Woosung is a one-of-a-kind artist who balances dual roles as a member of The Rose and a soloist. A musician capable of making audiences smile and cry within the same note, he brings the spirit of lived experience to the stage – an authenticity shaped by over a decade in the music industry. On his B4 WE DIE tour, Woosung’s down-to-earth personality and indisputable creativity shone through, making his London show at Troxy a helluva party.

The evening began with a set from Dojoon, The Rose’s keyboardist, also known as PARCLASSIC, who stepped into the role of DJ for the night. His set was like a DJ masterclass, bringing rave-worthy tracks like Coldplay’s Every Teardrop is a Waterfall (Swedish House Mafia remix), Drake’s Massive remix, and John Summit & HAYLA’s Where You Are. Seeing PARCLASSIC DJing filled me with so much joy. Tracks like Die Rich by DJKE (Kasper Remix), Dom Dolla’s Girl$ remix, and David Guetta & Bebe Rexha’s I Am Good (Blue) kept me moving like there was no tomorrow. The crowd loved hearing Clarity ft. Foxes by ZEDD, Go Back by John Summit, and Becky Hill’s Disconnect, giving the night a two-shows-in-one feeling. PARCLASSIC’s smooth remixes delighted the fans, adding an unexpected but thrilling prelude to Woosung’s performance.

When Woosung finally took the stage, he established an intimate yet dynamic vibe. The lighting was minimal, casting him in shadow to let his music fully envelop the audience. He opened with Paper Cuts, a track from his recent release, 4444, and followed with the powerful Before We Die, a raw exploration of life’s fragility. His vocals surged with a powerful intensity that deepened the performance, proving yet again that he is a top-notch artist. Experiencing this song live was truly heart-stirring.

Among other songs was Never Let Go, a moving reflection on the bond between two people who ground each other through life’s ups and downs. With lines like “never let go,” Woosung beautifully captured a longing many of us could relate to. From Face to the unequivocal Modern Life, where he unapologetically addressed the chaos of our digital age, Woosung’s setlist offered a rich mix of emotions and styles. Phase Me, another track from MOTH was delivered exquisitely, ending with a satisfying club vibe.

Woosung’s performance of Found You, another song from 4444, was an emotional journey. The song touches on love and loss, as Woosung wrestles with the pain and hope of love through the hauntingly beautiful lines: “I think I love you / So much that I can’t move / You’re from out of space / But I can’t be sure unless I stay.” The more I think about it, the more I feel that Found You represents the depth of his latest work, and on top of that, it was executed flawlessly. Regardless of how we interpret Woosung’s music, his lyricism often hits hard, moving deep chords within the soul.

The concert was a mixture of Woosung’s past and present, combining his iconic earlier songs – those recorded with The Rose, which were brought to life through remixes such as Lifeline, Back to Me, and Sour – with the rich sounds of 4444. Undoubtedly, the artist’s latest release signifies a shift in his musical evolution, boldly exploring new territory and ladened with emotional textures that made the live performance an exciting experience. Woosung’s London show proved he knows exactly how to rock the crowd, whether performing with The Rose or on his own, confidently breaking out of his established sound to share his most personal work yet.

In 4444, Woosung constructed a multi-dimensional sonorous space that might not appeal to everyone, yet its richness and depth reflect his growth as an artist. His set offered a wonderful night of music – one that, in some ways, “encouraged” listeners to confront and interpret the various themes ingrained in his music on their own terms. I absolutely appreciate the fact that Woosung continues to be a musician who reinvents himself, shaping music that’s as powerful in its honesty as it is in its lyrical beauty.

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Written by Maggie Gogler

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