HONG KONG – The seven-member Japanese girl group XG delivered a high-energy performance at AsiaWorld-Expo’s Hall 10 on Wednesday night, drawing a crowd of nearly 8,000 for the Hong Kong leg of their XG World Tour: The Core. The show marked the group’s return to the city, where they expressed deep affection for local fans through a mix of futuristic visuals, pop hits, and playful Cantonese banter.
A Space-Themed Opening
The concert kicked off with the group emerging in shimmering, cosmic-inspired outfits, setting the tone for a night of interstellar fantasy. Opening with the track “Gala,” the members immediately engaged the audience, greeting fans warmly and reintroducing themselves. “We missed you all,” one member said, speaking in English. “It’s so good to be back with Hong Kong fans.”
The show was structured into four distinct segments, each featuring a different thematic look and setlist. Among the songs performed were fan favorites such as “Up Now,” “Puppet Show,” “Howling,” and “In The Rain.” The group also showcased their versatility with choreographed dance breaks and smooth transitions between upbeat and emotional numbers.
Cantonese Connections
In a move that delighted the crowd, XG had clearly invested time in learning local phrases. Members peppered their stage banter with Cantonese expressions like “Zung daai baak je wun” (still plenty of fun to have) and “Mou dak ding aa” (absolutely fantastic). At one point, a member laughed and declared in English, “Tonight is very amazing!” The mix of languages underscored the group’s effort to bridge cultural gaps and connect directly with their Hong Kong audience.
Surprise Birthday and Fan Interaction
As the concert neared its close, the energy shifted to celebration. XG surprised member Maya, who turns 21 on October 10, with an early birthday tribute. The entire venue joined in singing “Happy Birthday,” with fans waving light sticks in unison.
The group then launched into a spontaneous random-play dance game, where members had to improvise choreography to surprise song snippets — a segment that drew cheers and laughter. The evening’s climax came during the final songs, “New Dance” and “Left Right,” when the group descended from the stage to interact directly with fans in the front rows, sparking a wave of excitement.
Emotional Farewell
Before exiting, XG expressed their gratitude and reluctance to leave. Multiple members shouted “Ngo oi nei dei” (I love you all) in Cantonese, waving to fans as the lights dimmed. The emotional send-off left many audience members lingering, chanting for an encore.
Next Stop: Taipei
With the Hong Kong show now concluded, XG is set to continue their The Core tour, heading next to Taipei on October 17. The tour has drawn significant attention for its ambitious production and the group’s rising global profile, particularly among international K-pop and J-pop crossover audiences.
Broader Impact
XG’s growing popularity signals a shift in the Asian pop landscape, where Japanese acts are increasingly tapping into global tour circuits traditionally dominated by Korean groups. For Hong Kong fans, the sold-out show also reflects a rebound in the city’s live entertainment sector, which has been steadily recovering since pandemic-era restrictions were lifted. As XG continues to build momentum, their blend of multilingual engagement and polished performance may set a new standard for regional acts aiming for international reach.
