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand in October. As the group's global journey unfolds, their fearless spirit continues to captivate and resonate across borders.

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