Photo Credit: SM Entertainment

On October 18, the first of Kai's solo concert series, titled 'KAION', was staged at the Handball Stadium, Olympic Park, located in Songpa-gu, Seoul.

The concert was strategically segmented into four thematic parts, each aligning with the emotional tone of the songs performed: 'The Stranger in the Mirror', 'The Many Selves Within Me', 'All Selves Unite', and 'A New Journey of Mine'. The stage design notably featured Kai's name in English typography and was further enhanced with video clips that matched the mood of each song, a vast LED screen, and meticulously crafted props, contributing to the immersive visual experience.

Kai commenced the evening with the track 'Sinner' from his third mini album, making an entrance in a red blouse and trousers. He followed with his debut mini album's title track 'Mmmh' and 'Nothing On Me', as the arena resounded with fans chanting his real name, 'Kim Jongin'.

Wearing a broad smile, Kai engaged directly with the audience at his inaugural solo concert, 'KAION', by moving closer to fans scattered throughout the venue. He opened with, "Did you miss me?" and candidly shared, "Today is the second day, and I'm feeling slightly more anxious than yesterday. On the first day, it was about the excitement of 'Can I do this?', while today, it's about the eagerness to perform well and have fun."

The initial segment concluded with songs including 'Hello Stranger' from his first mini album, 'Slidin'' from the third, and 'Ride Or Die', also from the first mini album.

The concert's second segment kicked off with energetic dance numbers set to EXO's tracks 'My Lady', 'Baby Don't Cry', and 'Into Your World'. Kai, in a three-piece suit, executed solo dance performances to these songs, with fans lending their voices in chorus, completing the auditory experience. He expressed his affection for the audience with a heart gesture during 'Come In' from his second mini album.

Reflecting on the experience, Kai asked, "How did you find the EXO medley after such a long time?" He further commented, "Dancing while listening to EXO-L's chorus was overwhelming. It stirred many cherished memories from our debut to the present. Hearing 'Into Your World' nearly brought me to tears."

Kai continued, "I hope you appreciated the opening and transition videos. The feedback has been positive. The concept was about embracing the new aspects of Kai. I wonder if you discovered a new facet of me. After 14 years, there are still so many new revelations," he assured fans of an enduring connection.

Subsequently, Kai, now sporting rimless glasses, proceeded with performances of 'Vanilla' from his second mini album, the title track 'Peaches', and 'Adult Swim' from his fourth mini album.

"I'll shift the songs' mood now," Kai announced as he put on a suit jacket. The audience responded with fervent cheers to his performances of 'Wait On Me', the lead track from his fourth mini album, as well as 'Pressure', 'Walls Don't Talk', and 'Bomba' from his third mini album.

The concert reached its apex with the third segment, as Kai, clad in a leather jacket and black cap, delivered an electrifying performance of the unreleased track 'Confession' and 'Domino' from his second mini album, elevating the concert's atmosphere to its peak.

Catching a breath, Kai remarked, "This is the death section," as the venue filled with applause from EXO-L. He articulated, "Through this concert, I aimed to signal my return. I wanted to assure you that your time spent supporting and liking me was worthwhile. Most importantly, I wished for this to be a moment to affirm your feelings for me. 'That's why I like Kai', 'No one but Kai satisfies me', 'My true dopamine is Kai'—I intended to reignite these sentiments."

Kai added, "Let's go wild today," before delivering 'Reason' from his first mini album.

As the concert drew to a close, Kai shared, "Today was indeed a joyful and fulfilling occasion. I am deeply grateful that our members attended the performance," acknowledging Suho, Chanyeol, and D.O. He continued, "With the encouragement from my brothers, I was able to hold this concert. Thank you to the members and to all of you for being part of my debut solo concert 'KAION'. I promise to return with an even more impressive performance after further growth," he pledged, concluding the third segment with his widely cherished solo piece 'Rover'.

Even after the final performance, the EXO-L chants of 'Kim Jongin' persisted. In response, Kai presented an encore of 'Blue' from his second mini album. He expressed appreciation, stating, "Thank you for the encore," and noted, "This feels like the most exhausting performance I've ever given. I exhausted all my energy during 'Rover'." While capturing photos, fans surprised him with slogans declaring "Jongin, we love you," which moved him to tears.

In an emotional conclusion, Kai remarked, "I'm profoundly touched and happy. It was an experience filled with a multitude of emotions. Despite the fears and numerous thoughts, I constantly thought of you. I believe I could host the concert by focusing solely on you. When I'm performing, I'm enveloped in happiness. Today, I realized anew that being on stage with you is my greatest joy. I will treasure today forever," and he concluded the Seoul concert with 'To Be Honest' from his second mini album.