'Is it just sing-alongs?' The power of storytelling that brings empathy and comfort [MD现场]

[MyDaily = Incheon, Reporter Kim Do-hyung] Singer PSY drenched the nation once again this summer. His signature summer brand concert, 'PSY Drenched Show SUMMERSWAG 2025 (PSY Drenched Show 2025),' kicked off powerfully in Incheon. In particular, the stage production went beyond simple sing-alongs, captivating the audience with empathy and comfort that spanned generations.

On the 28th, 'PSY Drenched Show SUMMERSWAG 2025 (hereinafter PSY Drenched Show 2025)' opened in grand style at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium. 'PSY Drenched Show' has established itself as a representative summer performance, thanks to powerful water cannons that cool down the heat, flashy stage production, and ultra-luxury special guests added every time.

That day as well, PSY thrilled the venue by performing numerous hit songs to live band sounds. With unforgettable guests such as BLACKPINK's Rosé and singer G-Dragon joining him on stage, he filled Incheon Asiad Main Stadium with cheers. Audience members, drenched head to toe by water cannons beyond imagination, drove away the heat.

Especially impressive was the storytelling that went beyond simple splashes of water and sing-alongs. During 'Father,' hundreds of photos showing the audience members' childhood selves appeared on the giant screen behind the stage in a slideshow format, moving people to tears. Earlier, PSY had directly asked the audience to send photos for this stage, turning it into a participatory piece of content. After the performance, PSY also expressed his affection for family, saying, "My father came to see 'Drenched Show' for the first time."

On the 'Whale Shark' stage presented in Part 3, the melody of the ballad and the spectacular performance techniques came together to stir the heart. As the accompaniment began, the standing area was transformed by mist into a giant ocean, and the LCD board depicted a scene of a single whale shark swimming. As the song reached its peak, a semicircular water cannon unfolded at the center of the stage. Then, with stage direction beyond imagination, the whale shark seemed to swim through the space, leaving the audience deeply moved.

Saying that the current PSY exists because of his audience, he passionately sang 'Place to Lean On,' and when he performed 'Don't Worry, Be Happy,' he offered comfort to the audience. He emphasized that they should tell themselves, too, that they loved themselves fiercely and worked hard for enjoying the concert. In particular, he singled out each of the 20s and 30s audience members filling the standing section, which had the highest occupancy rate, and shouted, "You," "You," "Love yourself fiercely."

In this way, PSY's concert was filled throughout with storytelling of empathy and comfort that united all generations from teens to people in their 60s and 70s, going beyond simple sing-alongs. At a time filled with pointless conflict, division, hatred, and animosity, there were no barriers dividing generations at 'PSY Drenched Show.' Everyone was simply busy jumping, enjoying, and trying to hold on to the passing moments together.

People in their 20s and 30s came to the venue with their parents, wearing matching T-shirts printed with the phrases 'the one who brought them' and 'the one who was brought along,' while those who had since become parents returned to the concert hall holding their children's hands. Middle-aged and older audience members enjoyed the music by jumping up and down in their seats without caring what anyone thought. This is the power of PSY, a dance singer for 25 years and an artist who has been setting career highs every year in audience draw.

Reporter Kim Do-hyung ([email protected])