AESPA IN PARIS “SYNK: HYPER LINE”

Let's the show begin !

The concert starts at 8:20 PM. Following an introduction showcasing SM Entertainment's capabilities to immerse us in aespa's Hyperlink through Naevis and the ae (avatars of the group members in the virtual world "Kangwya"), a beautiful VCR of the members is projected. After this high-quality introduction, "girls" resonates with a guitar solo by Winter in the middle of the song. Without further delay, the songs follow at a rapid pace where the audience is actively engaged: "aenergy," followed by "Savage," as a new VCR appears. The rather enigmatic videos depict a different world where aespa gradually realizes that a problem is affecting them, leading to the solo section. Yes, already the solos of each member! We begin with Karina and her exclusive solo "Menagerie," which delighted the fans. Already the end of the solos? They return as a foursome for "Illusion" and "Thirsty" in an atmosphere tinted with blue and pink. There's minimal interaction with the audience as the group continues to unfold its setlist, moving on to "Ludic Dream," where a table is placed on the stage. The girls perform around and on it, clearly establishing a staged setting. It's challenging to follow the construction of this concert as the VCRs alternate with solos, themselves interspersed with group performances, where the ae disappear, only to return sporadically without real logic.

Regardless, it's time for the first talk! The first genuine interaction with the audience: after an amusing moment where the order of speaking is determined by 'kababo' (rock-paper-scissors), Giselle takes the lead. As tradition dictates, a few words in French are slipped in here and there.

"Hello we are aespa."

Karina: ""It's just the beginning of the concert; I hope we're going to have a great time together. Hello, I'm Giselle, and I'm so happy to be in Paris, a city I adore. There are still many things to see tonight; we'll reveal them little by little. I hope you'll enjoy. Good evening, I'm... NingNing. We're finally in Paris for our concert, the last one of the tour. It's a very important day; we're thrilled to be with you, MY from Paris. Good evening, it's Winter. You know, my favorite city is Paris. I'm so happy to meet the MY from Paris. Thank you for filling this big venue for us. Have fun tonight!""

After lovely introductions, aespa attempts the rock-paper-scissors again to choose the lucky one responsible for explaining the title of the tour: "SYNK Hyper Line." Hyper Line is the space where aespa and the fans meet (in broad terms)."

VCR & SOLO

"It's time to resume the concert with the ultra-famous 'Dream Come True' by S.E.S, almost a rite of passage at SM. Covering songs from senior groups is a way for junior groups to prove themselves. Released in 1998, the song, reorchestrated for the 'Station' project by SM, still sounds fantastic. Another VCR! Each girl has her own activity (guitar, cooking...), and a mix of reality/virtual is portrayed. Back to the solo! This time, it's Winter with a melancholic and serene song 'Lips,' unreleased and not present on any group release. Despite the simplicity and quality of the performance, between this slow song and the VCR, the pace has slowed down a bit.

We pick up again with 'Life is Too Short' (English version), where the girls are this time in schoolgirl outfits. No break, no respite. 'Welcome to My World,' a relatively calm piece compared to the rest of the group's songs, echoes in the hall. Then it's time for 'Don't Blink,' equally a ballad. Clearly, we've entered the mid-section of the concert. Despite the beautiful colors projected on the screens and the banners held high in the hall, the rhythm is slower. Halfway through the concert, and it's already the 4th VCR, introducing Giselle's solo 'Too Hot for You.' Elegant in a red dress perfectly matching the lighting effects. The audience re-energizes and cheers for the young woman. The 4 members are reunited for 'YEPPi YEPPi.' The transitions are very rapid, and sometimes one doesn't even realize that the song has changed, as 'Yoloo' is seamlessly followed without a pause! Fortunately, the iconic first notes of Tetris are played, and we recognize the soundtrack of the movie of the same name, titled 'Hold on Tight!' It's time for 'Spicy,' one of their most recent and acclaimed tracks.

'Paris, are you doing well? There's one more song, it's the most recent one we've released. Do you know which one? Better Thing, let's go.'

And we're back with 'Better Thing!' Indeed, the most recent track released by the group (as of the concert date in September 2023). Another VCR awaits us, cutting the atmosphere that struggled to be reignited. A bit of 'French touch' with the famous 'popopopo,' and NingNing (highly appreciated by the French audience) appears alone for her solo: 'WAKE UP!' The perfect title to revitalize the atmosphere in the hall. The 4 girls return to the stage for 'Salty & Sweet' with the 'ae' featuring prominently on the screens. We almost forgot they existed. You can feel that everything is poured into the end of the concert with 'NEXT LEVEL' and 'BLACK MAMBA,' probably the group's most popular songs, with choreographed movements appreciated by fans. And... Another VCR! A sort of behind-the-scenes (BTS) showing the filming of the VCRs seen throughout the concert. Before the encore, it's a game with the audience, where everyone has to dance a part of the choreography to the sounds of aespa, of course!