ONEUS Heats Up Chicago During a Blizzard
The morning of Friday the 22nd saw fans huddled in a line outside the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom. As Chicago was experiencing a snowstorm, these fans were diligently waiting to see the five-member K-Pop boy group ONEUS on their La Dolce Vita World Tour.
Photo Cr: Kenna Miller
Once inside the venue, the group’s fans, affectionately labeled ‘To Moon’, didn’t have to wait long to warm up as ONEUS entered with a fiery performance of “Baila Conmigo,” followed by “ERASE ME” and “Simulation.” The members could also feel the heat, commenting, “I remembered Chicago was this hot!” The group’s main dancer, Hwanwoong, gave hints about the next song saying, “There's no way the To Moon that loves us wouldn’t know this song where you can see the love between Two Moon and ONEUS grow. For the cities before, it was our first time there so we practiced dancing before we started but I believe in Chicago! Can you dance with us for the chorus?” The crowd passionately danced along with the group to “Valkyrie,” the lead single off their 2019 debut EP Light Us.
Photo Cr: Kenna Miller
After a quick outfit change, the group jumped right into high-energy performances of “Stupid Love” and “COME BACK HOME” that saw members standing on each other’s backs and being tossed effortlessly over backup dancers. The atmosphere was sizzling, causing main rapper, Leedo, to remove his jacket remarking, “I tried to keep my shirt on but it’s too hot in here” — much to the fan’s delight.
Along with their more upbeat songs, ONEUS showcased their vocal abilities through their power ballads “Unforgettable” and “Halley’s Comet.” The group sat on stools along the front of the stage for a more stripped-back production as fans waved along with the group’s lightstick, lighting up the inside of the ballroom. Main vocalists Keonhee and Seoho were especially highlighted as they hit powerful notes so effortlessly that members of security and venue staff could be seen turning around to watch as fans.
Photo Cr: Kenna Miller
During their ending remarks, the youngest group member Xion gave his feelings about the show and the weather saying, “Chicago is so cold I always wonder why I bring only light clothes. But you give us such hot energy I can wear the clothing and still feel warm. Thanks for waiting despite bad weather and snow.” Seoho had a memory he wanted to share with Chicago ‘To Moon’ expressing how Chicago is a special place for him. He had a shirt he used to wear to practice in during his trainee days that said Chicago across the front. During his long practice days all he’d see in the mirror was Chicago. He expressed how good he felt to come to the Chicago he was seeing in the mirror.
Photo Cr: Kenna Miller
ONEUS ended with a four-song encore of “BLACK MIRROR,” “BBUSYEO,” “Life Is Beautiful,” and “Shut Up Crazy Hot”. The high-tempo songs paired with spinning lights and brightly colored backgrounds created a festival-like atmosphere as the members sang and jumped around the stage taking photos and saying goodbye to their fans. Even though it was a snowstorm outside, Chicago To Moons went home feeling warm.
Photo Cr: Kenna Miller