Events

[K-Exclusive]: Spotlight On K-Pop: Coachella 2024

April 24, 2024

Photo Credits: Coachella – Sam Balaban

Returning for its 23rd year, Coachella Music Festival took place April 12th to 14th, and 19th to 21st for its 2024 run. Boasting a unique lineup full of artists of various cultures and genres, this year’s Coachella lineup also included an impressive amount of acts hailing from South Korea. Performing acts featured ATEEZ on the Sahara Stage April 12th and 19th, LE SSERAFIM on the Sahara Stage April 13th and 20th, and The Rose on the Outdoor Theatre Stage April 14th and 21st.

Kicking off the weekend for K-pop fans was ATEEZ, with a historic performance as the first K-pop boy group to play at the famed festival (unless, of course, you count Epik High as a boy group!). The group’s hour-long set dove into their debut pirate lore, with a VCR introduction of the members and special stage props such as large Kraken tentacles. The set kicked off with “Say My Name,” “HALA HALA (Hearts Awakened, Live Alive),” and the crowd favorite “Geurrilla.” With fans, known as ATINY, having sprinted to the Sahara Stage as soon as the gates opened at 11am, the crowd was packed, and the fanchants of “break the walls!” could be heard all the way across the festival at the main Coachella Stage.

Photo Credits: Coachella – P. Rodriguez

The group continued on after brief introductions to perform their latest title track, “Crazy Form,” “ROCKY,” “The Real – Heung Version,” which featured lion dancers and ATEEZ flags being raised, “ARRIBA,” during which the group paused to introduce each member of their band before taking shots together on stage, “DJANGO,” and “BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS).” With powerful performance after powerful performance showcasing the eight members’ synchronized choreography, smooth rap flows, and perfectly-executed high notes, the sixty minute set ended with “WONDERLAND (Symphony No.9 “From The Wonderland”).” As the second to last artist to perform on the Sahara Stage for the evening, ATINY slowly trickled away to get ready for day two once the set was over, still reeling and discussing the amazing performance they just witnessed.

Photo Credits: Coachella – Julian Bajsel

On day two, the spotlight shone solely on K-Pop’s ‘Fearless’ sensation, LE SSERAFIM at Coachella’s Sahara stage. HUH YUNJIN led the charge, cloaked in darkness, as the group kicked off with their rock anthem “Good Bones.” Transitioning seamlessly into “ANTIFRAGILE” and their debut track “FEARLESS,” the repetitive yet empowering lyrics fueled the crowd’s energy for what was to come.

“The Great Mermaid,” from their debut EP, showcased the members’ vocal prowess while “1-800-hot-n-fun,” an exclusive for Coachella-goers, ignited excitement for more. Hits like “UNFORGIVEN,” featuring Nile Rogers himself, and “Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard’s wife” kept their TikTok-favorites alive, while “Perfect Night” saw fans joining in their awe-inspiring lyrics despite its slower pace. “Smart” and “EASY” brought summer vibes with addictive choreography, setting the stage for an epic encore of “Fire in the belly” with its Latin-inspired sound and extended dance intro. As the members took their final bow, the end of the stage marked an unforgettable U.S. festival stage debut for LE SSERAFIM.

Photo Credits: Coachella – Ashley Osborn

Closing out the final day of Coachella at the Outdoor Theatre Stage was The Rose. Despite the scorching 100° temps and the relentless setting sun, fans eagerly braved the weather for a chance to see their favorite band up close. Cheers erupted as the members took the stage, teasing the crowd with a brief instrumental soundcheck before launching into the soft melody of “Eclipse.” The set continued with “Shift,” “Lifeline (Reborn),” and the infectious “RED,” captivating fans as Woosung danced around the stage, inviting everyone to join in. The highly anticipated “Back to Me” delivered a true rock ballad experience, igniting the crowd with its explosive energy and prompting an ending chorus sung entirely by the audience.

Songs like “Definition of ugly is,” “Alive,” and “Cure” each carried unique sounds and emotions, while “Sour” stood out with Jaehyeong showcasing his vocal talent despite being the band’s bassist. As the setlist approached its end, “Cosmo” set the stage for the encore with its heightened energy and resonant vocals. The night culminated with the powerful outro of “Wonder,” accompanied by percussionists and flag bearers, with member Dojoon joining in the celebration waving a flag as the crowd sang along. Cheers echoed as The Rose bid farewell to Coachella, with a surprise rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Dojoon, capping off their triumphant performance at the biggest music festival in the U.S.

Special thank you to the team at Coachella for allowing us to attend!

Written By Ephney Tsai & Kortney Kendall
Edited By Ephney Tsai