@roxyfaithalexandria
On Saturday, May 10, South Korean singer-songwriter and producer KINO made his American festival debut at the iHeartRadio’s 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango Village stage in Huntington City Beach, CA. The pre-show took place on the vibrant festival grounds of iHeartRadio’s 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango Presented by Fiji Airways, which featured food trucks, brand activations, and live performances from global superstars, all creating a lively beachside festival atmosphere. The main event showcased performances by chart-topping artists such as Doja Cat, Gwen Stefani, Meghan Trainor, and David Guetta.
KINO’s Wango Tango appearance came just months after he wrapped up the U.S. leg of his I think I think too much tour in Los Angeles this past January — making his return to California all the more meaningful. “I’m super happy I can be back in Cali!” KINO told Kpopconcerts.com on the Wango Tango red carpet. “I love the Cali vibes, it really suits me.”
@roxyfaithalexandria
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The 27-year-old walked down the carpet sporting an all-white silk suit from young n sang and a Georgette silk mask from Maison Marigela, which he later removed to unveil his true self. This act represented his wish for acceptance and liberation from judgment and validation.
After launching his career as a member of PENTAGON, the young multifaceted artist established his own label, NAKED, in 2023 for his solo activities. Running a company is no easy task, but KINO acknowledged the strong support system around him, crediting both his team and his fans. “I’m learning something new every day. Every day is challenging,” he confessed, “But I really appreciate running this company with my team for the past two years. I’m so thankful to my fans too.” Through his solo music, he aims to connect with his audience through genuine stories and feelings that everyone can relate to.
KINO’s desire to connect with his fans was on full display during his Wango Tango Pre-Show Village performance. Joined by his bandmates from his recent tour, he kicked off his set with his solo rock rendition of “Cerberus” by PENTAGON, followed by “Everglow,” his bright pop single that truly befitted the energy of the sunny, beachside performance. He continued to move effortlessly through his diverse setlist, treating the audience with his piano ballad “Skyfall.” By the time he moved into his final song, “Call My Name,” the Wango Tango Village audience wrapped around his finger as they all unanimously shouted his name back to him during the call-and-response.
In the crowd, PENTAGON lightsticks and fan pickets waved high in the sky as many UNIVERSE, PENTAGON’s fanbase, showed up in support. KINO returned their enthusiasm, serenading them and personally thanking them for coming out to see him. For those in the crowd unfamiliar with his work, KINO wasn’t concerned — he confidently told them he’d become their new favorite artist. The bold statement piqued the crowd’s interest even further, with some immediately pulling out their phones to look up his music.
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KINO, ever reserved and laid back, couldn’t help but light up, reflecting on this milestone achievement, “This was my first music festival in the U.S., and I prepared a lot. And as expected, my fans were dancing and singing with me, it was crazy!”
With the year still unfolding, KINO revealed exclusively to Kpopconcerts.com that new projects are underway:
“I have an album coming out and I’m also preparing a tour! It’ll likely be next year, but I’m working on it. Stay tuned!”
– KINO
Catch KINO’s “Skyfall” performance from his I think I think too much L.A. concert and check out more of his music, below!
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