Returning to Korea after 8 years, band to perform for 300,000 people over six days
British rock band Coldplay kicked off the Korean leg of its “Music of the Spheres” tour with a vibrant show at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in Gyeonggi Province on Wednesday.
This marks the band’s second visit to Korea since 2017 and its largest-ever show in the country. With 50,000 audience per concert over six days, the band is set to perform for a total of 300,000 fans.
For two and a half hours, the concert, part of the band's on-going eighth world tour, unfolded in four themed sections: Planets, Moons, Stars and Home.
“Nice to meet you, everyone. Please understand if my Korean is a bit awkward. I’m happy to be here with you,” frontman Chris Martin greeted the crowd in Korean.
“So far, you’re the No. 1 audience in the world. It’s a privilege and honor to sing for you,” he added in English, beaming with joy as he basked in the crowd’s energy and singalongs.
As hit after hit rolled out, the audience's chorus reached its peak and their glowing wristbands transformed into waves and hearts, creating a breathtaking scene like a galaxy of stars. Giant inflatable balls floated above the crowd, adding to the festive atmosphere. The stage lit up with fiery columns and a massive mirror ball during songs like “Paradise,” “The Scientist” and “Viva La Vida.”
Martin embodied the beauty of an artist who performs in harmony with the crowd. Before “A Sky Full of Stars,” he asked the audience to put away their phones and focus entirely on the moment. During “People of the Pride,” he waved a rainbow flag. At one point, Martin even invited a male audience member on stage, sat beside him at the piano and sang “Up and Up” together using a single microphone -- creating a heartwarming and unforgettable scene.
During their 2017 concert, which fell on the third anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, Coldplay paid tribute by performing “Yellow” as a yellow ribbon appeared on screen. This time, once again performing in Korea on April 16, the entire venue -- and every glowing wristband -- turned yellow during the same song, creating a poignant and unforgettable moment.
During “My Universe,” Coldplay’s collaboration with BTS, the BTS members appeared on screen via video, and Martin referred to them as “good friends,” calling out each member’s name. For the song “We Pray,” Coldplay was joined on stage by opening acts Twice and Elyanna for a joint performance.
For the encore, Coldplay returned to the stage, reading fans' hand-held signs and playfully changing lyrics in response.
As the concert nears the end, Matin shouted “Let’s raise our hands above our heads and send out love!” pointing upward -- and at that very moment, a dazzling fireworks display lit up the night sky. The words “Believe in Love” appeared in massive letters across the audience seats through the coordinated glow of the wristbands, delivering a deeply moving moment.
True to its commitment to environmental sustainability, Coldplay integrated eco-conscious elements into this tour as well. The wristbands handed out to audience were collected for reuse after the show, and the floor area featured kinetic tiles and power bikes that allowed fans to help generate electricity for the performance.
Coldplay will continue its performances at the same venue on Friday, Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday and April 25.
jy@heraldcorp.com
