Japanese pop-rock band Sekai No Owari made a triumphant return to Seoul on Friday, drawing hundreds of dedicated fans who braved the drizzle to catch a glimpse of their favorite artists. The four-member band held a special red carpet event and press conference at Space S50, a cultural venue in Seongsu-dong, ahead of their highly anticipated concert at Korea University Seoul Campus Hwajeong Gymnasium on Saturday.
Fans ranging from teenagers to people in their thirties gathered outside the venue, demonstrating the band's broad appeal across different age groups. The enthusiasm extended beyond the venue, as the band members were greeted by passionate supporters even at the airport upon their arrival. "Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I was also surprised to see so many fans when we arrived at the airport. They gave us gifts, which made us feel happy and appreciated," said Nakajin, one of the band members, during the press conference.
Sekai No Owari, known for their distinctive blend of pop, rock, electronic, and orchestral elements, has built a strong following with hits like "Starlight Parade" and "Dragon Night." The Seoul concert marks the beginning of their Asia tour, which promises to showcase both music and visuals that bring their 15-year musical journey to life. For the band, returning to Korea after a six-year absence holds special significance.
Vocalist Fukase revealed that selecting the setlist proved to be a challenging task, as each song holds personal meaning for the band. "This concert set list is packed with our high-energy and powerful songs. During the performance, there will also be a live painting session where we will create a painting on the spot, so fans should look forward to that," Fukase explained. The live painting element represents the band's commitment to creating a unique, multi-sensory experience for their audience.
When discussing the concept behind incorporating live painting into their performance, Fukase emphasized their desire to create an inclusive experience. "I hope our concert is a family-friendly experience that all generations can enjoy together. And to make that happen, we need something to keep everyone engaged," he said. This approach reflects the band's understanding of their diverse fanbase and their commitment to providing entertainment that transcends age barriers.
The band members expressed deep appreciation for their Korean fanbase, particularly noting the emotional connection their music creates. Fukase shared that he missed the passion and energy of Korean fans, while band member Saori added her own observations about the audience's engagement. "I am always deeply moved when I see Korean fans singing along to our songs and sharing how the lyrics have touched them emotionally," Saori said, highlighting the meaningful relationship between the band and their supporters.
The upcoming concert carries a powerful symbolic message, as Saori explained the thematic elements of their performance. "Tomorrow's concert centers on the theme of 'phoenix,' which symbolizes revival and rebirth. I hope the Korean audience will also connect with the message and feel its emotional depth," she said. This theme appears particularly relevant as the band returns to Seoul after their extended absence.
Regarding their creative process and musical inspiration, Fukase provided insight into what drives the band's artistic evolution. He explained that their motivation to create stems from a constant desire to explore new territories and experiment with different approaches. "I can quickly get bored, so I can't stick to doing the same thing over and over, which is why I look for new things to stay engaged. I haven't told my bandmates yet, but I hope to create an 18-minute song one day," Fukase said with a laugh, demonstrating both his artistic ambition and playful personality.
The band also expressed interest in potential collaborations with Korean artists, showing their openness to cross-cultural musical partnerships. When asked about working with local talent, Nakajin specifically mentioned Beatpella House, a Korean beatbox a cappella group that caught his attention through social media. "I came across them while scrolling down social media, and I thought they were cool. I hope to make music with them one day," Nakajin said, suggesting that future collaborations between Japanese and Korean artists could emerge from this tour.
