The WAY BETTER “Global Warming” Tour had its final night in LA, and it is a night that I will never forget. From selfies to encores, here are five highlights.
The WAY BETTER “Global Warming” North America Tour reached its climax for the final night in Los Angeles, and the energy in the room was nothing short of electric. This tour, headlined by the powerhouse independent K-pop label WAY BETTER, brought together the immense talents of from20, HELLO GLOOM, and Kang Yuchan. While we missed Lim Sejun and YYJ due to their schedules in Korea, the trio on stage ensured that the finale was a high-octane celebration of music, friendship, and the unique bond between idol and fan.
I was incredibly fortunate to be invited to attend this tour, and as a long-time fan, I was thrilled to experience the full suite of pre-show benefits. Spending the day with my best friends, meeting new faces in the crowd, and feeling the fan community come alive made the experience unforgettable even before the first song started.
5 Highlights From The WAY BETTER “Global Warming” Tour
Here are the five highlights that made the final night in LA a core memory.
1. The Intimacy Of Pre-Show Selfies
One of the most unique aspects of the WAY BETTER experience was the accessibility of the artists. For $20 a pop, fans could take individual selfies with the guys. When it was my turn, I was struck by how genuinely open they were – they were up for any pose and truly leaned into the fun of the moment.
While I walked away obsessed with how my photos turned out, the real highlight was watching them interact with everyone else. They thanked every single person for coming, making it clear that they weren’t just doing a job, they were having just as much fun as we were.
2. A Personal Connection At The Fansign
While Elite ticket holders received signed lanyards, there is also a fansign add-on that allows you to get some face-to-face time. I bought a full photocard set and sat with each artist for about 30 seconds. It gave me the chance to tell from20 and HELLO GLOOM how much I loved their KCON performance last year and how excited I am to see them there again this summer.
Kang Yuchan stole everyone’s heart during his time with him. He took the time to hold each person’s hand, looking them directly in the eyes to express his gratitude. That $100 add-on felt like a steal for a moment of such genuine, intimate connection.
3. Celebrating HELLO GLOOM’s Birthday
Since it was the day after HELLO GLOOM’s birthday, the LA crowd got a special treat. Toward the end of the night, the staff surprised him with a cake on stage. Hearing the entire room belt out Happy Birthday was a tear-jerker.
He got quite emotional talking about what the tour meant to him before the mood shifted back to chaos – he started smearing frosting on from20 and Yuchan’s faces. Being part of that family moment made the final night feel incredibly exclusive and personal.
4. The High-Octane “Mamacita” & Encore Performances
The entire setlist was flawless, but the performance of “Mamacita” during the encore was a spiritual experience. There is no feeling quite like screaming those lyrics at the top of your lungs while the artists are jumping around the stage just feet away from you.
You could feel the weight of the tour ending in that moment. The guys gave every ounce of energy they had left, savoring the final minutes of their North American journey. We all danced like it was the last time we’d ever be in that room together.
5. The Heartfelt Hi-Touch Goodbye
The night ended with the Hi-Touch, a final goodbye for Elite attendees. Instead of a quick walk-by, each artist gave me a hug and thanked me personally. They remembered our conversation from earlier, mentioned seeing me at KCON, and told me they loved me. Watching them show that same level of warmth to every single fan in line was heartwarming.
This tour might be over, but my appreciation for these artists has only deepened. They work incredibly hard, they treasure their fans, and they truly deserve the world. If you ever get the chance to step into the world of WAY BETTER – take it. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
