G-Dragon’s much-anticipated “Ubermensch” world tour launched on Saturday, despite a sudden cold snap and strong winds. The concert, held at the Goyang Sports Complex Stadium, was delayed by 73 minutes due to weather conditions. However, the wait did little to dampen the excitement of the 30,000 fans.
The show began with a high-energy performance of “Power.” G-Dragon, dressed in an elaborate red rose-inspired outfit and a crown set with a large gemstone, made a bold statement. The K-pop icon was back. As the stage lit up with dazzling pyrotechnics, the crowd roared, momentarily forgetting the chill in the air.
G-Dragon’s setlist included a mix of old and new hits. Tracks like “One of a Kind” and “Crayon” from 2012 set the tone, while songs like “Middle Fingers-Up” and “Super Star” from 2017 kept the energy high. As he performed “Home Sweet Home,” the side screens displayed images of his Big Bang bandmates, Taeyang and Daesung, showing their continued support.
During the concert, G-Dragon welcomed several surprise collaborations. CL, leader of 2NE1, appeared to perform a mash-up of “R.O.D” and “The Leaders.” For “Heartbreaker,” Wing, the first Korean champion of the Asia Beatbox Championship, added a unique twist.
The visual effects were nothing short of stunning. An AI-generated image of a young G-Dragon appeared during “A Boy.” In “Butterfly,” digital butterflies flitted around him, adding a magical touch. The show also featured vibrant bursts of confetti, filling the stadium with color.
Although weather conditions forced some adjustments, including a canceled aerial stunt, G-Dragon’s performance was mesmerizing. It was his first solo concert since the 2017 “M.O.T.T.E” world tour. Despite the long break, he showed no signs of losing his touch.
Reflecting on his return, G-Dragon shared his thoughts: “I kept thinking about what I wanted to show. I missed this.” He explained the symbolic imagery of two silhouettes — one from his 2009 debut and one from his current “Ubermensch” era — representing his journey.
The concert ended with an audience sing-along to “Crooked,” followed by a hint at an encore concert in Korea and Big Bang’s 20th-anniversary event next year. G-Dragon will continue his “Ubermensch” world tour, with stops in Tokyo, Manila, Osaka, Macao, Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Hong Kong.
