KAI more than delivers during his first solo tour, KAION, connecting with the audience, hitting every dance move, and singing his heart out.
For an idol that is venturing out on a solo tour for the first time, I cannot imagine it is easy. They are used to being on stage with several other members, meaning that there is never a moment when all eyes are on them (except for any solo stages, of course). KAI has come to the United States with his KAION 2025 tour, and trust me when I tell you that he delivers on everything EXO fans (and KAI fans) were hoping for.
As he described on stage, the name of his tour is a combination of KAI and ON, forming ‘KAION’ from the Greek word which means ‘Eternity’. He further explains that it means KAI on stage will mark the beginning of eternity.
KAI Pours His Heart & Soul Into Every Performance
KAI did not arrive in Los Angeles long before hitting the stage, explaining to the crowd of screaming fans that he had a hard time sleeping the night before because of the time difference. He fully admitted that he was worried he would not have enough energy to give it his all, but then the crowd provided that for him.
I love that idols can take the vibes we provide for them, soak them in, and then give them right back. It was clear to me that KAI was having a fantastic time on stage, giving every bit of himself to every performance. So much so, that when he would take breaks to speak to his fans, he was often catching his breath for a moment or two before he could even speak.
Never once did it seem like KAI was taking things for granted. He was enjoying every moment of being on stage, from the very first song to his final goodbye to his fans after his encore. To say that the vibe at the Shrine Auditorium was electric is a massive understatement. It was insanely loud, in the best way possible, with every fan screaming at KAI’s every move.
Not only is the choreography one of the best parts of the show, KAI proves over and over what a talented dancer, singer, and all around performer he is. He can truly do it all, and he leaves it all out there on the stage.
KAI’s Playfulness With The Audience Leaves Them Begging For More
KAI absolutely knows his audience, and because of that, he had them screaming, barking, and going crazy all night long. He starts the show in a stunning red outfit before transitioning into a handsome suit, and then finally coming out on stage in a black outfit with the jacket completely unzipped, showing off his post-military chest. Of course, he did come out for an encore wearing his KAION tour merch, as is a bit of a tradition in K-pop.
Every time he would stop to talk to his fans, he would egg them on, asking them to rank his different outfits. At one point, he even joked that after the black outfit, what could possibly come next? Him wearing nothing? Then pretended he just worded it wrong but that man knew exactly what he was doing. And I am pretty sure he loved every second of the crazed attention he was getting.
This show is very sexual; there is no doubt about that. But at the same time, KAI is extremely sweet. He was thrilled to be connecting with his fans, even if he was having fun teasing the entire audience. He slowed things down at times and was never afraid to discuss what the fans supporting him mean to him. He is hilarious too, cracking everyone (and himself) up as he tried to see how far he could push things.
KAI assured EXO fans that once all members are out of the military, they will be going back on tour, and he hopes they return to the United States. The crowd went wild at the thought of this.
He closed out the evening by repeatedly thanking Los Angeles fans for their energy, saying that he did not want to leave the stage. He reluctantly, eventually, had to go, but was clearly getting emotional over the reception he was given, which must have felt great. Everyone in that room was given a night they will never forget, and I am fairly certain KAI will remember it always as well.
If KAI’s Solo Tour, KAION 2025, is coming to a city near you, I highly recommend grabbing tickets.
KAION 2025 Setlist
This is the setlist for what was performed during KAION 2025 in Los Angeles on August 28th. Keep in mind that the list could change as the tour goes on, but likely will not.
Chapter 1
- Sinner
- Mmmh
- Nothing on Me
- Hello Stranger
- Slidin’
Chapter 2
- Ride or Die
- Come In
- Vanilla
- Peaches
- Adult Swim
- Wait on Me
- Pressure
- Walls Don’t Talk
- Bomba
Chapter 3
- Confession
- Domino
- Growl / Tempo / The Eve / Love Shot
- Reason
- Rover
Encore
- Blue
- To Be Honest
