Following their successful shows in Seoul and Bangkok, OUI Entertainment’s WEi began their WEi WORLD TOUR: FIRST LOVE in North America with a jammed-pack performance at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. A handful of eager fans, called RUi, lined up in the middle of the night in hopes of securing the best spot on the GA floor, with many VIP ticketholders eyeing the coveted spots at the barricade. While queuing for some GA shows can quickly spiral into chaos, WEi’s North American tour promoter, KPOPME Entertainment, made the queuing process seamless. For VIPs, staff handed out numbered wristbands that indicated each individual’s place in the queue. The process allowed folks to leave, eat, and freshen up before returning to the venue and to reline up in their numerical order. Spirits were high as RUis flooded into the El Rey, ready to show up and show out for Daehyeon, Donghan, Yongha, Yohan, Seokhwa, and Junseo’s first-ever U.S. show.
With a flick of a wrist, WEi ignited the stage with their blazing performance of “FUZE.” The future bass EDM track was self-produced by WEi’s leader, Daehyeon, and served as the perfect kick-off to the night. Boasting dynamic choreography and a climactic chorus, it conveyed the members’ burning passion for the stage to the audience – evident in the constant screams and cheers from RUi. Donning all-black, fitted attire, WEi dialed back as they segued into “Twilight” and “Timeless.” While their first performance showcased the group’s charisma, the members were visibly more relaxed during this set and diverted their attention toward the audience. The members bopped their heads and vibed along to the former while they made eye contact and sent a few waves and smiles to the audience during the latter.
Precise, sharply choreographed performances defined the next set. Powerful, aggressive, and lit, the Trap-hybrid track “All or Nothing” performance commanded full attention. The Dahyeon-produced banger sprinkled hints of traditional instruments to create a piece that showcased not only the group’s powerful stage presence but also versatility. The crowd’s energy was amplified by “Super Bumpy,” another exhilarating track complemented by the crowd chanting “Super bumpy traffic” with their whole chests.
It had only been a few days since the WEi had arrived in the U.S. and the members were eager to talk about their LA excursions. Within hours of landing in LA, the members held a busking performance on Venice Beach that drew a crowd of RUi and LA locals alike. After having their time in the SoCal sun, the members spent their free time enjoying everything that the City of Angels had to offer. From making a trek to Disneyland and running into Iron Man and Spiderman to grabbing delicious ice cream to combat the LA summer heat, they ensured to make the most of their time and create as many memories as possible while on tour.
In between their hard-hitting dance numbers, WEi melted RUi’s hearts with “Blossom,” “Bad Night,” and “White Light.” Sporting white and black embroidered blazers and white ruffled blouses to complete their prince-like ensembles, the members let their natural charms shine as they serenaded, waved, took selfie videos, and threw finger hearts at unsuspecting RUi. Yohan even received a rose from a fan in the audience.
After showcasing their sexy and sweet charms, WEi showed off their bashful sides in “Too Bad.” The song is the title track of their FIRST LOVE EP and expressed the exhilarating yet nervewracking feeling of being around your crush.
Prior to WEi’s arrival in LA, fans were encouraged to learn the “BYE BYE BYE” choreography in preparation for the busking event. Dreams came true for a handful of talented RUi who had the opportunity to dance alongside the members, a rewarding moment that was even shared on WEi’s official TikTok account.
In addition to their own tracks, WEi prepared special cover performances that piqued the crowd’s interest. The group’s surprise performance of Monsta X’s “Love Killa” led to an eruption of surprised gasps and screams from RUi. It’s no secret in the Monbebe and RUi fan community that Yongha is one of the biggest and most well-known Monsta X fans in existence. He wears his “Yongbebe” title with pride and finds every opportunity to express his admiration for his favorite seniors. His TikTok cover of “Love Killa” caught the attention of his idols and spearheaded their blossoming friendship. Yongha and the WEi members did their sunbaes justice with a flawless dance cover that had RUi singing along and hyping up “Yongbebe” during his solo moments.
Another surprising moment of the night came in the form of WEi’s live cover of Gayle’s “Abcdefu (clean version).” With the lyric video displayed on the LED screen, the performance became a lovely duet with WEi and RUi singing together as one.
As a final parting gift, WEi closed out the night with “RUi,” a sweet and wholesome fan song dedicated to RUi who have stuck by their side through thick and thin. The sentimental ballad was a perfect close to the group’s first-ever concert in North America. As WEi sets forth on their tour, they can rest assured that they will be welcomed back to LA with open arms.