Seattle has seen its fair share of big Kpop acts over the last couple years. I know I keep saying that in my reviews, but it still surprises and excites me how lucky we’ve become to have a steady flow of Korean artists stop in our city (or close by in Tacoma). Right now our country isn’t exactly the most welcoming, but Kpop seems to be thriving despite that atmosphere. Nights like the one I experienced on Tuesday bring me some sense of comfort and a great deal of joy. The powerful energy that filled Climate Pledge as Once (Twice’s fanbase) screamed, danced, sang and laughed their way through the show was contagious. It would be nearly impossible not to be swept up in it and I was no exception.
Twice @ Climate Pledge Arena on 1/14/26. All photos courtesy JYP ENTERTAINMENT, DAVID CONGER
Early on, and I’ve noticed this happens with quite a few shows in this genre, things were a little slower, a little more subdued. Not because of the music, but fans and artists alike need a little time to warm up to each other. It’s especially obvious when someone is hurt and has to be rooted to one or two spots making things all the more uncomfortable. Unfortunately that was the case for Twice’s Dahyun at their Seattle shows.
Dayhun sequestered to a seat most of the performance Twice @ Climate Pledge Arena 1/14/26. All photos courtesy JYP ENTERTAINMENT, DAVID CONGER
She sprained or injured her ankle in some way and needed to be stationary for most of the show. From watching other groups and hearing their own account of being sidelined in this way, it’s not just physically painful, but emotionally and mentally too. They train for so long and put their whole selves into these tours just to be plopped into a chair. Dahyun had a smile on the whole time, but it was really awkward at the start to see her off in a corner of the stage in a chair while the rest put their all into the choreography. As the night wore on, she did start to warm up to the situation. Being adorable of course, but also doing some of the dance moves with her arms and waving at fans. Occasionally a member would come over to hug her or playfully hold the mic while she sang, so it felt a little less weird and a little more fun. Near the end I think she’d had enough with sitting and a couple members helped her hobble around a little just so she could be a part of the experience. I can’t imagine the frustration she must have been feeling.
About half-way through the show each member had the opportunity to perform a solo song and show off not only their talent but their personal aesthetic. I both love and hate the solo parts of these shows because I want to see OT9 perform together (meaning all 9 members take part in the song) the whole night, but at the same time I really enjoy “getting to know” the members when they have a moment to themselves on stage (well, with a bunch of backup dancers but you get me). Tuesday night these solos stoked a fire in the crowd that continued to build until the big release with Jeongyeon, Jihyo & Chaeyoung performing “Takedown” from Kpop Demon Hunters. The entire arena erupted in screams as they lost their minds. Every moment after was electric. Favorite after favorite filled the room like “Fancy”, “Yes and Yes” and “What is Love?”, then the encore ended with the fan-requested “Feel Special”. Even the grumpiest of Kpop dads, moms and significant others would have left that night hyped up and ready for the next show.
Twice @ Climate Pledge Arena on 1/14/26. All photos courtesy JYP ENTERTAINMENT, DAVID CONGER