The Ten Best Things About ENHYPEN’s Chicago Show
In no particular order, here are the ten aspects of ENHYPEN’s “MANIFESTO in U.S.” Chicago tour stop that impressed the most!
#1: The Setlist
A very small number of ENHYPEN songs were not included in the setlist, and the number that did not make the cut is even smaller if excluding OSTs! It was also nice to not hear any covers; the show was purely a celebration of ENHYPEN’s wonderful discography!
#2: The Outfits
In addition to embodying the right character for each part of the show, ENHYPEN’s outfit choices were spot-on for aesthetic reasons too! Their distinct fashion sense prevailed, including everything from sparkly jerseys to sharp blazers.
#3: The Easter Eggs
The videos played during intermissions were chock-full of notable nods to ENHYPEN’s music videos, and ENHYPEN kept the lore alive throughout the show by starting it off and ending it with voiceover narrations of key monologues from past releases.
#4: The Choreography
ENHYPEN’s synchronization and impressive group formations were just as top-notch, if not more so, than they are in their music videos. A particularly impressive moment was when they incorporated a freestyle period in the middle of a routine and managed to go back to the rehearsed, tight-knit choreography without missing a beat.
#5: The Use of Props
Even the simplest of props were meaningfully chosen. For example, ENHYPEN chose a dining table that resembled the one in their music videos. Only one member stood on top of the table in an intermission video, but in a performance, all seven members stood on top together. Another way they represented triumph and newfound confidence through their use of props was during “Attention, please!” They went from staying behind a wall and in a classroom setting to breaking out and moving in front of it. ENHYPEN proved the objects utilized during a live show do not need to be elaborate to contain much meaning and amp up the overall performance quality.
#6: The Overall Pacing
While it is always exciting to see K-pop band members split into groups or go solo for different live stages, it was refreshing to watch a show without any of those. All seven members performed each song, and this kept the show’s cohesive narrative intact.
#7: “One In A Billion”
This new song fit seamlessly between older ones on the setlist. It ought to be considered ENHYPEN canon and not “just an OST;” it perfectly captures the same suspenseful essence and channels the same pop-punk sound as some of their other songs do.
#8: “FEVER”
ENHYPEN excelled at channeling the passion of this song during the live version. Their extensive choreography kept the drama prolonged and required an impressive amount of trust and teamwork.
#9: “Polaroid Love”
The members went into the crowd and filmed their interactions with fans via selfie cameras as they sang this fan favorite! Some fans even brought their own Polaroid images to hold up during the song, which the boys noticed and seemed touched by, and they shared the love right back with a cute “eye contact focusing” period after the song was over! ENHYPEN sought to make face-to-face connections during their show as much as possible, and stopping to do so the most during “Polaroid Love” made perfect sense.
#10: The Super-Sweet Ending Ments
Here is what each member said at the end of the show!
JAKE:
“I feel like we’ve come a long way. We only have one show left after this, and every time we get up onstage, you guys have been so supportive. You guys gave us so much love. And Chicago, you guys have been great, so thank you so much! You guys have no idea how much you guys mean to us, so thank you guys for always being with us, and enjoy[ing] the stage, and I love you guys so much. Thank you!”
JAY:
“You made me so happy tonight! Thank you so much for today, Chicago. It’s not easy to say goodbye to such a loving crowd, but thank you [for making] my first memory in Chicago perfect. Thank you guys!”
HEESEUNG:
“Thank you guys so much! ENGENE, you always love us unconditionally. You made me the happiest person in the world… it’s all thanks to you! It’s our turn to make ENGENE happy, you know? Thank you for believing in us, and let’s be together forever. I love you guys!”
JUNGWON:
“Chicago! ENGENE, you really made this concert… what it was. I was so touched by all the passion and love you gave us for two whole hours, even though it was our first time together. You reminded me why we are able to be on the stage in the first place. We’ll keep singing for ENGENE no matter where we are, and keep waiting for us please, OK? Thank you! We will see you soon again! We love you!”
SUNGHOON:
“Why does time have to fly by when we are together? I loved spending the night with ENGENE in Chicago. I think Chicago ENGENE is the reason today’s concert was so good. Thank you for making our performance the best it can be! I love you, ENGENE!”
NI-KI:
“Chicago! Thank you, ENGENE. I couldn’t see all of you up close today, but… I’ll never forget all of you, waving your ENHYPEN light sticks around and singing all together… we can have another fun concert sometime with even more ENGENE! Thank you so much for coming today, and we love you, ENGENE, now and forever. Thank you!”
SUNOO:
“‘MANIFESTO’ in Chicago is coming to a close… I’m so incredibly happy to feel all of ENGENE’s love. We’ll be back… I hope you’re all excited for that. Make sure you come out to see us then too! Promise!?”
JUNGWON (yes, again!):
“ENGENE, thank you so much for giving us so much support! Thank you! We love you, and wherever you are, the seven of us will be dancing, singing, and practicing for ENGENE! With your cheers added to our voices, we can spread the message of ENHYPEN across the whole world! Thank you, ENGENE!”
Check out my full show review below!
For more of my thoughts on ENHYPEN’s show, as well as more ENHYPEN-related updates, stay tuned for an upcoming episode of 17 Carat K-Pop, out on all major podcast platforms and at this link! Also, check out some previous ENHYPEN-dedicated episodes of the show here and here!