K-pop fans were treated to an unexpected mix of music worlds on Friday, August 23, as Kanye West made his long-awaited return to South Korea after 14 years. The controversial rapper, known for his unorthodox performances and headline-grabbing antics, held a “Listening Experience” for his collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign, Vultures 2, at the Goyang Sports Complex in Gyeonggi-do. The event drew not only enthusiastic fans but also a host of prominent K-pop stars, leading to a mix of excitement and criticism online.
Even before the concert, anticipation was high, with South Korean fans scrambling to secure tickets. Kanye’s grand entrance on a white horse set the tone for an evening that would be anything but ordinary. Among the crowd were members of legendary girl group 2NE1, including CL and Minzy, alongside other popular K-pop idols like aespa’s Giselle and Winter, soloist Jeon So Mi, and NewJeans’ Minji, Danielle, and Hanni. TREASURE’s Jihoon, Hyunsuk, Yoshi, Doyoung, and Haruto were also spotted enjoying the show.
Kanye West’s Vultures 2 Listening Experience in South Korea echoed his earlier shows, including the widely criticized Vultures Volume 1 event in New York, where fans endured a two-hour delay and other inconveniences. In Korea, the rapper took the stage 70 minutes late, leaving fans waiting anxiously in the arena. Despite this, many in the audience hailed the concert as a monumental moment, with Kanye performing over 70 songs spanning his entire career during the 2.5-hour show.
However, the presence of K-pop stars at Kanye’s concert stirred controversy among fans and netizens. The rapper’s history of scandals, including his infamous Anti-Semitic remarks and controversies surrounding his Donda Academy, led some to question the K-pop idols’ decision to attend.
The online community was quick to voice their opinions. As reported by AllKpop, one user commented, “If you’re a celebrity and you decide to consume such a controversial person, you should at least be prepared for some disapproving gaze.” Another user drew parallels between Kanye and former BIGBANG member Seungri, who was involved in the infamous “Burning Sun” scandal, saying, “So these are the celebrities who listen to this Nazi lover’s music.”
On X, formerly known as Twitter, reactions were mixed. While some criticized the K-pop stars for attending, others couldn’t help but marvel at the “insane crossover” of global music icons. One fan expressed disbelief, saying, “I didn’t think I’d ever see all these names together in one sentence.” Another praised the event, calling it a “star-studded” affair and adding, “CL, Minzy, and NewJeans at Kanye’s party? That’s pure fire.”
Kanye West’s Vultures 2 concert in South Korea will be remembered not just for the music but also for the debate it sparked among fans of both hip-hop and K-pop. As global music continues to blend genres and cultures, the event highlighted the complexities of celebrity influence and public perception in the digital age.
Sources By Agencies
