A 360-degree stage, 39 tracks, and a North West cameo — Ye’s Korea stop was not what we expected.
So last weekend, I gave you my thoughts on Ye’s concert on July 26. BTW, did you guys know that it’s my 2nd most popular post? 😝
Anyway, full transparency: I didn’t go to the show. I know, I know… it feels a little disingenuous to report on something I didn’t experience firsthand. But here’s the next best thing — a roundup of fan reactions and behind-the-scenes details you won’t get anywhere else.
First… A Little Background
Ye was originally supposed to perform in Korea back in May. But his infamous anti-semitic remarks led to his sponsor Coupang Play to pull the plug.
You may be wondering who or what is Coupang Play. Quick crash course: Coupang is Korea’s Amazon. Technically a Korean company, but legally based in the U.S., which explains why they bailed — probably more out of international PR concerns than domestic backlash. (Let’s be real: many Koreans likely wouldn’t have cared as much.)
Enter Channel Candy — the production company behind last year’s listening party in Korea. They stepped in to save the day. Channel Candy was originally going to co-produce with Coupang Play, but this time they ran the show on one important condition: NO RELIGIOUS OR SOCIAL MESSAGES ARE ALLOWED. Did Ye keep the promise?
The Concert
The show took place on July 26 at Incheon Munhak Stadium. According to my mini research, Channel Candy reduced the number of seats — no standing zone this time. Why? Because Ye requested a larger stage setup for a full 360° experience (literally). So even though the venue holds 50,000, only around 17,000 fans attended.
(Also… marketing was non-existent. Like, I didn’t even know there was a Ye concert until last weekend. 🫢)
Ye is known for being painfully late. At last year’s listening party, he showed up 70 minutes late. He was also 40 minutes late to his Shanghai show earlier this month. But shockingly, he was on time in Korea. 🤯 Bet Chinese fans are fuming. 😬
Despite the sweltering 36°C heat, Ye rocked leather pants and a hoodie with “KOREA” on the back. By the end, he was soaked in sweat. 🥵 He performed for 2.5 hours, singing 39 songs — a more manageable setlist compared to last year’s 77-song marathon.
And surprise! His daughter North West appeared on stage with a friend to perform “Talking” with him. Uhm… I didn’t even know she was in Korea. Guess Kim’s okay with it? 🤔
Fan Reactions
From what I’ve read, the crowd loved it. Reactions were overwhelmingly positive —
“Ye is a genius and a true artist.”
“His concert was like watching art.”
“It was unforgettable. I’d go again in a heartbeat.”
“He’s insane for dressing like that in this heat.”
The takeaway? Korean fans really admire Ye’s artistry. For many, his talent overshadows his controversies. To them, he’s a legendary hip-hop icon worth seeing live, flaws and all. You can see a short summary of the concert via Channel Candy youtube. (But you have to be over 19!)
Afterwards
Did Ye stick around to explore Korea like last time?
Nope. 😂 He jetted out the very next day.
In a short clip by Korean outlet Newsen, you can see Ye and Bianca at the airport:
Ye is rocking long pants and hoodie with “Korea” written on the back. Bianca Censori… does she only have one outfit? She’s basically wearing the same thing she wore when she came to Korea, minus the sweatshirt (It looks normal cropped rather than diagonally cropped). 🙄 And this time, she’s not covering her mouth. 🤭 One question though… where the hell is North West?? 😳
👩🏻🍵 Kayla’s Thoughts:
My short thoughts are…
- Ye showed up and did an amazing job (From what I’ve read). He delivered. He (shockingly) wasn’t late. Fans loved it.
- I wish I had gone to the concert… only because I would have more authenticity in my reporting.
- Bianca must have a strong stomach if she can withstand his need to sweat it out in this heat (especially from him… 🥴)
- I’m lowkey surprised he didn’t stay in Korea longer. Like, what’s going on in LA that he had to rush back? (Maybe because of North?)
- And lastly… I’m crossing my fingers he just sticks to music from here on out. (But do we actually think that’s going to happen?) 😅
Did you guys like my post about his concert? Share your thoughts down below 👇
