Kai, the Korean solo artist known as a member of SM Entertainment’s powerhouse group EXO, has officially proven he can own the stage all by himself. On his recent stop in Los Angeles for the KAION Tour, his first-ever U.S. solo concert, Kai showed that his prowess transcends both group and solo performances.
As we got seated, fans poured into the venue with glowing EXO lightsticks, eager to witness Kai’s individuality take center stage for the first time ever in LA at The Shrine. The energy was booming, proof of just how deeply the group’s legacy resonates, even when carried by a single member.
Through the entire night, Kai connected with the crowd through charisma, teasing interactions, and most importantly, an unforgettable show. His stage presence was magnetic, a reminder that music and performance often speak louder than words.
With three massive solo releases already under his belt, Kai has long been proving himself as a soloist in the K-pop industry. This concert, however, marked an exciting milestone: bringing his artistry overseas and showcasing it to fans who have been with him for years, and will remain with him for many more.
The night opened with a VCR intro, flashing shots of Kai, shirtless at moments, that sent the crowd into its first eruption of screams. From that point forward, the teasing never stopped, but it was Kai’s performance that truly stole the spotlight.
His first entrance came bathed in his red outfit. For the opening track, he delivered sharp, fluid choreography, dropping to the floor with precision.
The energy shifted seamlessly into “Mmmh,” one of his most iconic songs. The track’s sultry tone filled the air, but despite the track’s tone, Kai couldn’t hide the smile that crept across his face as fans’ deafening cheers echoed back at him.
It was clear he was both fully performing yet also genuinely thrilled to be in front of his U.S. audience.
By the time he launched into “Nothing On Me”, the intensity reached another level. This performance was so magnetic it demanded full attention, I even found myself putting my phone down just to soak it all in. And in that moment, he was shining, not only from the rhinestones on his outfit, but from sheer star power!
After three performances, Kai paused to address the crowd, and before he could even get a word out, the arena erupted into one of the loudest screams I’ve ever heard for a Korean soloist overseas. The devotion of his fanbase was undeniable, and it was clear Kai felt the impact.
“I can’t really speak right now because this is so much, and I am just so emotional,” he admitted with a smile. The cheers only grew louder as he continued: “LA, your energy is absolutely amazing, and tonight is going to be unforgettable.”
For longtime fans, the night already carried special weight. Kai hadn’t performed in Los Angeles since SMTOWN LA, and with his recent military return, this concert felt like both a reunion and a first meeting for some.
The momentum didn’t slow down as Kai went into “Hello Stranger”, a track that’s both vocally demanding and choreography-heavy. Yet he nailed both; the duality on display was staggering.
For “Come In,” Kai returned in a new outfit, an office-inspired look with tiny glasses and a green suit vest. The vibe was sultry, almost cinematic. That intensity carried into “Vanilla,” where swaying hips and fluid movements transformed the choreography into an extension of the song itself. As the track closed, Kai went into soaring high notes.
The atmosphere shifted into something sweeter with “Peaches,” one of Kai’s most iconic solo songs. The mix of seductive charm and sweetness had the entire room captivated.
The next sequence of performances, “Pressure,” “Walls Don’t Talk,” and “Bomba,” showcased some of the night’s most striking choreography.
One of the most iconic moments of the night came when Kai returned to the stage in all leather, a black hat, and no shirt, ready to perform a medley of EXO classics. Unlike his solo songs, these tracks carried years of history and muscle memory, and you could feel it in the way his movements were sharper, almost instinctive. 
From “Confession” to “Love Shot” to “Growl,” the setlist was a trip down memory lane. At one point, Kai even teased the possibility of reuniting with his fellow EXO members for a full show in the future!
Then came “Rover.” Everyone around me was singing at the top of their lungs, and from start to finish, the whole show felt like it was designed for this very moment, pure vibes, pure energy, pure Kai.
Shifting gears, he slowed things down with the more ballad-driven “Blue” and “To Be Honest.” Sitting alone on stage with nothing but a spotlight, Kai showcased his raw vocals, proving yet again his one-of-a-kind duality as both a dancer and singer.
In these quieter moments, the weight of his journey truly hit me. After three solo releases, years of trials, and the long road of his career, here he was: standing as a solo artist with the light shining solely on him.
Time flew by, even though the show stretched to nearly two hours. In his closing remarks, Kai shared how deeply moved he was to perform solo in the United States. He reflected that he hadn’t changed much since his earlier appearances, whether at SMTOWN 2025 LA or back in 2017 with EXO at The Forum, and that his fans had remained just as constant.
As the night came to a close, one thing was clear: Kai proved, with this single performance, that he is a true solo powerhouse. Fans can still catch him across the rest of his North American and Latin American legs, as well as at his encore shows!
This is just the beginning of KAION.
Photo Credit: SM Entertainment
North America
August 28 — Los Angeles, CA, USA — Shrine Auditorium
August 31 — Grand Prairie, TX, USA — Texas Trust CU Theatre
September 2 — Atlanta, GA, USA — Fox Theatre
September 4 — Rosemont, IL, USA — Rosemont Theatre
September 6 — New York City, NY, USA — The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Latin America
September 9 — Mexico City, Mexico — Pepsi Center
Encore Shows (Seoul)
September 26–28 — Seoul, South Korea — Jangchung Arena
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