By Amanda Moses
South Korean heartthrobs OnlyOneOf are pushing the K-Pop music industry’s boundaries with a more mature aesthetic and promoting LGBTQ+ pride as they make their way through New York City for their world tour.
On April 21st, the bright neon lights of the United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights served as a welcoming beacon of light for hundreds of OnlyOneOf fans who clamored to the venue to see their favorite group perform. Hosted by Studio Pav, the six-members consisting of KB, Rie, Yoojung, Junji, Mill, and Nine gave the performance of a lifetime performing hits such as “dOpamine,” “Sage,” and an English version of “libido.”
In addition to a whirlwind performance, there were adorable interactions between the members and the fans, who were also able to wish KB Happy Birthday, demonstrating the message of selflove and friendship.
Donning bright glitter eye makeup and clutching onto pride flags and OnlyOneOf pickets fans—affectionately known as lyOns—shared that they traveled from Ohio, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Washington State.
Sisters Gillian and Jessica Symolon traveled from Simsbury, Connecticut so that they could see their idols perform live.
“I find that the way that they push the social norms of what’s allowed in music and the more mature themes to be really different. Right now, the market is very overloaded with a lot of the more R&B, Hip Hop relaxed type of style while theirs is a jazzier form of Hip Hop and more mature. I find that to be nice and refreshing,” Jessica Symolon, 19, said.
“I think [LGBTQ+] is underrepresented in a lot of the K-Pop where idols can be immediately described as dating just for talking or shaking hands [with another person]. So, for them to be able to bring in these elements that are from what I understand rather touchy subjects I think that’s very good, even if they are not able to do a lot of concerts or performances because of it,” Jessica Symolon added.
The concert concluded with members of OnlyOneOf reaching out to the adoring fans and took their Pride Flags and waved them high on the stage.
Photos by Amanda Moses
