TOMORROW X TOGETHER brought their ‘ACT: PROMISE’ tour to Los Angeles, and it was the perfect way to kick off the summer!
On May 22, thousands of TXT fans (known as MOAs) gathered at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles for the second of two LA dates of ‘TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR – ACT : PROMISE’. The American leg of the tour arrived just a month after the group released their latest mini album, minisode 3: TOMORROW. TXT’s two night run at the Crypto.com Arena also came just a few days before the one year anniversary of their previous LA concerts, held at BMO Stadium in May 2023.
This would be my third time seeing TXT live, and I was so excited to see their new songs come to life in person. I had seen fancams from previous dates of the tour on social media, but nothing can replace the feeling of seeing one of your favorite groups live right in front of you!
As soon as the doors of the arena opened, MOAs quickly shuffled into the arena and headed straight to the merch booths. I was determined to purchase a copy of the “Light” version of minisode 3: TOMORROW, because a concert exclusive lucky draw photocard would be included with each album purchase. After securing my album, I stood on the side of the merch booth to open my album and the small envelope with the lucky draw photocard. A Yeonjun photocard awaited inside the album, and I was so amused! When I purchased my photobook version of the album in April, I also pulled Yeonjun. I can’t help but think that perhaps I am indeed entering my “Yeonjun magnet” era because I’m starting to notice a pattern here. I happened to pull Beomgyu for my lucky draw, but happened to trade with another MOA for Soobin because Beomgyu was her bias in the group. We had a short conversation beforehand about our excitement for the show, and I couldn’t help but think about how these interactions are the reason why I love collecting photocards. The act of trading, selling, or showing someone a collection can be a great conversation starter.
Once I found my seat, I synced up my TXT lightstick and cheered as music videos from the group played on the screens. At the start of the show, the TXT members walked on stage wearing long, lacy white cloaks. They marched down the catwalk to the B-stage as the audience cheered and lightsticks began to glow. Yeonjun reached for a crown and placed it on his head, which was like a cue to start the music! The members instantly transitioned into performing “Deja Vu,” the title track from minisode 3: TOMORROW.
During the first chance they had, the TXT members took a moment to greet MOA and express their desire to provide us with an unforgettable night. They all looked ecstatic to be performing to a sold out crowd in LA once again and encouraged everyone to dance and have fun.
Soobin even told the crowd that Yeonjun said, “If you think you can dance better than me, prove it.” Soobin immediately followed up his comment with, “Honestly MOA, the person you need to worry about is me!”
While I personally don’t think I could ever beat Soobin or any of the other TXT members at a dance battle, I had no excuse to not sway from side to side, shake my hips, and wave my lightstick around like a magic wand to the beat of the music. As the members made their way through the setlist performing hits such as “Sugar Rush Ride,” “Chasing That Feeling,” and “Magic,” I felt myself becoming completely immersed in the music, the crowd singing along, and all the flickering lights surrounding me. For “Sugar Rush Ride,” all of the members walked out wearing hanbok and danced on a circular platform on the B stage that rose up and down. This helped me feel a little closer to TXT in the moment, which helped create an even stronger connection to the performance. Speaking of feeling, for “Chasing That Feeling,” the members all changed into gorgeous matching blue and white jackets, along with jeans and Converse sneakers. Even though the jackets weren’t quite Dodger blue, it seemed close enough for me, and I took that as a serious nod to the LA MOAs who were chasing great vibes all night long with TXT.
It was great to see how interactive the members were with MOA as well. During their speaking moments, TXT seemed very relaxed and happy to hear everyone’s screams and barking. At one point Soobin jumped around and started to bark, and the whole arena followed his lead. By now, most K-Pop stans expect to hear and participate in barking at concerts. As it turns out, the idols look forward to hearing it too!
Many listeners might associate TXT with lighter, ethereal concepts that invite listeners to escape into neverland. However, the members definitely know how to flip the switch and show everyone with a completely different side of TXT. The group performed a rock version of “New Rules” in front of an industrial backdrop, and danced on the set of a train station. “Good Boy Gone Bad” also had a bonus dose of angst as the members performed in leather outfits decorated in chains. Perhaps the most impressive moment of the whole night was when the members performed “Growing Pain” in front of flames that lined the stage. More than ever could I feel the passion in their voices, and it was clear to see they were truly giving it their all. At one point, Huening Kai even got his hands on a guitar, and threw it right back into the stage barricade after playing with it for a few seconds.
When it was time for TXT to say their goodbyes, Taehyun mentioned that today had been one of his “best shows ever.” Yeonjun said, “I was also surprised, because you guys’ energy was crazy today.” He admitted to being nervous about performing due to his body being “a little tired,” but he said that once he saw MOA, he was filled with happiness. Beomgyu said, “I regained so much energy today listening to your cheers and looking at your smiles.” Huening Kai said in his ending ment, “I won’t forget all the love you’ve given me today, and I’ll make sure to present you with a better concert next time too.” Soobin concluded the segment by saying, “We have been very happy for the last two days, and next time we meet our MOA, we promise to spend another fun time with MOA – even bigger and better!”
Being on the road and performing for nearly three hours every other night can be physically exhausting, especially while doing it in a completely different time zone. Despite these challenges, TXT were able to power through and put on a show that MOAs could be proud of and cherish forever. TXT’s resilience is remarkable, and the members deserve to celebrate it. Overall, I had an incredible time seeing TXT on tour, and I’m so excited for their next visit to LA!
