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The South African

Kanye West thrills Korean crowd in triumphant return

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. Image: Instagram via @yesblackballsy On Saturday night, hip-hop icon Kanye West electrified a crowd of over 26,000 fans at Incheon Munhak Stadium. ADVERTISEMENT This marked his first full concert in South Korea in more than ten years. KANYE WEST IN SOUTH KOREA The atmosphere was charged, as fans braved the lingering summer heat of nearly 30°C well into the evening. The artist, who now legally goes by Ye, took to the stage wearing a grey hoodie boldly emblazoned with the word 'KOREA.' He opened his almost two-hour set with the dynamic track Power, immediately igniting the crowd, according to KoreaBizWire. ADVERTISEMENT He delivered a high-energy performance packed with fan favourites including Can't Tell Me Nothing, Heartless, and All of the Lights. KANYE WEST AGAINST THE BACKLASH This event represented a significant comeback for West, whose earlier show planned for May was cancelled amid controversy. Kanye West had attracted backlash after posting antisemitic content online. However, following the public outcry, he issued a statement clarifying that his remarks were metaphorical. He promised to end 'any further antisemitism.' This paved the way for the concert to go ahead as rescheduled. ADVERTISEMENT Focusing purely on his music, Kanye West took a minimalist approach and kept off any political or personal commentary throughout the concert. HIT SONGS IN KOREA Positioned atop a large mound centre-stage, he sustained the momentum with nonstop hits. He repeatedly engaged the audience with calls like 'Korea, make some noise!' One memorable moment came during Heartless, when Kanye West stopped singing and handed over the vocals to the audience. He created a powerful sing-along that resonated throughout the stadium. ADVERTISEMENT Later in the show, he surprised fans by inviting his daughter onstage to join him for choreography and rapping during the track Bomb. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed this heartfelt family moment. THE COMEBACK CONCERT Kanye West showed immense stamina, performing energetically despite the sweat soaking his hoodie as the night wore on. His set also featured a vibrant dance routine for On Sight and intense visual effects to close the spectacle. By the end, fans lit up the night by waving their phones in perfect rhythm with his final song. Kim Hwan-young, a 20-year-old fan, shared his excitement: 'I regretted missing last year's show. Tonight, we came ready to sing every word.' ADVERTISEMENT Like many, he had queued for hours, starting at 1:30 p.m., just to buy official merchandise. THE NEXT CHAPTER The concert also reflects the global influence of hip-hop culture, which resonates strongly among diverse youth. As Kanye West continues to rebuild his image, his Korean performance stands as a powerful example of music's ability to unite and uplift. As West leaves Incheon behind, fans eagerly await the next chapter from the artist who continues to shape the soundscape worldwide. ADVERTISEMENT DO YOU THINK MUSIC CAN HELP REBUILD AN ARTIST'S IMAGE? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.