K-pop superstars aespa have been on an incredible run for world domination with the release of last year’s studio album Armageddon and 5th mini album, Whiplash, an onslaught sweep of the 2024 award season, and the group’s SYNK: PARALLEL LINE world tour that brought their high-energy live performance across the globe. There was certainly nothing stopping the aespa hype train.
Continuing the group’s world tour would see the girls making a trip to the always fabulous KIA Forum in the heart of Inglewood in Los Angeles where a high-energy sold-out crowd would await their on-stage takeover. This would be my first time experiencing an aespa live show, and I was not ready for the massive wall of energy the group’s fans would throw their way to power up the exciting night of dancing, jumping, and singing at the top of our lungs.
When I arrived at the KIA Forum I instantly felt the love these fans had for the group, great community building was happening among fans as freebies were handed around, pictures were taken, and ongoing conversations of “what’s your favorite song” occurred. Certainly a welcoming vibe that set the course for one of the better concert experiences I’ve had recently.
aespa would waste little time before 8 PM came around, and the house lights would go dark as the KIA Forum was filled with a wave of vibrating sound as the group made their way onto the stage before appearing behind the center stage wall as it slid open to reveal Karina, Winter, Gisella, and Ningning stunningly as they kicked it into high gear with “Drama” which got the fans up on their feet around the arena in unison as voices began to ring aloud alongside the four skilled members.
The sound production throughout the show was peak perfection for the night as the girls’ voices rang clearly and the music itself got my heart beating as I danced along to the sea of sound, losing myself in the sweet energy of “Black Mamba” and “Salt & Sweet.”
aespa killed the kick-off of the show perfectly with ace dance moves, and perfect teasing with the crowd, and just their overall aura could power the entire venue alone. The smiling faces in the sea of cheers showcased how much this group means to their fan base as tears could be seen, the group of guys next to me all dancing, not missing a beat. Tons of fun was going to be had for the next few hours before post-concert depression would most certainly kick in.
Throughout the concert, the group would display a variety of ments in between sections of the show, which perfectly put together a unique storyline with the mini red car rage being my absolute favorite as I laughed myself into a coughing fit. The group’s overall stage presence presented itself as an intimate experience in a big venue, creating a sense of oneness that I think perfectly syncs the fans with aespa beautifully. Not once throughout the show did it appear like the girls took their position for granted.
aespa would continue through their set with their hit “Supernova” and “Die Trying” to name just a few songs before getting to “Better Things” which floored me as one of my favorite songs I had heard that night. One thing I learned quickly about aespa and their live shows is their songs hit way harder live than the flawless studio recordings. Like, if you can, get your butt to an aespa show because you’ll fall in love with these songs all over again.
Also, once again, it can’t be understated how much the fans within the walls of the KIA Forum loved this group, the hopeless memory-building between friends, couples, and strangers was the cherry on top of the amazing night we were all having with some of the hardest working girls in the k-pop world.
After another outfit change a special part of the show would quickly manifest in the form of each member of aespa performing a solo piece that was incredibly perfect and showcased each member’s strength individually, also giving fans some one-on-one time with each member.
Giselle would kick things off with “Dopamine,” quickly enchanting the crowd with her haunting vocal style, creating a beautiful atmosphere throughout the venue. Karina would follow with “Up,” herself creating a safe space to dance freely and just unplug from the real world for a few minutes.
Next up would be Ningning who would go on to showcase her own set of skills with “Bored!,” which got the fans cheering and hollering from start to finish. Wrapping things up for solo performances would be Winter with an incredible performance of “Spark,” alongside “Bored!,” which would get the crowd up on their feet, singing at the top of their lungs.
All in all, aespa’s solo performances would quickly become a highlight of mine from the night as they continued to prove why they were in the position they were in. Continuing to power through tracks like “Spicy” and “Pink Hoodie,” the group would continue to dance the night away, setting their SYNK: PARALLEL LINE world tour as one of the must-attend events going on now.
Between the break of “Pink Hoodie” and “Hold On Tight,” aespa would take the chance to relax a little while interacting with their fans before announcing their special guests of the night, EXO’s Suho and Tori Kelly, which caught both artist’s by surprise as they threw out hand hearts for the girls.
“Hold On Tight” from the hit Apple TV+ movie, Tetris, had to be one of the main songs I was looking forward to hearing throughout the whole night as I became obsessed with the track back when it was first released in 2023. Let me just say, that I was not disappointed, as I jumped, sang, and lost all control throughout the engaging and high-energy performance. The girls would even head into a dance battle between each other and their talented backing dancers.
To say the combo of “Hold On Tight,” “Live My Life,” and “We Go” were my favorite portions of the show would be an understatement. I mean, whenever Pokémon are involved it’s always a fun party! And, that’s what that portion of the show felt like, everyone together at one big party having the time of their lives.
However, with the conclusion of “We Go,” I knew the show would quickly be coming to a close with each song performed, and I was not ready for my time with the girls and their energetic fan base to be over. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one feeling that way as time seemed to jump by in a flash.
After a rather quick yet beautiful appearance from Nævis and a performance of “Done,” aespa would take the stage once again to get the crowd’s feet burning with “Whiplash,” which beautifully saw lightsticks coming out in full force as the crowd lost themselves in the beautiful voices and movements of the girls.
aespa would smash through “Set The Tone,” “Next Level” (which had the crowd singing louder than the girls), and “Armageddon,” all in perfect form as the rock versions of these songs echoed throughout the venue in perfect rock bliss before saying their initial goodbyes. But, no one in that venue was a concert rookie so we all quickly began to cheer for an encore.
After a few minutes, the screens would glare with a dance challenge issued to the fans throughout the KIA Forum, challenging fans to do their best to recreate the many dances of aespa on the giant screens displayed across the stage. Thankfully, I was not picked out, but I would have certainly tried my best. But, it was exciting to see a pair of girls in the row in front of me being signaled out as they smashed their dance, and that sentiment goes for everyone who knew their stuff. It was such a small, fun moment that got the fans re-energized for the girls to take the stage again.
The girls would end the show with an amazing onslaught of “ænergy,” “Just Another Girl,” and “Life’s Too Short.” Of course, in today’s concert world, the night wouldn’t be complete without a photo with the crowd, which the girls nailed, cementing the night as one to not forget. At least until the next aespa concert and another round of fun memories.
My time with MY and aespa felt special. A concert memory I won’t soon forget, and could very well be one of the best I end up attending this year. I went into the SYNK: PARALLEL LINE world tour having never experienced the group’s on-stage energy now never wanting to miss one of their stops in the Los Angeles region. These girls put so much of themselves into performing and their music as a whole and it shows when they’re lit up on stage by the fans’ smiling faces.
aespa also plans to donate a portion of their Los Angeles shows proceeds to those affected by the recent wildfires that destroyed areas around Los Angeles County. A sincere cherry on top of a beautiful performance.
However, aespa and the SYNK: PARALLEL LINE world tour are not done yet! There are still plenty of chances to catch the girls live if you live in North America or across Europe. So, if you can, I highly suggest you grab a pair of tickets and lose yourself in aespa’s incredible energy. Also, if you want to check out even more pictures of aespa’s time at the KIA Forum, you can check out our post on Instagram.
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