Under the Sea with ONEUS: Their Enchanting Performance at Bayou Music Center

On April 5th, 2024, ONEUS amazed Bayou Music Center as part of their La Dolce Vita tour, marking their second world tour. Excitement rippled through the crowd as TOMOON anxiously awaited the band’s arrival on stage.

The lights dimmed until only the screen of the stage could be seen. The instrumental of “Baila Conmigo” was heard through the speakers as the members stepped onto the stage. With loud cheers, they began their performance. With stellar choreography and impeccable vocals, ONEUS dominated the stage. ONEUS is a South Korean band formed by RBW Entertainment in 2018. The group comprises five members: Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion.

Following their second song, “ERASE ME,” the members of ONEUS took a brief break to recharge. Each took turns welcoming fans to the show, showcasing their individual and endearing personalities. Expressing their affection for Houston, they also humorously remarked on the city’s initial hotness and encouraged fans to maintain their energy throughout the performance. Checking in with the audience to ensure readiness to proceed, they were met with enthusiastic cheers before continuing their captivating performance.

“Welcome to our 2nd world tour, La Dolce Vita! Okay, before the real show begins, shall we say hi to TOMOON? [other members voice their agreement] [all the members together say] Hello, we are ONEUS! [they harmonize their voices]”

Hwanwoong of ONEUS

They continued with intricate choreography that elevated the musical elements of their performance. Their ability to sing and dance simultaneously was incredibly impressive. Each member during their dances had their own moment to shine. ONEUS  showcased versatility in their musical styles, often blending elements of K-pop with various genres such as hip-hop, R&B, EDM, and rock. Their discography traverses diverse themes, from empowerment and self-exploration to tales of love and fantasy. This multifaceted approach enables them to forge deeper connections with their fans, TOMOON.

The group utilizes dance as a form of visual storytelling, using gestures, formations, and synchronization to convey the narrative of their music. For example, during the song “Twilight,” the choreography (with the addition of the background dancers contrasting them)  depicts a battle between light and darkness, mirroring the song’s theme of overcoming adversity. During their segments of talking to the crowd between songs, they demonstrated their charismatic personalities, letting the crowd see their dynamics as a group. At one point, one of the members, Keonhee,  noticed a humorous sign from a fan and brought it on stage and showed Leedo the sign, and their reactions were incredibly precious and hilarious. 

VCRs (Video clip recordings) are pre-recorded video segments that often introduce the artists, convey a storyline or concept related to the performance, or provide breaks between live performances. They can range from cinematic narratives to behind-the-scenes footage, contributing to the immersive nature of K-pop performances. During ONEUS VCRs, we see their most recent concept as mermaid princes expanded on, as seen in their music video “Baila Conmigo.” This narrative follows their journey as they break free from the constraints of reality, entering a fantastical realm where they transform into mermaid princes. Drawing inspiration from “The Little Mermaid,” the singers passionately call out to their beloved for a final dance just before being torn apart by the barrier separating the ocean depths from the terrestrial world.

Highlight performances from ONEUS’s show include “Baila Conmigo,” “Valkyrie,” “LUNA,” and “Level Up.” Their main set concluded with the energetic rendition of “No Diggity,” followed by a VCR segment showcasing their concept visuals as well as behind the scenes footage. Returning for an encore, the group debuted in new more comfortable outfits, with member Xion donning a playful Buccees onesie. Engaging with the crowd, they shared joyful moments with fans by walking through the crowd during one of the encore tracks before wrapping up the night with the emotional performance of “LAST SONG.”

Overall, it was an outstanding evening filled with captivating dance performances and exceptional vocal delivery, as ONEUS expressed their profound affection for their devoted fans, TOMOON. If you’re craving more live event coverage, don’t hesitate to explore our dedicated page for more remarkable shows!

I am a writer and photographer based in Houston, Texas. I am currently attending the University of Houston as a Marketing major, and a PR and MIS minor. I am passionate about my work through the various creative avenues I use such as writing, designing, and photography. In my free time I enjoy delving into rabbit holes and discovering new things!