I’ve been to a few kpop concerts now, and this is my second and certainly not the last virtual one, so if you want to hear reviews on the others a little late, let me know. I am going into this biased as WJSN is my favorite group, but it also means I’m coming in with high expectations, because I know how good they can be, so let’s see how it measures up.
The Set List
The set selection was pretty solid, a good balance of title tracks and b-sides to keep things varied, leaning into the more upbeat songs in general. There were some choices that made me a little bummed though, particularly Save Me, Save You wasn’t included, which is a favorite, nor was Lights Up outside of the instrumental being used for the credits, which is my favorite WJSN song of all time. It was nice to see them do Our Garden on the upside, which Seola had a hand in writing, which makes it just that little bit more special. I also felt like the encore was just short one song, but that could just be me getting greedy. The special opening guest who was totally unexpected and unpredictable was very good. Speaking of, I wish they had done a few unit/solo performances or covers, those tend to be highlights for other concerts, also they also get cut out of VODs, so maybe they’re just trying to keep that in tact, which I do appreciate if that’s the case.
The talking sections were a frustration for a reason I did not expect however. I’m fine watching something with Korean dialogue knowing I won’t understand it in a concert setting, but this one was advertised as having live subtitles and it had them in only a limited capacity, frustrating to be promised something and not get it. So, they were good sections, but if subs are promised, have them more fully, or just don’t promise them at all. Also, one moment where Exy started introducing herself when it was Yeoreum’s turn was absolute gold, Yeoreum’s facial expression is so classic.
The Performances
They were good, WJSN is on point as always. Something that I hadn’t really noticed despite being a Bona bias, is how consistent she actually is on her live vocals, if Dawon wasn’t in the group, she or Soobin would be the most consistent, but Dawon sounds exactly like her recording, and is incredible for that. Some members' voices also were just a little different in the more vocally live mode that we don’t get with music, Luda is actually better sounding somehow, and Yeoreum was singing with a lot less of her interesting speaking voice texture than she does in recording, which isn’t good or bad, just interesting. I also quite liked the dance with a certain prop that I won’t spoil, it was a nice version of it.
I will say I felt that they were struggling to get into it as much without the huge live audience that concerts usually come with, especially Eunseo seemed like she was having trouble getting into it at the beginning, but that’s forgivable, really hard to create that same energy without actual cheering fans. I do think they picked up a lot in the encore though, energy really came through by the time they had got there. I also think the behind-the-scenes prep reel was really good and a lot of fun, it’s always nice to see that kind of content, and the members seemed like they were having a great time in it, which makes it better still.
The Styling
Just a quick touch on this one, the first set of outfits were fantastic, they were my favorites of the show, and definitely more my style. The second set of outfits my wife would have liked, but honestly weren’t for me, although the members still looked great. The encore outfits were also really great, simple in a good way, and I liked all the animal ears and whatnot to bring out a bit of character for everybody. Dayoung’s solution to her ears being in her face was also pretty great, and surprisingly, worked quite well.
Overall Thoughts
I had a great time with this concert and it was well worth waking up for, and the VOD will be worth it too in my opinion. My upsides are that it’s fantastically well performed and clean, which is to be expected of WJSN, and the music is good, as well as the talking sections. My downsides are the set list, which wasn’t quite what I would have done, but that is entirely personal taste, and the energy struggles that I felt a little here and there without the live crowd. That said, I hope they do another concert online, because I don’t think I’ll get the chance to see them live, so it’s all I have, and it’s well worth it for that alone, because WJSN are just that amazing.