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| Photo credit: KOZ Entertainment |
Known for their rampant energy and as the most free-spirited group, BOYNEXTDOOR went above and beyond over the weekend at Lollapalooza Chicago. Marking their debut at the festival, the six members SUNGHO, RIWOO, JAEHYUN, TAESAN, LEEHAN, and WOONHAK took to the Lakeshore stage for an hour-long set backed by live band arrangements.
K-pop is beginning to dominate such large-scale festivals, take centre stage and for good reason. With the fans' dedication and the undoubtedly fast rise of international fans, they get to show their support back to their favourite idols. That enthusiasm was evident early on as fans (ONEDOOR) gathered from the moment the festival gates opened. Once it was time for the boys to step out, it was only a matter of time before the excitement reached fever pitch and the energy knocked up.
BOYNEXTDOOR kicked things off with their lead single, “I Feel Good”; it would be ironic to say it was the energy of the crowd and the perfect song to open their set. The crowd sang along loudly to every word, carrying that energy into performances of “Nice Guy” and “One and Only.” Their signature onstage prop—a door, referencing their playful intro, “Knock knock, who’s there? BOYNEXTDOOR”—made for a fitting visual cue, welcoming the audience into their musical world. These three songs captured the essence of BOYNEXTDOOR as they turned the stage into their playground, offering the perfect introduction for new listeners and long-time fans alike.
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| Photo credit: KOZ Entertainment |
The set transitioned seamlessly into the group’s more romantic and reflective side, with the dreamy “So let’s go see the stars” and nostalgic “123-78” showcasing their emotional range and genre-defying style. They continued with the anthemic “l i f e i s c o o l” and the heartfelt “Serenade,” before the crowd led an impromptu singalong of “IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU,” BOYNEXTDOOR’s breakout digital single and the most-streamed 2025 release by a K-pop boy group in Korea.
Reigniting the tempo, the sextet launched into a festival-ready trio: the funk-inspired “Earth, Wind & Fire,” the electrifying “Dangerous,” and the emotionally raw pop-punk anthem “But Sometimes.” Each song added a new dimension to their set, building to a euphoric finale.
They returned for an encore of “I Feel Good,” bookending the performance and leaving the crowd buzzing.
BOYNEXTDOOR showcased their musical versatility throughout the set, effortlessly moving between retro funk, melodic hip-hop, and alternative pop that capture relatable stories drawn from everyday moments. Their effortless stage presence—complete with playful choreography, raw live vocals, and undeniable charm—underscored their readiness for the global festival circuit.
Just one day prior, the group headlined a sold-out show at House of Blues Chicago, where the atmosphere was equally electric. Fans filled the venue wall-to-wall, chanting every lyric and jumping in unison. The energy was so high, BOYNEXTDOOR returned for an impromptu second encore.
Following the release of their 4th EP, No Genre, BOYNEXTDOOR’s Lollapalooza performance marked another major milestone in their rapid global ascent—proving once again that they are not only festival-ready but here to stay as K-pop’s authentic new wave.
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