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[Herald Review] TVXQ takes fans back 20 years during ‘20&2’ concert

By Hong Yoo

Published : Jan. 2, 2024 - 08:57

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TVXQ performs at its standalone concert, TVXQ performs at its standalone concert, "20&2," at the Inspire Arena in Yongjeong-do, Incheon, Sunday. (SM Entertainment)

Cries of joy rippled through the arena as the K-pop legend TVXQ appeared on stage to begin the last show of its two-day concert, “20&2,” at the Inspire Arena in Yongjeong-do, Incheon, on Sunday.

The venue glowed red from the fan lights held by TVXQ’s fandom, Cassiopeia, who had waited five years to see their favorites on stage.

Changmin and Yunho of TVXQ appeared on a lift to kick off their last show of the year with “Rising Sun,” the lead track of the duo's second studio album released in 2005.

“The title of our concert means we are celebrating our 20th anniversary with two members. We tried to express our gratitude towards you through this concert and to tell you that we will also work hard for another 20 years to come,” Changmin told the duo's fans during the show.

The duo performed some of the singles from its latest ninth studio album, “20&2,” including “Jungle,” “Down,” “Rodeo,” “Life’s A Dance” and “The Way U Are” for the first time on stage.

The duo's moderate but sophisticated dancing and stable live vocals proved their status as living K-pop legends.

TVXQ performs at its standalone concert, TVXQ performs at its standalone concert, "20&2," at the Inspire Arena in Yongjeong-do, Incheon, Sunday. (SM Entertainment)

The show came to a climax when TVXQ took its fans back 20 years to its debut single “Hug.”

The duo appeared wearing cat-ear hairbands to perform their most beloved single, stirring up nostalgia for the audience.

“20 years ago, we were young teenage boys who could not imagine standing on a big stage like this. It is really meaningful being able to perform in front of you guys for all these years,” said Changmin.

The audience sang along to TVXQ’s old-time hit singles such as “Balloon” and “Mirotic” in perfect unison.

“We had a hard time planning for this concert because we had our fears. Nonetheless, we thought that, as artists, our role is to perform so that we can best deliver our feelings and thoughts to our fans. We are really happy to get to meet you here today and we will meet again. Happy New Year,” said Yunho as the concert came to an end.

TVXQ is set to hold a standalone concert in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Taipei, Taiwan, later this month.