Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
TXT are one of the most popular fourth generation K-pop boy groups, and while many became familiar with the group for their connection with BTS under BIGHIT MUSIC, TXT has since been able to establish its own identity through both its rock-inspired and hyperpop songs.
I was in Los Angeles for a business trip, and while I was in town I figured I’d check out TXT’s ACT:PROMISE tour! The group has gained massive success and popularity since their debut in 2019, and it definitely showed. They had not one, but two shows in Los Angeles for May 21 and May 22 in the Crypto.com Arena.
The arena was absolutely massive, and while not every seat was filled, it looked like the concert was almost damn near sold out. As far as screaming fangirls went, I was incredibly thankful that the Crypto.com Arena was as big as it was to accommodate loud noises, so I didn’t really suffer many ear problems.
TXT kicked off the concert with the dreamy “Deja Vu”, clothed in white garbs. As the song carried on, they unclothed their white robes to reveal black jackets. I was enamored at how ethereal the experience was. Although, the immense production value shouldn’t come as a surprise given how successful TXT is.
They continued with “9 And Three Quarters (Run Away),” “Devil By The Window,” and “0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You)“. When “Sugar Rush Ride” was performed, the group put on traditional Korean blue and white hanboks and fans. It was a really visually pleasing performance and was a nice change of pace.
TXT also did a great job with fan interactions, as many of the members practiced their English speaking skills. Given that none of them were native English speakers, it was surprising that they didn’t use a translator of some sort. Still, TXT was able to get their message across and fans cheered.
I wished we had gotten some solo performances from each of the members to showcase their own personalities and unique taste. However, they did perform some unit songs. Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai came together to perform “Quarter Life,” which I personally resonated with since I’ve had a few quarter-life crisis moments during the past two years or so.
Soobin and Yeonjun performed “The Killa (I Belong to You),” which features a catchy afrobeat sound that’s been quite popular recently with songs like LE SSERAFIM’s “Smart.” Soobin, Beomgyu, and Taehyun also performed “Thursday’s Child Has Far To Go,” which is one of my favorite TXT songs with its upbeat synth-pop sound.
TXT closed the show and encore with “Magic Island,” “Miracle,” “Cat & Dog,” and “MOA Diary”, finishing things off in a celebratory mood.
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This show was one of the best-produced shows I’ve experienced so far. TXT’s energy was consistently high the entire night, and the audience responded in kind. While I wish there had been some solo performances, they’ve got quite the discography to fill up more than two hours anyway, so there wasn’t any need. I can now see why TXT is so popular that they had to dedicate themselves for two nights in a row for Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC
