2022 saw the birth of several K-Pop festivals in Europe. Among them, MIK Festival has been created by Magic Sound Entertainment, who already brought major groups to Europe (NCT 127 or SuperM for example).
On February, 18th and 19th, MIK Festival brought a variety of artists to Paris. The first day of the festival was dubbed “K-Pop day”. From 2:30 until past 10pm, Cherry Bullet, B.I., Chungha, KARD, Pentagon, Epik High, Hwa Sa, BtoB, Hyoyeon and Taeyeon performed in front of fans.
Winter temperatures in Europe wouldn’t allow for open-air events. Unlike its British older sister, the Paris festival was held inside, at Accor Arena. This reduced the “festival” image of the event, but in no way impacted its energetic atmosphere.
As a result, each of the performances almost felt like a solo concert of the artists, leaving both fans and performers with a big smile on their face.
CHERRY BULLET
The group debuted in 2019, and developed a cheerful image. They kick off the festival with “Aloha Oe”, bringing some summer vibes to the winter festival. With songs like “Love So Sweet” or “Love In Space”, they efficiently hype the crowd up and receive loud cheers in the city of love.
B.I
Active in the K-Pop industry since 2013, B.I made his solo debut in 2021. MIK Festival was his first time performing in Paris. As a result of a long wait, many European IDs (fandom name) came to the venue equipped with their binbong, the artist’s lightstick.
Performing 2nd, it seems the artist wasn’t expecting the warm welcome. He efficiently delivers his tracks such as “BTBT”, “Illa Illa” or “Keep Me Up” and occupies the stage as the crowd shouts the lyrics.
Finally, he decides to jump off stage during “Cosmos” to meet the fans right by the barrier.
CHUNG HA
CHUNG HA is one of the front-runners of the female soloists in Korea. While she visited Paris with I.O.I in 2016, MIK Festival is her first performance there as a solo artist. She uses the opportunity to perform unreleased tracks – “Don’t Believe in Love” (which she already performed at MIK London last summer) and “Love Without You”. While her songs speak of difficult love relationships, she is nothing short of love towards her fans. Especially when she suddenly tears up with happiness and pride when the venue wishes her a happy birthday in front of her mother, who sees her performing solo for the first time.
KARD
The Co-ed group had plans of performing in Paris in the past, through a tour that COVID 19 put a halt to. As a result, it was also the first time they performed “Oh Nana” “Bomb Bomb” or “Gunshot”. The group’s EDM-inspired tracks are just perfect for a festival like this. The crowd screams and jumps, pouring even more energy into their reactions.
PENTAGON
It was actually only a part of Pentagon that performed in Paris for MIK Festival. Yuto, Kino, Wooseok, Shinwon and Yeo One didn’t disappoint though, making up for the missing members with their stage presence and energy.
While fans wish they could have seen a more complete groups, they showed perfect support to the 5 representatives of the group. The members made sure to mention their previous concert in Paris, asking the crowd for what many considers as the French fans’ signature chant. The group also gifted fans with the first-ever live performance of “Cerberus” by Yuto, Kino and Wooseok. All the members brought their inner rockstar out for “Call My Name” before making the crowd go crazy with “Shine”.
EPIK HIGH
Epik High were, probably, the main question mark of the K-Pop day. Tablo quickly explained that they were initially asked to perform on Hip-Hop Day, but couldn’t answer positively due to pre-arranged schedules.
Yet, they did fit right in the K-Pop line-up. They’ve been in the industry for long enough for K-Pop fans to not only know, but also respect them. They may not be “K-Pop” stricto-sensu, but have played a major role in the genre and its history. They proved it when performing “Map The Soul”, “Rosario” or “New Beautiful”. They also welcomed B.I back on stage to perform “Born Hater” with him.
HWA SA
The Mamamoo member appears full of charisma. She performed her solo tracks like “I’m A B” or “Maria”, sharing the stage with both male and female dancers. Hwa Sa exudes power and sexiness, despite her cuteness peaking out between songs.
Her Mamamoo medley is a great surprise for fans. Despite her steady and successful solo career, her fans still know her as a group member. She’s loved for both type of activities, so seeing her bring Mamamoo songs was definitely a win for many fans.
BTOB
BtoB debuted 11 years ago. You don’t go this long as Korean male artists without having to fulfil your mandatory military service. As a result, despite their experience, it was also the group’s first performance in Europe.
And what a performance! With classics like “Missing You”, “I’ll Be Your Man” or “Wow”, they were sure to receive an explosive answer from fans. The members were seen taking their in-ears out to ear the fans, and vibing to the chants. Surprisingly enough, it seems the group didn’t expect to be one of the highlights of the evening.
HYOYEON & TAEYEON
Hyoyeon was the first of two SNSD artists performing at MIK Paris. She performed a DJ set that could have concert-goers last the whole night. She efficiently alternates western tracks and K-Pop sounds, including from her own group. She doesn’t forget her own song though, performing “Deep” with backdancers to accompany her energetic choreography.
When she exists the stage, it’s time for Taeyeon, also a SNSD member, to perform. She starts right off with “INVU” probably her most well-known solo track. Her vocals are clear and steady as she goes on with “Set Myself on Fire”, “Do I Call You” or “Spark”. Her performance, maybe a bit calmer than the previous ones, is flawless and gets many fans emotionals before putting a end to the first day of the festival.
