K-pop powerhouse aespa launched the initial leg of their highly anticipated 2025–26 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK: aeXIS LINE-IN HONG KONG last night, electrifying the AsiaWorld-Expo with a high-energy performance. The four members—Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning—made a dramatic entrance, descending onto the main stage from a nearly 10-meter-high suspended platform, immediately sending the devoted crowd of MY (the group’s official fan moniker) into rapturous cheers. This concert marked the first of two scheduled shows in the special administrative region, officially kicking off their extensive global tour itinerary.
The quartet—dressed in striking black and crimson stage attire—ignited the evening with back-to-back fast-paced tracks, “Armageddon” and “Set The Tone.” Enhanced by intricate choreography, pyrotechnics, and the synchronized movements of their backup dancers, the opening set effectively ramped up the arena’s energy. Group leader Karina warmly addressed the audience, exclaiming, “Hello everyone, we are aespa, and we have missed you, MY!” The members shared their excitement about returning to the stage after a brief hiatus, noting that the rest period had energized them for this “re-launch,” and expressed their eagerness to fully engage with their fans throughout the performance.
Solo Performances Showcase Individual Talents
The concert’s second act featured a segment dedicated to solo spotlight moments, allowing each member to showcase her individual artistry. Karina delighted fans with a dynamic rendition of “GOOD STUFF,” adopting a playful “student with glasses” aesthetic for the performance. Chinese member Ningning captured attention with an alluring dance number, performing in a low-cut ensemble that emphasized her stage presence. Winter offered a surprising shift in mood, delivering a heartfelt, acoustic performance of her solo track “BLUE” while accompanying herself on the guitar, further impressing the audience by singing a portion in Mandarin Chinese.
Following the solo segment, the group engaged with the audience, asking for feedback on their stage presence and encouraging active participation. They gathered center stage for a dreamy, synchronized rendition of “Flowers,” channeling a youthful, ethereal vibe. The show then shifted back to high-impact choreography, featuring fan favorites like “Spicy,” “Supernova,” “Trick or Trick,” “Wake Up,” “Hold on Tight,” and “Rich Man,” with the MY in full voice, singing along to every lyric.
Humor and Human Connection
Despite the demanding, extensive choreography, the members maintained a lighthearted connection with the crowd. Wiping sweat and visibly feeling the heat, they joked, “We are dancing so hard! When will winter arrive in Hong Kong?” When some fans shouted that it was already winter, the idols reacted with humorous disbelief, learning that Hong Kong’s winter rarely involves snow. This led them to playfully invite fans to Seoul to experience the colder climate. They emphasized that the physically intense dance segments were delivered with extra effort specifically for their dedicated fanbase.
The concert’s final segments included an engaging audience interaction twist: instead of a traditional “Kiss Cam,” the venue deployed a “Dance Cam.” Highlights of aespa’s complex choreography were played on the big screens, prompting audience members to attempt the moves in a spontaneous Dance Challenge, generating widespread applause and laughter.
Before the encore, the four artists shared heartfelt reflections, acknowledging that a temporary break from touring had caused some initial tension, and expressing profound gratitude for the fans who waited patiently. Ningning took a moment to teach her bandmates to say “Thank you, I love you, thank you everyone!” in clear Mandarin. The explosive evening culminated with the encore track “Welcome to MY World.” The members walked the length of the stage, waving, forming hearts, and posing for fan photos before bidding the energized crowd farewell, successfully completing the Hong Kong tour kickoff with immense success.
