BTS Army shows up in force for K-pop septet’s Hong Kong Wings tour concert [Review]
The K-pop boys took over AsiaWorld-Expo with their military-inspired dance routines in an infectiously fun show full of hits old and new
K-pop heartthrobs BTS dazzled ARMYs over two Hong Kong tour datesBTS have already proven they can top international music charts, surpass their own records for every new release, and even scoop a nomination at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. But, last month, the K-pop group showed they could take over Hong Kong for a whole weekend, when they performed two sold out shows at the AsiaWorld-Expo.
The seven-piece (also known as Bangtan Boys) includes Rap Monster, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook. Their fans, aka “ARMYs”, hyped themselves up as huge screens played music videos.
The band walked onstage to a call of “Aim your gun! Ready! Fire!” and kicked things off with Not Today. In response, fans screamed at the top of their lungs while waving their “Army Bomb” light sticks.
The boys then performed the upbeat party songs Am I Wrong, Baepsae and Dope, all the while executing sharply choreographed dance moves. It was a nice touch when they took turns introducing themselves in Cantonese, with leader Rap Monster even speaking in English.
The Wings Tour setlist included both groovy tracks and slow ballads. Group dance performances were delivered with military precision, while solo routines were equally mesmerising, showcasing their different styles of music.
Each member’s vocals talents were spotlit in seven individual performances, a mixture of sentimental songs and hip-hop tracks.
A highlight was a medley of older tracks N.O, No More Dream, Boy in Luv and Danger. It’s been a long time since the boys performed their debut single No More Dream, which sent fans into a whirl of nostalgia.
After a short film, the band walked back onstage and sang their hottest tracks, 21st Century Girls and Blood, Sweat and Tears, with ARMYs singing along to every lyric.
The band spoke again in Cantonese to express their love and gratitude to their devoted fans. “Hong Kong ARMYs, you are our wings. Let’s continue to fly up high!” They all then walked off the stage after taking a deep bow.
The ARMYs weren’t fooled: the lights were still down and everyone knew there was more to come. The crowd joined in chanting the members’ names before BTS returned, now dressed in black with white and blue shirts.
For their last song, they played their latest single Spring Day, to which fans unfurled banners that read “Each and every moment with you are spring days”.
The special fire effects and accompanying film clips ramped up the concert’s energy and made sure there was no shortage of surprises throughout the night. It was a concert packed with excitement and never-ending screaming. We can’t wait for BTS to return to Hong Kong!