American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo proved her status as a pop sensation during her first visit to Korea, delivering electrifying performances and captivating a devoted fanbase. The Korean leg of her GUTS World Tour took place at Seoul’s Jamsil Indoor Stadium last Friday and Saturday, where a total of 15,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to witness her live.
Rodrigo, who debuted in 2021 with her hit single “driver’s license,” has rapidly risen to global stardom, resonating with both Millennials and Generation Z. Her debut album SOUR, which featured chart-topping singles such as "deja vu" and "good 4 u," solidified her position in the global music scene. Among her young fans in Korea, she quickly became an icon, with her emotionally raw and relatable lyrics deeply resonating with the audience.
Rodrigo’s latest album GUTS, released last year, and her single “vampire,” have also been met with widespread acclaim, further raising anticipation for her world tour. The Seoul concerts marked a significant stop on her 99-show tour, which began in Palm Springs, California, and is set to conclude in Bogotá, Colombia, in March 2025.
Courtesy of Bonboo Entertainment
Despite the heavy downpour on the first night, Rodrigo’s energy remained undeterred as she took the stage in a shimmering silver outfit. Opening with hits like “bad idea right?” and “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl,” she quickly invited the crowd to rise from their seats and fully engage with the high-energy show. The unrestrained passion of her performance contrasted sharply with the choreographed precision typical of K-pop, offering a raw and authentic experience.
The stage production was a spectacle in itself, adding depth and visual intricacy to each performance. During “vampire,” a projection of a crescent moon surrounded Rodrigo, while “traitor” was accompanied by graceful choreography that intertwined seamlessly with her powerful vocals. One of the most memorable moments came during her performance of "logical," where she descended from the ceiling on a moon-shaped prop, creating an intimate yet grand connection with her audience.
Rodrigo also embraced the slower, more emotional tracks like "traitor" and "teenage dream," playing them on the piano and drawing the crowd into a more reflective atmosphere before shifting gears once again with dynamic performances of "pretty isn't pretty" and "love is embarrassing."
Courtesy of Bonboo Entertainment
Beyond her performances, Rodrigo engaged warmly with her Korean fans. She shared anecdotes about enjoying local dishes like kimchi and shopping at Olive Young, a popular beauty store. Her effort to speak in Korean, saying "고마워요" (thank you), was met with cheers, and she charmed the audience further by declaring, “Korea is the most amazing place I’ve ever been.”
The concert also had a significant charitable aspect. Rodrigo donated a portion of the ticket proceeds to the Korea Foundation for Women, supporting initiatives for gender equality, violence prevention, and empowerment of marginalized groups like single mothers and migrant women. This act further cemented her connection to the country and demonstrated her commitment to important social issues.
Courtesy of Bonboo Entertainment
Rodrigo concluded her Seoul performance with an electrifying encore, delivering powerful renditions of “good 4 u” and “get him back!” Running across the stage, she shouted, “I love you!” to her Korean fans, leaving them energized and wanting more.
Olivia Rodrigo’s first-ever concert in Korea was not just a testament to her meteoric rise in global music but also a celebration of her deep connection to her fans and her values. As she continues her GUTS World Tour, Rodrigo has proven that her impact extends far beyond her music, reaching into the hearts of her audience and supporting meaningful causes along the way.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
Courtesy of Bonboo Entertainment
American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo proved her status as a pop sensation during her first visit to Korea, delivering electrifying performances and captivating a devoted fanbase. The Korean leg of her GUTS World Tour took place at Seoul’s Jamsil Indoor Stadium last Friday and Saturday, where a total of 15,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to witness her live.
Rodrigo, who debuted in 2021 with her hit single “driver’s license,” has rapidly risen to global stardom, resonating with both Millennials and Generation Z. Her debut album SOUR, which featured chart-topping singles such as "deja vu" and "good 4 u," solidified her position in the global music scene. Among her young fans in Korea, she quickly became an icon, with her emotionally raw and relatable lyrics deeply resonating with the audience.
Rodrigo’s latest album GUTS, released last year, and her single “vampire,” have also been met with widespread acclaim, further raising anticipation for her world tour. The Seoul concerts marked a significant stop on her 99-show tour, which began in Palm Springs, California, and is set to conclude in Bogotá, Colombia, in March 2025.
Courtesy of Bonboo Entertainment
Despite the heavy downpour on the first night, Rodrigo’s energy remained undeterred as she took the stage in a shimmering silver outfit. Opening with hits like “bad idea right?” and “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl,” she quickly invited the crowd to rise from their seats and fully engage with the high-energy show. The unrestrained passion of her performance contrasted sharply with the choreographed precision typical of K-pop, offering a raw and authentic experience.
The stage production was a spectacle in itself, adding depth and visual intricacy to each performance. During “vampire,” a projection of a crescent moon surrounded Rodrigo, while “traitor” was accompanied by graceful choreography that intertwined seamlessly with her powerful vocals. One of the most memorable moments came during her performance of "logical," where she descended from the ceiling on a moon-shaped prop, creating an intimate yet grand connection with her audience.
Rodrigo also embraced the slower, more emotional tracks like "traitor" and "teenage dream," playing them on the piano and drawing the crowd into a more reflective atmosphere before shifting gears once again with dynamic performances of "pretty isn't pretty" and "love is embarrassing."
Courtesy of Bonboo Entertainment
Beyond her performances, Rodrigo engaged warmly with her Korean fans. She shared anecdotes about enjoying local dishes like kimchi and shopping at Olive Young, a popular beauty store. Her effort to speak in Korean, saying "고마워요" (thank you), was met with cheers, and she charmed the audience further by declaring, “Korea is the most amazing place I’ve ever been.”
The concert also had a significant charitable aspect. Rodrigo donated a portion of the ticket proceeds to the Korea Foundation for Women, supporting initiatives for gender equality, violence prevention, and empowerment of marginalized groups like single mothers and migrant women. This act further cemented her connection to the country and demonstrated her commitment to important social issues.
Courtesy of Bonboo Entertainment
Rodrigo concluded her Seoul performance with an electrifying encore, delivering powerful renditions of “good 4 u” and “get him back!” Running across the stage, she shouted, “I love you!” to her Korean fans, leaving them energized and wanting more.
Olivia Rodrigo’s first-ever concert in Korea was not just a testament to her meteoric rise in global music but also a celebration of her deep connection to her fans and her values. As she continues her GUTS World Tour, Rodrigo has proven that her impact extends far beyond her music, reaching into the hearts of her audience and supporting meaningful causes along the way.
