“I’ve never imagined what it would be like 10 or 20 years later with my Big Bang members. I’m grateful to those who shine a light on my path each day, allowing me to take the stage with even more appreciation.”
On the 3rd, Daesung held the encore concert “D’s WAVE” of his 2025 Asia Tour at the Ticketlink Live Arena (formerly the Olympic Handball Gymnasium) in Songpa, Seoul. The concert, which combined energetic band sounds with Daesung’s explosive live performances, effectively showcased his true nature as a singer who has thrived for 20 years in the demanding entertainment industry.
Beginning with “Universe,” the title track from his first domestic EP “D’s WAVE,” released last April, Daesung immediately energized the audience with songs like “Fly Away” and “Jump,” delivering vibrant live performances. Fans were equally thrilled from the start, standing and cheering energetically.
Daesung shared, “I’ve been an entertainer for 19 years with an unconventional personality, not using social media and disliking public activities. I can act boldly on TV, only to suddenly retreat. Despite being a bit of an eccentric, I am extremely grateful for those who support me.”
He continued, “Before going on stage, I sought wisdom on how to convey my words so that everyone could accept them smoothly. I sincerely apologize if anyone feels uncomfortable, and I would appreciate it if you could consider my feelings for once.”
Before performing “Falling Slowly,” a pivotal moment in his journey as a solo artist, Daesung remarked, “I’ve realized that being a singer is a happy job because I usually leave smiling. Watching people depart with bright expressions after a concert makes me feel I chose the right career.”
Expressing happiness in his profession, Daesung continued to deliver genuine vocals and explosive live performances in subsequent stages like “Light” and “Umbrella.”
Daesung’s stage, fully realized as a solo artist rather than merely “Big Bang’s Daesung,” shone brightly during cover performances, demonstrating both his wit and vocal prowess.
Daesung confidently stated, “Some say I barely dance during solo performances. My moves haven’t gotten rusty. I used to be known as YG’s dance prodigy. I’ll show you properly.”
First, Daesung transformed into D-dragon, donning a rider jacket and delivering a charismatic “Heartbreaker” stage with rap prowess comparable to the original artist. He then followed with the “Where U At” stage, energizing the venue with sunglasses and a snapback.
Previously, Big Bang members had appeared as guests in each other’s concerts, showcasing their camaraderie. It initially appeared there would be no guests at this encore concert, given Daesung’s extensive cover stages, until Taeyang made a surprise appearance, drawing enthusiastic cheers from fans.
Taeyang performed three songs, including “Ringa Linga,” “VIBE,” and “In My Heart,” further elevating the atmosphere. Daesung expressed gratitude, saying, “My hyung was really busy but came right away,” to which Taeyang humorously retorted, “I’d be upset if I wasn’t invited by now.”
Having already proven himself a “performance artist” capable of commanding the stage alone without Taeyang or G-Dragon, Daesung once again demonstrated his prowess. He filled the stage with Big Bang’s “Monster,” “Stupid Liar,” and “Oh My Friend,” making the absence of the other members unnoticeable.
From performances like “It Seems Like I Suit Being Alone” and “One Rose” to an impressive drum solo, Daesung’s versatile charms shone through. He presented a high-quality setlist featuring tracks such as “Last Girl,” “Those Days of Us,” “Beautiful Life,” and “WINGS.”
Finally, Daesung explained, “My personality is quite unpredictable. I don’t even fully understand myself. I don’t engage in social media activities or share my personal offline life. Consequently, there aren’t many avenues for me to express how I perceive music or how much I value your presence. It might sound cheesy, but I didn’t want to hide my earnest feelings, so despite my poor handwriting, I penned a short letter. I hope my feelings are conveyed through the letter.” He then read his handwritten letter aloud.
He added, “Since starting the tour last April until this encore, the journey was exhausting but filled with satisfaction and emotion. Though I’ve been a singer for 20 years, I still worry before going on stage; however, I’ve realized that my voice can be a source of strength and joy for others.”
He concluded, “Thank you sincerely for making my efforts meaningful for this moment. I hope to become deeply integrated into your lives throughout my hopefully long-lasting musical journey, and I will work diligently to continue singing for a long time. I look forward to your continued support.”
Image source: R&D Company (D-Label)
