As Chicago slowly began to thaw from winter, rising South Korean boy group ALL(H)OURS drew fans out on the crisp February night to join them for their 1st FANCON in North America at Concord Music Hall. Anticipation stirred throughout the line of fans that was steadily growing down the block, lightsticks glowing against the lasting traces of winter air.
After debuting in 2024 under Eden Entertainment with their first EP, All Ours, along with their single “Gotcha,” the group has steadily gained momentum and drawn attention for their high-energy tracks and polished stage presence. Nominated for Best New Male Artist for the 2024 MAMA Awards, ALL(H)OURS continues to solidify their place among K-Pop’s most promising rookie acts. Members Kunho, Youmin, Xayden, Minje, Masami, Hyunbin, and On:N, have built a reputation for explosive live performances and sharp choreography. The detail and care that the group has put into their craft translated into a performance that felt both well-rehearsed and heartfelt.
Once the doors opened, fans, or Min(ut)e (pronounced Minute), streamed in from the Chicago blocks, filling the venue with contagious energy, excited chatter mingling with voices singing along to the pre-show playlist. As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted in cheers, begging the members to appear on stage. Seven figures took the stage in silhouette. The lights flicked on, revealing the members as the first beat drop of their intro song, “WAO WAO.”
ALL(H)OURS moved with precision and intensity that matched the roar of the crowd. As the last note of their first song rang out, the tone had been set for the night: dynamic, electrifying, and full of the tight choreography fans had come to expect. Between dance breaks, the group showcased moments of vocal strength and melodic nuance, proving they are as skilled in live singing as they are in performance.
ALL(H)OURS turned up the heat with fan favorites like “GOTCHA,” showcasing intricate choreography paired with precise vocal delivery that captured the group’s tight synchronization. At the same time, moments of playful interaction highlighted their personality. “SHOCK” followed with a darker and more aggressive energy, featuring driving beats commanding full attention from the audience. Throughout both tracks, fan participation was constant, with lightsticks waving and lyrics echoing in perfect unison, creating a dynamic energy between the performers and the crowd.
Fans waved lightsticks and held up fun signs, while the group paused between songs to acknowledge the crowd, share smiles, and express genuine gratitude for the support. It was clear that, even in their first North American FANCON, ALL(H)OURS prioritized fan connections just as much as the spectacle. Between sets, the members also played games with fans, like the mission game, where each member had to pass a mission. Whoever failed must perform a “sexy dance” for Min(ut)e. Xayden, Masumi, On:N, and Hyunbin ultimately lost and took on the playful penalty for their fans. Although it was a punishment for the members, it was a treat for the crowd.
After a few more stages, the group took a moment backstage to prepare for the second half of the night while a VCR of each member played for the fans to watch. The crowd was awed by the stunning visuals of the VCR, highlighting each member’s talents and charms. Shortly after the VCR ended, Xayden, Masumi, and Hyunbin entered the stage to perform a rap cover of “Trendsetter” by Connor Price and Haviah Mighty. Following the rap performance, the other four members, Kunho, Youmin, Minje, and On:N, took to the stage with mic stands in hand and launched into a rendition of “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back” by Shawn Mendes. The group then came back together to perform a vocal and dance cover of “Blood, Sweat, and Tears” by BTS. These covers not only showcased their versatility by shifting seamlessly between hard-hitting rap and melodic pop, but they also highlighted the full range of the group’s skills, and the duality and talent that make ALL(H)OURS such a compelling live act.
The members explained that the covers, particularly the BTS performance, portrayed a more mature, sexy side of the group and reflected their hope to continue growing as artists. They added that the next stage would showcase a more mature side while keeping the group’s distinct identity, as they prepared to perform “Freaky Fresh” and “PSYCHO MANTRA.”
By the time the night drew to a close, it was clear that ALL(H)OURS had left a lasting impression on their Chicago Min(ut)e. From explosive group numbers to playful fan interactions and versatile cover performances, the show highlighted their technical skill and stage presence. For a group still early in their career, they delivered a performance that was confident, engaging, and undeniably memorable; a statement that ALL(H)OURS is a rising force in K-Pop, ready to make their mark on audiences far beyond South Korea.