October, 16th, Bang Yongguk brought his « III Europe Tour » to Paris.
III. Like « 3 », the artist’s 3rd EP. It also marks his 3rd solo concert in the french capital. The title of both the EP and tour may seem almost simple at first. But it is straightforward and honest, quite to Yongguk’s image.
Holding a concert on a weekday can be quite a challenge, as fans may be busy with school and / or work. However, a Bang Yongguk concert his someting his fans wouldn’t miss for sure. So they gathered at Cabaret Sauvage, a venue designed to remind us of a circus.
At first, a DJ, hypes the audience up by playing current international hit songs. He’ll also accompany the whole set of Bang Yongguk, regularly engaging with Yongguk’s fans as well.
When Yongguk appears on the stage, he’s sporting an all-white outfit and curly hair. The artist is all smiles and appears confident under the (mostly) red and blue spotlights.
With 3 solo albums under his belt, Yongguk now has quite an extensive track list, made of diversified tracks and genres.
When he sings « I remember » – both as a part of the main track list and as the encore song – we can feel the whole audience’s special affection for the song that has allowed many to discover Bang Yongguk. However it’s not the only song that’s so obviously a fans’ favorite. Songs like « Xie Xie » or YAMAZAKI» have the audience screeming the lyrics right back at Yongguk. « BUSS IT DOWN» « IXLU » or « MOVIMIENTO» have fans dancing on the spot.
The songs « Up » or «BAD» have Yongguk acting more playful on stage. And when a song includes the lyrics « I Love You », he points at the crowd with his warm smile. Fans quickly follow his lead and also make sure to deliver the sentence at him.
During his ments, Yongguk makes sure to clearly let this love be felt. He mentions how he had a busy year and refers to his group activities under the name BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON. Of course, the fans already know about it and were over the moon when Yongguk said he hopes to come back with the group. When he sang the chorus of «ONE SHOT», a few whistles, previously silent, could be heard among the crowd. If needed, they prove that Babyz are always ready to show support to the group as well.
A loyalty that Yongguk seems genuinely thankful for. He used english to thank fans from being by his side since a long time ago, and singing along with him ever since then. He adds « Thank you for being a part of my youth. I love you and respect you all ». A sentence all the more touching that it’s usually fans who’ll thank an artist for being a part of their youth.
As KAvenyou had the opportunity to cover all Yongguk’s solo concert in Paris thanks to Root Company and YY Entertainment, each concert feels like witnessing a new growth of Yongguk as an artist. Each time, he feels more confident and more at ease on stage. Leaving the venue, we’re confident Yongguk will get to sing in front of his fans for a very long time still.
