The KingDom took center stage on September 20th at Los Angeles’ The Palace Theatre on their seven stop 'UNVEIL' Tour. Previously stopping in New York, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta and Houston the group made their way to Los Angeles before completing the tour in San Francisco. The KingDom, with GF Entertainment, made their debut in February 2021. The members, Dann, Arthur, Mujin, Louis, Ivan, Hwon and Jahan, all adorning names representing seven kingdoms and seven kings with each member a center focus around their EP releases. Their recent eighth EP Realize was released April 2024, an EP that transitions the group from historical to modern.
While The Palace Theatre holds a name befitting royalty the mechanics told a different story. With sudden steep aisles that drop off as you enter the house floor, flooded bathrooms, poor stage lighting and lack of air conditioning the venue seemed to be more run down than grand. However despite building issues fans were eagerly and excitedly awaiting for the show to begin, and The KingDom delivered a highly magical performance.
The KingDom entered the stage slowly, standing tall and side by side, giving the audience a moment to take it all in as they scream with excitement. Realize title track ‘Flip That Coin’, and fellow track ‘Energy’ were first to hit the stage, starting the show with two explosive numbers. 'X-Game' followed, providing a new intro with choreography created by Arthur.
To see if they are ready for their next stage Dann yells “Call me” to Kingmakers, the group's fanbase, and they yell back, “Gundam dam dam dam”. The audience loudly sang along while jumping wildly, with some even waving self made lightsticks of empty water bottles and flashlights.
Heading into unit stages, the rapline, Mujin and Dann, delivered a fiery performance of ‘Attitude’ from Mujin’s soundcloud, which is often mistakenly labeled online as a cover of ‘Like That’ by Babymonster despite the two songs sounding nothing alike. Dann is then joined onstage by Ivan and Hwon to perform their vocal cover of Imagine Dragons’ ‘Believe’, the three members' distinct voices complimenting the others even amidst some technical difficulties through the number.
After a short break The KingDom return on stage in white denim vests and pants with contrasting black tees underneath. Diving into debut track ‘Excalibur’, the audience chants along while the members deliver a grand and heroic dance number that would have Merlin quaking. ‘LONG LIVE THE KING’, ‘Ascension’ and 'Dystopia' were next accompanied with hard hitting dance numbers and dynamic vocals. The KingDom numbers, usually showered with elaborate costumes and large scale props are stripped down for the tour but the performances are not left lacking in their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. Finishing off the explosive set was powerhouse number 'COUP D’ETAT'.
As the show begins to wind down The KingDom break off into another set of unit stages, with members covering ‘Baby Don’t Stop’ by NCT U, ‘Just Do It’ by BSS, a sub unit of SEVENTEEN, and lastly joining together as a group for ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ by One Direction.
The KingDom gather together once more to say their goodbyes and share their thanks with fans. Mujin showed his love by preparing how to say “thank you” in Korean sign language to present to hard of hearing and deaf fans within the crowd. Arthur prepared his farewell in all English, with the members humorously dubbing him “new translator”, as he takes the moment to acknowledge his members hard training and stage preparations. Ivan ends with wishes of coming back to LA again next year.
Ending on a solemn note, The KingDom performed ‘Best Thing', reinforcing their love for Kingmakers. With lyrics “The best thing about me is you” the members sweetly made their way around the stage while waving and sending hearts to the crowd. Before concluding their set the members surprised fans by running through the audience performing ‘Blinder’ face to face with fans. They cheered and danced along as the members made their way through the orchestra level, completing hand hearts, dancing and singing through the aisles. As they gathered to wave their final goodbyes they launch into a repeat of ‘Blinder’, proving they are not yet ready to part.
Still screaming as the members depart, Kingmakers share in their excitement for the group's memorable performance. The Kingdom shined, delivering high energy performances, rigorous dancing and dynamic vocals. Slay, kings.
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