THE BOYZ Makes Memorable Return to LA for “ZENERATION II” Tour
Words by Emma Vurdien
July 30, 2024
On July 25th, K-Pop boy group THE BOYZ performed to a packed room of enthusiastic fans at Peacock Theater, an iconic venue in downtown Los Angeles. Across the street is Crypto.com Arena, the 20,000-capacity arena home to the annual KCON LA concerts, in which THE BOYZ had participated for the past two years. However, the “ZENERATION II” tour is special for the 11-member team. This tour marks a huge return for THE BOYZ as it has been two years since the group toured the U.S. THE Bs (THE BOYZ' fandom) have been eager to see the group on tour again, and tonight feels like an exciting and special reunion.
The night starts on a powerful and impactful note with “Diamond Life,” “Out of Control,” and a rock version of “Maverick.” In full white prince-like attire, the members dance completely in sync and perform with the utmost passion and energy. Soon after, the group exchanges these white suits for more fitted and alluring black outfits to match the sultry energy of songs “Tattoo” and “Levitating.”
While this concert and tour are special for the group, it is particularly meaningful for youngest member, ERIC. In the intros, ERIC shares that it’s his first time on tour in the U.S. with his fellow members. Back when THE BOYZ were touring the states in 2022, he was regrettably absent due to a health hiatus. The team acknowledges this and remarks that they’ve kept their promise to fans those years ago to return to the U.S. as a full team. The members also share fondness for the city of LA in particular. JUYEON beams as he expresses his love for the LA Lakers and that he is incredibly honored to be performing in the basketball team’s home city.
To change from their iconic powerful and intense stages, the group transitions to more vibrant, cheerful tracks as the stage transforms into an outdoor pool party scene to set the tone for songs like “Complete Me,” “Fantasize,” and “Thrill Ride.” During “D.D.D,” KEVIN teasingly asks who in the audience knows how to dance as the screen focuses on different audience members. The camera then pans over to a few of THE BOYZ’ famous friends in attendance, such as Scott Hoying of Pentatonix and Zach Kornfeld of The Try Guys. In a talking segment, KEVIN asks fans if they noticed the familiar faces. He goes on to mention their other friends watching the show, such as singer/songwriters Lynn Lapid and MAX, as well as GOT7’s Mark Tuan.
In one of the most exciting sections of the show, where the group transitions into more fiery and dynamic stages with edgy red and black attire to match, the LA THE Bs are treated to a full performance of an unreleased song, “Bite Back.” This song features an addictive Afrobeat sound coupled with THE BOYZ’ effortlessly smooth choreography. The members hint later that this song will be released soon as a B-side track. Following this teaser, the group launches into performances of “Reveal,” “The Stealer,” and “Watch It,” all of which are characterized by flashy lights and backdrops.
As the show reaches an end, it’s clear that LA feels like a second home to THE BOYZ, as the group felt an immense amount of comfort being in the presence of the crowd and were saddened upon having to leave. KEVIN says jokingly, “I always say this at every show, but it’s not a ‘goodbye,’ but a ‘see you later.’” He continues by expressing appreciation for how far the group has come over the years, mentioning how years ago he never even imagined performing to such large audiences. JACOB shares that two years ago in LA, the show date had fallen on his birthday and it was a precious memory for him, and that being able to perform again here is all the more meaningful. The group then expresses wishes to perform on a larger stage for their future concerts in the city, noting Crypto.com Arena and BMO Stadium as some examples. With their incredible passion for the stage and an unbreakable bond with THE Bs all over the world, there’s no telling what THE BOYZ will accomplish in the future.
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Photos courtesy of IST Entertainment