Neither rain, disrupted public transportation services nor huge crowds at an adjacent stadium could stop over 5000 concert-goers from arriving at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil for the first ever SEEN Festival, organized by CM Live. Some even arrived at the break of dawn just so that they could secure a good spot in the standing zone. For many, this would be the first time seeing their favorite idols and their excitement was just so evident. The festival started at 6PM sharp to a roaring, almost deafening crowd.
First up was Dolla, Malaysia's very own pop quartet that rose to fame in 2020. The ladies kicked off the night with Impikan, an up-tempo song about achieving your dreams. Dolla then greeted the crowd with a short introduction and shared that they have a new release coming up in February 2023. The group went on to perform two more hit songs, BAD and Dolla Make You Wanna before closing out their setlist.
All eyes focused on seven bewitching beauties. This is me - ALICE
It was the first time ALICE (formerly known as ELRIS) has ever performed in Malaysia and the ladies did not disappoint as the first K-pop act of the night. ALICE opened their set with Jackpot, an upbeat song that bewitched the audience. Donned in all white costumes, the ladies of ALICE looked like, dare we say? Serene angels, ready to charm the hearts of everyone present. Following the opening song, ALICE then switched up genres and performed No Big Deal which showed a sultrier side of the group. They then greeted the fans in both Malay and Korean and also shared their views about seeing fans for the first time as well as visiting Malaysia for the first time.
The following two songs were performed at the extended stage where ALICE showcased their amazing vocals through their ballad song, Power of Love. Just as fans were recovering from the beauty of their vocals, ALICE then performed their summer anthem, Summer Dream to liven up the atmosphere again. The members of the group also commented during their ment section that they were grateful to escape the cold weather in Korea which then prompted an impromptu cover session of popular K-pop summer songs such as f(x)'s Hot Summer, Sistar's Touch My Body and Girl's Generation's PARTY. ALICE then returned to the main stage to perform two more bops which were This Is Me and their latest release, Dance On before ending their setlist.
Ring the alarm! Popular co-ed quartet heats up the arena - KARD
The singers started their night with their latest release, Ring The Alarm, a song that stays true to KARD's signature style. Soon after, they performed their hit song Oh Na Na before greeting the energetic audience. Member Jiwoo shared that she was so excited to see the fans as it has been a while since they last visited Malaysia. KARD then chilled out as they serenaded Axiata Arena with their song, Whip! followed by Good Love in which they greeted fans on all sides of the main and extended stage. All members waved, took selfies and threw hearts to fans in the standing and seating zones.
During their ment, KARD members were excited to welcome back J.seph, who had finished his mandatory enlistment in South Korea. The member added that it was a little embarrassing to be cheered for when he had returned for quite some time.
Member BM shared that they had a tradition of splashing water on the audience during their performances and sought permission from the KL crowd, saying "If even one person is not okay with it, we're not gonna spray y'all with water." to which fans responded with a chant of "괜찮아" (it's okay). BM later followed through with the water splash during their performance of Bomb Bomb which made members Jiwoo and Somin laugh out loud. KARD's high energy didn't stop until their last song, Dumb Litty, which left the audiences hyped up for the next performer.
Devastatingly handsome phantoms that are ready to haunt you - WayV
All through the night, NCT fans (WayZenNi and NCTzens) passionately cheered with their lightsticks, bathing the arena in a neon green glow. The cheers grew even louder as soon as the five attractive members of WayV appeared on stage, dressed in black and white outfits. The group opened their stage with the English version of Love Talk and was followed by Diamonds Only which left every fan swooning from their charm.
Member Ten shared that he was grateful for the fans' energy, saying, "no more worries, you guys (are) perfect!" whereas member Xiaojun added that he would love it if fans could keep up their heated energy until the end of the show. During their break, the WayV members also shared what they wanted to do while in Malaysia where member Yang Yang said that he wanted to see fireflies and campfires whereas Ten mentioned that he wanted to try Bak Kut Teh, a local chinese dish.
WayV then got closer to the fans as they performed two slow tempo songs, Broken Love and Let Me Love U at the extended stage. Both artist and fans waved enthusiastically to each other, showing how happy they were to see one another. The idol group ended their stage with Phantom, a song inspired by the novel/musical, The Phantom of the Opera. The group left the stage, leaving fans wanting more. Here's to hoping WayV visits our shores once more!
A group that delightfully sweetens the night like candy - NCT DREAM
Last but definitely not least, the final performer of the night graced the stage. NCT DREAM, affectionately called Dreamies by their fans, started their set with the highly energetic song, Hot Sauce. Fans were whipped into a frenzy as the idol group vigorously sang, rapped and danced on stage. Member Chenle greeted fans in both Korean and Chinese saying that he missed everyone a lot. Jaemin said that the fans' energy was so high and for that, they specially prepared several songs for the fans.
The boys went on to perform Beatbox and Glitch Mode at the extended stage where fans cheered as loudly as they could. The performances were not lacking in any way despite the absence of members, Mark and Haechan, who were away for other obligations and health issues. Before starting the next stage, NCT DREAM tested Czennies' skills in singing the chorus for Hello Future. Upon hearing the fans' rendition, member Jaemin said it was perfect whilst JENO mentioned that they pretty much didn't need to sing the chorus later.
All members applauded the fans' singing after the stage and Jaemin added that there was one more thing he hoped for. After a dramatic pause, he grinned and pointed to the crowd saying "See you at the Malaysian concert!" hinting that the group will be stopping by during their own concert tour. We didn't think it was possible but the cheers grew so much louder than before. Member Renjun promised to return with 7Dream, the nickname for the full group. We can't wait to see The Dream Show 2 happen in Kuala Lumpur!
Just before moving on to their last song, the members and fans sang a birthday song for Jisung, who celebrates his birthday on February 5th. Jisung sheepishly thanked everyone for celebrating his birthday early. The boys then performed Candy, a remake of their SM super senior H.O.T's song. Fans were excited to see the 5-member version of the song in person, gobbling up every cute expression that the members dished out. The night ended with a shower of colorful confetti and NCT DREAM members thanking the fans in multiple languages.
A night to be remembered
All four K-pop groups performed their best stages that night and were cheered by an amazingly energetic crowd. Suffice to say, it would be a memorable night for both artists and fans. We hope that all of the artists will be able to return for more performances in the future!
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You may check out Kpopstarz team live updates of the event on twitter account @kpopstarzlive
KpopStarz would like to thank the organizer, CM Live, for inviting us to experience the wonderful show.
Article by Farah Fairuz | Photos by CM Live
