INFINITE COMPANY
Infinite, the revered boy band that has held fans in its thrall since its 2010 debut, made a triumphant return to the stage with a resplendent comeback concert, "Comeback Again." Over the weekend, the Olympic Park in Seoul's Songpa District was transformed into a vibrant hub of excitement as fans from across Asia gathered to witness a show that managed to exceed the sky-high expectations that had accumulated over the seven-year hiatus.
Hours before the concert's 6 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, the grounds buzzed with the energy of devoted Inspirit fans. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as attendees, some of whom had journeyed from Indonesia and other corners of Asia, indulged in photo sessions, queued for coveted freebies, and even sought to procure last-minute tickets, with a few sold on-site.
For many, like Fitri from Indonesia, the fervent demand had outpaced ticket availability. "I'm here for the concert but unfortunately didn't secure a ticket today," Fitri lamented, a testament to the insatiable hunger for the long-awaited event.
Tickets for "Comeback Again," held at the capacious KSPO Dome—one of Korea's largest indoor music-performance arenas—vanished within hours of their release in July. Even the last-minute releases at the venue were rapidly snapped up, leaving ardent fans like Fitri unable to claim their spot.
Amidst the sea of fervent fans, each with their cherished member preferences, there was a common thread of high expectations. Park Hye-ri, a 24-year-old Infinite devotee who began supporting the group as a fifth grader, shared her excitement: "I can't pick a specific stage I want to see because I'm looking forward to all of them."
 |
| ▲ INFINITE COMPANY |
The concert resonated deeply with long-time fans, evoking nostalgia for the numerous hit songs released by the band over the years. Infinite, a six-member ensemble, emerged as a formidable presence in the fiercely competitive 2.5 generation of K-pop boy bands, alongside SHINee, Teen Top, and B2ST. Hits like "Be Mine" (2011), "The Chaser" (2012), and "Bad" (2016) found their encore in the captivating performance.
Having scaled back group activities since their last concert in 2017 to focus on individual careers and mandatory military service, Infinite's latest EP "13egin," released in July, marked a new chapter. As the concert commenced with the stirring debut track "Come Back Again" (2010) and timeless hits like "The Chaser" and "BTD" (2013), the band warmly embraced their loyal fans, initiating a wave of emotional responses.
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Jang Dong-woo, the band's dancer and rapper, struggled to hold back tears: "We started the concert promising each other not to cry, yet I found myself tearing up before our first song even began. I apologize for making you wait so long."
For leader and lead vocalist Kim Sung-kyu, the band's reunion held an exceptional resonance. As the founder of Infinite Company, responsible for overseeing the band's group activities and securing the naming rights from their original agency, Woollim Entertainment, Kim was central to Infinite's "Comeback Again" narrative. "We aligned the concert's title with our debut track, symbolizing the emotional journey we're embarking upon," Kim explained.
Infinite's marathon performance spanned over 3 hours, encompassing 25 tracks from their 13-year-long discography. Live band instrumentals elevated the experience, enhancing standouts like the rock-infused renditions of "Bad," "Last Romeo" (2015), and "I Hate" (2018).
Jang emphasized the band's efforts in curating a special repertoire: "From a pool of over 100 tracks, we handpicked these songs based on our votes and the preferences of our fans."
As the curtain descended on the exhilarating two-day Seoul concert, Infinite's journey continued, with subsequent stops planned in Japan, Taiwan, and Macau. While Nam Woo-hyun playfully referred to their brief departure as a "business trip," the enduring connection between the band and their fans remained evident.
Reflecting on their hiatus, Kim emphasized the impact of the concert's conclusion: "I hope this concert serves as a resounding answer to those who doubted our return. Over the last five years, we never conveyed disbandment to our fans. Today's concert is a testament to that fact, and I'm profoundly grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate it." The band's heartfelt performance echoed across the venue, signifying not just a musical comeback, but a powerful assertion of Infinite's unwavering dedication to their admirers.
Sayart.net
Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com
Related articles
- BAE173 Announces Debut Fan Concert 'BAEcation' to Create an Unforgettable Musical Getaway
- Taeyeon, Girls' Generation Star, Wraps Up Resounding Asia Tour with Electrifying Singapore Finale
- Chuseok Box Office Showdown: Korean Cinema's Seasonal Blockbuster Battle
- Anticipation Builds as Mimiirose, Im Chang-jung's Iconic K-pop Venture, Readies September Comeback
