On September 19, WONHO brought his STAY AWAKE World Tour to Cologne, performing at Carlswerk Victoria as part of his ten-date run in Europe, offering fans a chance to experience him in an intimate live setting. Long before the show began, the atmosphere outside the venue was buzzing with excitement. Fans greeted each other with smiles and laughter, swapping handmade gifts and little freebies made with love for both WONHO and fellow attendees, a testament to the close-knit community surrounding the artist.
Since his solo debut in 2020, WONHO has topped worldwide iTunes charts and earned recognition for his versatility and powerful connection with audiences. Known not only as a singer, songwriter, and producer, but also as a fitness and fashion icon, he continues to push boundaries and set new standards on the international stage.
With his first full-length album on the horizo,n WONHO released his highly anticipated English single “Better Than Me,” which marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. Inspired by early 2000s boy bands like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, the track carries a powerful message of self-worth. It is about walking away with confidence and leaving an unforgettable mark.
WONHO brought this exact energy directly to the stage when he opened the show with that track, setting the tone for the night. From the very first beat, fans were swept up in his captivating stage presence, responding with enthusiastic cheers and synchronized lightstick waves. Accompanying dancers, whose precision and charisma brought each choreography to life, amplified the beats and punctuated every high-energy moment. Following this powerful opening, the show flowed seamlessly between upbeat tracks and emotional ballads and highlighted WONHO’s versatility as a performer. Songs like “Open Mind” and “Lose” showcased his striking vocals, while his interaction with his fans, called WENEE, added a personal touch, embracing his genuine and humble personality.
The setlist also featured some standout moments like his performance of “Eye on You,” a dark, deep house track, that turned the venue into a full-on party as everyone was on their feet, moving together to the beat. Then “LOSING YOU” flipped the mood completely with a stripped-down production. It was all about WONHO’s vocals, creating a raw and intimate moment that had fans swaying. Just when things were calming down, “CRAZY” hit, and the energy came rushing back.
The pacing of the show was enhanced by playful VCR segments, offering glimpses behind the scenes. In a fun twist on the classic “what’s in my bag?” format, he revealed a mix of unexpected items, from gym gear to everyday essentials, and even his own lightstick, which he declared is his most prized possession. The moment was lighthearted and charming, giving fans a peek into his personal side while adding a humorous, relatable touch to the show’s pacing between performances.
Midway through the show, fans were treated to an unexpected surprise: two yet-to-be-released tracks that immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy. The first, “MALA”, inspired by the iconic Money Heist character Tokyo, fused edgy, cinematic vibes with WONHO’s signature style. The second one, “DOWN,” was written specifically to be a live party anthem, designed for fans to dance, sing along, and fully immerse themselves in the energy of the show. Both songs perfectly showcased WONHO’s creative range and gave fans an exciting teaser of his future releases.
Between songs, WONHO paused to speak directly to the crowd with his genuine excitement and care for his fans shining through. He shared that he had purposely included songs he had not performed in recent tours, wanting to give everyone a freshly curated experience and a chance to hear something new. With a playful smile, he joked about the fans’ “big heart eyes,” saying it gave him even more energy and motivation to put his all into every moment on stage. He also shared that the STAY AWAKE concept was born from reflecting on his time away from the stage and from WENEE, representing his feelings and inner sentiments. It was clear that each song and performance carried a personal meaning, turning the concert into more than just a show, but rather a shared journey of emotions between him and his fans.
The encore was nothing short of an explosion of energy. Confetti rained down from above as WONHO and his dancers playfully splashed water onto the crowd, a welcome relief given the heat inside the venue. Fans jumped, danced, and sang along, fully caught up in the energy, savoring the last moments of the show. The night hit its peak when WONHO removed his shirt in a playful gesture and tossed it into the crowd, leaving fans cheering and laughing. It was the perfect way to close out a night full of passion, fun, and unforgettable memories.
