The Opening

Pink lights illuminated Billboard Live TAIPEI, with YUJU’s logo projected boldly onto the stage. The atmosphere was surreal yet deeply tangible—tonight, the distance between the idol and the audience vanished. Due to her immense popularity, an extra show was added to the Taipei stop. The night was packed with surprises: YUJU taking selfies with front-row fans' phones, accepting hand-delivered gifts, and performing a setlist that spanned her entire discography with fresh arrangements. For over an hour, the audience experienced a total sensory awakening.

The show opened with "Slow Motion," as YUJU took the stage alongside her Special Band Set: Producer/Guitarist KWACA, Bassist Sujung, Drummer Kim Hyun-Sik, and Guitarist LEE HOON. "REPLY," the title track from her 2025 EP In Bloom, is a pop-rock anthem that perfectly complements this Special Band Set. From the very first note of the opening, it charged the atmosphere with an infectious, youthful energy. "I’m so happy to be with you guys, and I’ve been waiting for this moment for a very long time!" YUJU proclaimed. Her radiant, sexy, yet slightly shy charisma instantly conquered the hearts of everyone present.

With the rhythmic "Sequence," YUJU performed a duet with producer KWACA. The track’s danceable groove and their seamless harmonies turned the venue into a sea of swaying lightsticks. The band set breathed organic life into every song. "No Matter," with its neo-psychedelic undertones, featured a gritty, distorted guitar that contrasted beautifully with YUJU’s silky vocals. Originally a collaboration with labelmate Gemini, the song represents the new energy of the millennial generation in the evolving K-Pop industry.

Singing Inner Stories

"Like A Sunset Caught In The Clouds" carried a bittersweet aura of youth—a beauty that is destined to fade yet is cherished forever. YUJU’s delivery was firm, like a smile that had tidied up its sadness.

(Lyrics omitted)

MC Segment: Reflecting on "In Bloom" and "REC."

YUJU: "This segment is... everyone, do you know my album In Bloom?" (Fans: Ne! / Yes!) YUJU: "In Bloom was the first part. Among those songs, which one is your favorite?" (Fans shouting: Sunset! The Killa!...) YUJU: "What? Sunset? Oh, that’s a great song! You like that one? How do you feel about it?" (Fans: Awesome!) YUJU: "Good. There are lots of songs for today. While preparing, I also picked tracks from my first solo mini-album REC. Do you remember REC.? Which one is your favorite?" (Fans shouting: Play! The Killa!) YUJU: "The Killa? Oh, The Killa is good, I like it too."

YUJU: "The mood is really good right now. Please give me lots of energy, and I’ll bring you the REC. portion. Are you ready? Let's Go!"

"Play" showcased the ambitious and aggressive side of YUJU’s psyche. The Band Set transformed it into a high-octane Nu-Metal version reminiscent of the early 2000s. As the guitar solo roared, YUJU raised her hand like a queen, a stark departure from the softer mood of the first half. In "Cold Winter," the icy guitar tones intertwined with her vocals, building and releasing emotional tension. "The Killa" then revealed her fiery side, featuring rap-style delivery and a seductive dance solo.

Taipei Memories and Artistic Evolution

YUJU: "I just ate... that Wax Apple (Lianwu). I also ate a Strawberry flavored Puff. Someone prepared desserts for me, so I had lots of puffs, wax apples, and bubble tea. I love Taipei’s food, especially the desserts."

Reflecting on her preparations, YUJU shared: "How was the The Killa part? I haven't sung Play in such a long time. I actually modified the lyrics of Play. It used to be about 'You, you, you,' but I changed it to 'It’s nothing but play.' I felt this was more fitting for the song's expression now." It was a rare glimpse into the inner world of the artist.

"Let’s enjoy together because it’s 'Full Circle' time!"

YUJU: "Next, I’m going to sing songs from my album O. I love this album so much. We’re going for a sentimental mood now, you know? The next song is Without U. I wrote these lyrics a long time ago. I hope you can immerse yourselves in the story."

The emotional second half intensified. "Without U" (Folk Pop) bared her private inner world, while "Peach Blossom" painted a playful yet sophisticated pink-hued world. "Love Rain" started with a laid-back backbeat but transitioned into a Jazz Swing, turning serious undertones into a defiant, provocative vibe. The arrangement for "Full Circle" was spectacular, turning the original hip-hop vibe into a lively musical theater rhythm. YUJU even took a front-row fan’s phone to film a selfie while dancing.

Special Band Set and Mandarin Cover

YUJU introduced her band and asked producer KWACA: "What was the most important point in preparing this show?" KWACA replied: "Actually, we rearranged about 10 songs. We picked them from her previous albums and remade them in a brand new way specifically for this Taipei show! We hope you like it." The audience responded with thunderous applause.

The biggest surprise came when YUJU covered Karencici’s Mandarin R&B hit "Hard to Say." Despite the difficulty of singing in Mandarin, YUJU tackled it with a nervous yet adorable smile. "Phew... that was a hard mission. I practiced it syllable by syllable—'Jin,' 'Wan,' 'Zhui'... but it made me a stronger singer!"

Growth and the Encore

Before the next song, she recalled her early days in GFRIEND when her agency made her perform a cover on the radio. "It was a terrifying experience! But years have passed, and I have grown so much. Has anyone heard that recording?" Unexpectedly, many fans raised their hands, proving they had witnessed her entire journey.

The festive intro of "I’m in the Mood for Dancing" (from the True Beauty OST) transformed the room into a circus-like party with a Psychedelic Pop twist. During "Spring Is Gone by Chance," the entire venue joined in a massive sing-along.

"Encore! Encore!" YUJU picked up a fan’s lightstick and laughed: "I haven't seen this model in so long! It's history... a lightstick history museum!"

Before the final song "DALALA," she confessed: "I was very nervous today. This is my first solo show here, and the setlist is much longer than usual. I kept wondering, 'Can I really do this?' But thanks to you, I finished it without feeling tired." "Thank you for inviting me today. When I sing 'In this city (이 도시를),' you sing 'Da-da-da,' okay?"

After the show, fans stayed to take photos and deliver gifts to the team. This unique night brought warmth and joy to the fans, while YUJU continues to bloom more beautifully in her own life.