Before stepping inside, I found myself wondering: What happens when you bring together fans of Korean music and rock in one room? That question was quickly answered the moment I joined the pit at Xdinary Heroes’ Beautiful Mind World Tour stop in Los Angeles at The Hollywood Palladium. Red lights bathed the stage, instruments gleamed, and the anticipation was electric.
Having interviewed the band twice before, I was especially eager to see them take the stage.
The six members, Jooyeon, Jun Han, Gaon, Jungsu, Gun-il, and O.de, emerged with bass, guitars, drums, piano, and synthesizer in hand, ready to showcase their unique brand of Korean rock. The crowd erupted, with lightsticks swaying, and fans dressed in a sea filled the space.
From the opening moments, each member’s personality came through. O.de bounced across the stage with boundless energy, rocking a playful shirt. Jun Han, more reserved in his presence, delivered intensity through his performance. Together, they set the tone: intentional, raw, and powerful.
They kicked off with “Beautiful Life”, a blend of rock and ballad that immediately captured the group’s emotional authenticity. The track’s soaring lyrics and layered sound made for the perfect introduction.
The energy escalated with “XYMPHONY”, as the band shouted, “LA, are you ready?!” The room exploded into chaos… beautiful chaos. “Bad Chemical” and “LOVE and FEAR” followed, a one-of-a-kind transition that kept the crowd’s energy alive. “LOVE and FEAR” was an instant standout for me, a track I added to my playlist on the spot for its emotional punch and explosive live delivery.
One thing I love about shows like this: the diversity of the crowd. Different ages, genders, and backgrounds, all united for music. And this night was especially special: it was their first time performing the new album live.
“It’s too early to say you’re having fun,” one member teased, but judging by the deafening screams, everyone already was.
The set continued with “FEELING NICE” and “George the Lobster.” Both songs highlighted their versatility—vocally strong while letting the instruments shine. In a past interview with The Knockturnal, Gun-il shared that “George the Lobster” was inspired by J-Rock and their desire to create something fresh and unexpected. As he put it: “No rock band has ever sung about lobsters, so it would be very fresh for the music scene.” And live, it was exactly that: fun, bold, and unforgettable.
Then came one of the night’s most jaw-dropping moments, Gun-il’s intense drum solo. Paired with flashing lights and big screen visuals, it left the entire room in awe. Immediately after, the band roared into a scorching performance that had the whole Palladium on fire.
O.de shined again during “Sucker Punch,” bounding across the stage with infectious energy, while Jooyeon embodied the definition of a rockstar—hair flying, fingers flying across his guitar.
The band then shifted into a softer, emotional section. With phone lights swaying in the air, songs like “More Than I Like” and “PLUTO” gave fans a chance to sing along in both English and Korean. “Good Enough” especially stood out to me, an angsty yet angelic ballad that became my personal highlight of the night.
As the set neared its finale, the energy rose once again. “No Matter” and “Break the Brake” had the entire room headbanging and shouting along. The encore only amplified the chaos, featuring fan favorites both old and new, including “Little Things,” “Freakin’ Bad,” and “iNSTEAD!”
By the end, the room was a whirlwind of sound, lights, and pure adrenaline.
Xdinary Heroes is not just another Korean act, nor just another rock band. They’re something entirely unique, six individuals who each bring fire, personality, and musicianship to the stage. This Los Angeles show proved one thing loud and clear: Xdinary Heroes is a concert you do not want to miss!
For more of XDINARY HEROES:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE | TIKTOK
Photo Credit: JYP Entertainment | Nikki Phillips
