Truly the Best Concert Experience I've Ever Had
by Kai on 5/8/25Copernicus Center - ChicagoRating: 5 out of 5This was one of the best concert experiences I've ever had. Onew has been in the game for 17 years - as he willingly reminded us - and came with such a sense of maturity, warmth, kindness, and gentle reminders to be kind to the translator and not cheer over her. Which, by the way, the translator was amazing and matched his energy - thank you so much for your hard work! You were hilarious, too!
Onew has such a stage presence that feels like a warm hug and a good joke. He somehow manages to make it feel like an intimate show where everyone in the audience is just hanging out with him, while also providing some of the most stable, honey-like live vocals I've ever heard. He definitely loves what he does, and he wanted us to feel his gratitude and adoration for us, as well. His smile could melt even the coldest of hearts and, although he swears he's not a great dancer, he graced us with some of his amazing moves. He seemed to be having as much fun as us! I hope he felt the love and adoration we all had for him, as well, as I know he probably feels like the other SHINee members can outshine him. It's not true - all of them shine as beautifully and strong as each other, in their own ways.
I hope he comes back to tour the US in the future, as a soloist and with SHINee. I am so glad I had the privilege to see him in person this time around, as I missed them when they were here in 2016 and it's always been my biggest regret. Onew, if you ever read this, your group AND solo music has helped me through some of the darkest times.