EXO sings along with 11,000 fans on 1st snowy day

SEOUL, Nov. 9 (Yonhap) -- "When I meet you, tears well up / Like a fool, I can't say a word / Tell me, 'Merry, Merry Christmas'..."

On a chilly evening Sunday, when an early first snowfall brought biting winds to Seoul, the voices of some 11,000 fans rang out in unison at KSPO Dome, also known as the Gymnastics Arena, in Olympic Park.

The crowd sang along to "The First Snow," a hit song that fills streets every year toward the end of the year, creating a powerful chorus.

The warm harmonies of the five members -- Suho, Sehun, Chanyeol, D.O. and Kai -- blended with the winter atmosphere, creating a cozy mood.

The performance was part of "EXhOrizon [dot]," the encore concert of EXO's sixth concert tour, held by the group behind the hit song.

EXO demonstrated its enduring popularity by selling out all 33,000 seats, including restricted-view seats, over the three-day run from Nov. 6-8.

"Weather is gloomy today, but let's have such a great time that we can change it," D.O. told the audience. "We're wrapping up our Asian tour with today's final concert in Seoul, and we'll burn up all the energy we've saved up until now."

EXO opened the show with "Crown," the title track of its eighth full-length album released this year. True to the song's title, a giant crown appeared above the members' heads on a massive, 23-meter-diameter ring-shaped LED screen.

The group followed up with powerful performances of "Monster" and "Suffocate," while waves of official light sticks flashing in synchronized patterns further heightened the atmosphere.

During "Moonlight Shadows," the members showcased their vocal skills at standing microphones while riding lifts installed on an extended stage.

Since its debut in 2012, EXO has established itself as a leading third-generation K-pop group, enjoying phenomenal popularity not only in South Korea but also across Asia, including China and Japan. At the concert, the members delighted fans with a string of hit songs spanning the group's 14-year career.

EXO took fans on a nostalgic journey with a medley of its past title tracks, including "Tempo," "Lotto," "Ko Ko Bop" and "Call Me Baby."

The group also got the entire audience on its feet with an upbeat electronic dance music (EDM) medley featuring "Lucky One," "Power," "Don't Fight the Feeling" and "Run," turning the venue into a club-like dance floor.

Rather than focusing on showcasing their charisma through tightly synchronized choreography, the members moved around the venue, including the extended stage, making an effort to connect with fans in a more casual and intimate manner.

In the latter part of the concert, EXO presented a winter song medley featuring "Sing for You," "For Life," "Universe" and "The First Snow," offering a special performance suited to the season.

Before performing the songs, D.O. asked the audience whether they were feeling nostalgic.

"Next, we'd like to sing songs that hold so many memories for EXO," he said. "We'll perform songs that go well with this winter and the chilly weather. Let's all take a trip down memory lane together."

EXO wrapped up the concert with encore performances of "Paradise," "Tender Love" and "Peter Pan."

Through the tour, the group met fans 27 times across 14 countries and regions, including Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam; Tokyo and Nagoya in Japan; Taipei; Bangkok; and Kuala Lumpur. All shows were sold out.

The final-day concert on Sunday was also livestreamed at 757 movie theaters in 23 countries and regions worldwide, including South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Macao, the United States and Mexico.

[Copyright ⓒ K-VIBE. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution are prohibited.]