TVXQ! reentered Nissan Stadium at an average age of 39. It was their first performance there in eight years since 2018.
TVXQ! held a solo concert, '東神起 20th Anniversary LIVE IN NISSAN STADIUM ～RED OCEAN～', at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Japan, on Apr. 25 and 26. The combined attendance over the two days reached 130,000.
This concert is meaningful to TVXQ! in several ways. The group, which marks its 21st anniversary of debut in Japan today (the 27th), held a finale performance for its 20th anniversary, and it is significant in that it set the record for the most Nissan Stadium performances by an overseas artist.
The solo concert 'RED OCEAN' by TVXQ! at Nissan Stadium, the largest venue in Japan, used a title that signifies the spectacle created by the group's official red light sticks, and over 20 years TVXQ! and their fans together added meaning to the name 'TVXQ!'.
Was that why? At this Nissan performance, every member moved among the fans without exception, making eye contact and waving to communicate with the audience. Fans also waved T-shaped light sticks and gave louder cheers than anyone else.
The two members were more moved than anyone about returning to Nissan after eight years. Changmin said, "It has been about a year since the Tokyo Dome performance. Have you been well? I never imagined we would meet so many people again at Nissan Stadium. I had thought, 'I want to stand on Nissan Stadium again,' and it feels like a dream," conveying his overflowing emotions.
More detailed remarks continued during a meeting with reporters. Yunho said, "Seeing it, I feel overwhelmed. There were a few moments today. Fans in front of us cried and smiled brightly, so I kept wanting to cry. It's not just the size of the stadium, but our fans' warm temperament seems to be the reason," he confessed.
In 2018, Yunho was 32 and Changmin was 30. Now 40 and 38 respectively, it's not easy for them to maintain the same stamina as before. However, during the 'Somebody to love' stage, both the two and the fans forgot their ages and entered a trance.
Members traversing the stage in all directions were met with loud responses from fans who waved light sticks. Regarding concerns about stamina, Yunho said with a laugh, "When the director told me, 'You have to run again this time,' I thought inwardly, 'Really?' (laughs). There are fans even far away. I felt it was right to make a full lap to greet everyone. Once adrenaline is released, it's like, 'Let's go!'" he credited the fans.
Yunho also said, "TVXQ!'s strength is that we give our best on any stage. It's a different feeling from doing something well," expressing that the important thing comes from the heart rather than stamina.
Yunho smiled as he emphasized that he is in his 40s, but the sight of him running toward fans recalled the image of him at debut at 18. Watching TVXQ!'s performance made one repeatedly realize that their years were not spent in vain. Drawing on experience and maturity, TVXQ! traversed the stage and connected with 130,000 fans, once again proving why they hold a unique status in Japan.
[photo] SM Entertainment provided
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