"It’s a bigger feeling of happiness than sadness. Seeing fans in tears, today I want to smile because, in the end, we’re here together." (Kim Jaejoong)
"The moment we dreamed of has finally come true. Memories, both painful and glorious, come rushing back. We made it here because we never gave up." (Kim Junsu)
Kim Jaejoong and Kim Junsu reunited as "JX" for the first time in 20 years, holding their 20th-anniversary concert, "IDENTITY," at the KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park on the 9th.
The concert attracted fans across generations, from teenagers to those in their 50s and older, reliving memories from two decades ago alongside the artists. Jaejoong and Junsu performed over 20 songs for 180 minutes, taking the audience on a journey through their 20-year story while marking a new beginning for JX.
Back to the Dance Floor
The concert opened with a full band, as Jaejoong and Junsu took the stage together, kicking off with "Rising Sun." They continued with "Purple Line" and "O"-正.反.合.," delivering powerful performances alongside 17 dancers, choreographed by their original dance director from their TVXQ days.
Despite a neck injury, Jaejoong pushed through, sharing, "I couldn’t move my neck this morning and went to the hospital, but stepping on stage has healed me." Junsu, who was admittedly nervous, added, "I was anxious about doing well and how fans would respond, but I plan to enjoy every moment."
They switched the mood with "Sky," dressed in pastel shirts, as fans rose to wave their light sticks. Iconic tracks like "The Way U Are" and "Mirotic" delighted fans, while their mature vocals and seasoned stage presence shined. The duo even performed "Hug" in school uniforms, playfully revisiting their youthful selves.
A Harmony 20 Years in the Making
Their refined vocals captivated the crowd, especially in "Whatever They Say," where their ad-libs drew gasps of admiration. During "Believe," fans chanted their names as Jaejoong wiped away tears and Junsu smiled beside him.
Walking onto the extended stage, Jaejoong introduced "Always There," a fan favorite. Fans joined him for the chorus, creating a poignant moment. The two, visibly moved, remarked, "It’s truly a surreal moment." Junsu, tearing up, said, "Preparing for this song made me cry multiple times. This is a moment I've dreamed of."
Solo performances showcased their individual artistry. Junsu’s "Tarantallegra" and "Flower" medley demonstrated his powerful vocals and storytelling, while Jaejoong dominated the stage with rock tracks like "Devotion" and "Summer J," engaging fans without needing backup dancers.
The JX Era
The concert paid tribute to their early years, with songs like "Begin" and "Proud," which fans sang along to in Japanese. The duo, holding hands, shared silent yet meaningful emotions. Junsu reflected, "Those times were filled with both pain and glory. Singing for you all is a blessing."
Fans took their turn, singing "Don’t Say Goodbye" a cappella. Touched, Jaejoong and Junsu took in the moment, with fans chanting "We love you." Jaejoong, smiling through tears, said, "Seeing you cry makes me want to smile because we’re together."
For the finale, Junsu encouraged fans to jump as they performed "Balloons," moving through the crowd on a mobile stage to deliver gifts. They ended the night with multiple encores, closing with "Love in the Ice," promising that this was not the end but a new beginning for JX.
