Photo Credit: SM Entertainment
The event took place on the 18th at Handball Stadium, Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul, marking Kai's first solo concert tour, KAION.
The concert was divided into four themed segments: 'The Stranger in the Mirror', 'The Many Selves Within Me', 'All Selves Unite', and 'A New Journey of Mine'. The stage design incorporated Kai's English name typography, 'KAI', along with video clips, a large LED screen, and various props, which provided enhanced visual elements matching the mood of the songs.
Kai commenced the concert with the song 'Sinner' from his third mini album, dressed in red attire, and continued with 'Mmmh' from his first mini album and 'Nothing On Me'. Fans actively participated by chanting his real name, 'Kim Jongin'.
Expressing appreciation for the audience's cheers, Kai engaged with fans throughout the venue during his first solo concert, KAION. He greeted the crowd with, "Did you miss me?" and remarked, "Today is the second day, and I'm slightly more nervous than yesterday. Yesterday was filled with the anticipation of 'Can I do this?', whereas today, I feel eager and excited to perform well and enjoy the experience."
The initial segment concluded with performances of 'Hello Stranger' from his first mini album, 'Slidin'' from his third mini album, and 'Ride Or Die' from the first mini album.
The second segment featured solo dance performances to EXO's tracks 'My Lady', 'Baby Don't Cry', and 'Into Your World'. Kai, in a three-piece suit, executed solo dances as fans sang along. During 'Come In' from his second mini album, he expressed affection for fans with a heart gesture.
Kai inquired, "How was the EXO medley after a long time?" and further shared, "Performing while hearing EXO-L's chorus after an extended period was moving. It resurfaced many past memories and felt like a chance to reflect on my journey from debut until now. Hearing 'Into Your World' nearly brought tears."
He also noted, "I hope you appreciated the opening and bridge videos. The feedback was positive. They represented the journey of discovering the new Kai. After 14 years, there is still much to reveal. New aspects continue to emerge," while pledging ongoing dedication to his fans.
Kai, now in rimless glasses, performed 'Vanilla' from his second mini album, the title track 'Peaches', and 'Adult Swim' from his fourth mini album.
"I'll adjust the song mood," Kai stated, as he wore a suit jacket. He received significant audience acclaim with performances of 'Wait On Me', the title track from his fourth mini album, 'Pressure', 'Walls Don't Talk', and 'Bomba' from his third mini album.
The concert entered its third segment with Kai in a leather jacket and black cap, performing an unreleased solo song 'Confession' and 'Domino' from his second mini album, which heightened the concert atmosphere.
Taking a moment, Kai commented, "This is the most intense section," amidst applause from EXO-L. He conveyed his intent for the concert, stating, "I wanted to show you my return. I hoped the time you spent waiting and supporting me wasn't regretted, and that you would reaffirm your affection, thinking, 'This is why I like Kai', 'Kai alone satisfies me', 'Kai is my source of joy'."
He also encouraged enthusiasm, saying, "Let's enjoy ourselves today," and proceeded to perform 'Reason' from his first mini album.
Towards the conclusion, Kai expressed gratitude, noting, "Today was truly enjoyable. I'm thankful that my fellow members attended," recognizing Suho, Chanyeol, and D.O. He continued, "With support from my 'brothers', I could execute this concert. Thank you to them and to all of you for being part of KAION." He promised future performances, concluding the third segment with his popular song 'Rover'.
Even after the performance concluded, fans continued to chant 'Kim Jongin'. In response, Kai performed 'Blue' from his second mini album. Acknowledging the encore, he added, "This feels like the most exhausting performance I've done. 'Rover' consumed all my energy." During photos, fans surprised him with a slogan event, stating, "Jongin, we love you," which moved him emotionally.
Kai concluded, "I am touched and grateful. This experience brought many emotions, including fear and reflection, but I always thought of you. Performing on stage brings me joy, and I realized anew today that it is my passion. I will cherish this day forever," finishing the Seoul concert with 'To Be Honest' from his second mini album.