International phenomenon ONEUS heats up the Skyway

Last updated on February 21st, 2022 at 06:29 pm

South Korean K-Pop sensation ONEUS landed in Minneapolis last night as part of a 14 day U.S. tour. This, as their second tour of the United States, is an expansion of dates and development of music. Named by Billboard as a “K-Pop act to watch”, ONEUS recently added their 6th mini-album to their repertoire, with “Luna” landing over 23 million views already.

Although you may not have heard of them yet, the filled Skyway Theater of devoted fans championed their talent of choreographed dance acts, authentic boy band humor, stunning visuals, and coordinated outfits with squeals of joy.

The 6 members Ravn, Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion each had their pockets of fans as the audience swooned when they took the spotlight. Most of the songs were in Korean with a splash of English, but it didn’t matter as each song was known by the crowd.

Drawn to their high energy and boyish charm with the visuals of a large video screen behind them and a large array of lighting theatrics, ONEUS kept the attention on the stage the entire night. Combining their 15 song set with video interludes, which were charming in itself, and translated discussions, the group bathed the crowd with gratitude and references to our freezing state.

“Black Mirror” and “Shut Up Crazy Hot” were highlights from the first portion of their set, both providing high-energy dance moves right out of the gate. “Black Mirror” had a concentrated reference to Michael Jackson in their poses. The first interlude was a recorded talent show that adorably and witfully showcased each member’s personality. It has the entire audience laughing along.

The second portion of the performance incorporated some crowd interaction as each member roamed across the front of the stage, smiling and waving to the fans. Seeing these magical junctures and the joy they brought to the audience had such a warming feeling. I can’t imagine not too many phones returning home with battery juice left.

The home stretch of the performance expanded on their dance and singing with some high lifts and beautifully coordinated outfits. They interleaved shans (Chinese fans) into one song, a visual treat. ONEUS also treated the venue to a homemade wave, with a member running across the stage, encouraging the audience to do the wave. Some things are truly universal.

Finishing with “Life is Beautiful” and “BBUSYEO”, ONEUS definitely provides joyous energy to music and to their fans. It’s delightful to be surrounded by people that engage and have full attention to every little detail onstage. Walking up and down the venue, absorbing that energy, was infectious.

ONEUS stated this as well, that music brings people together, no matter their differences. This was obvious last night at the Skyway Theater, where signs, phones, and glow sticks all were raised to celebrate their adoration for music, dance, and the talented K-Pop boy group ONEUS.