If you’ve never heard of KANGDANIEL (also known as Kang Daniel) the South Korean singer who first captured hearts as a member of the wildly successful boy group Wanna One, then now is the perfect moment to discover him. Having debuted six years ago, Daniel’s journey in the music industry has been anything but linear. He has faced personal and professional challenges – a storm of trials that, while best left in the past, shaped the artist he is today.

With the release of his 2024 album ACT, Daniel returns with a confidence and a new creative direction. No longer carrying the glittering hallmark of a “K-pop idol,” he steps forward as a self-assured singer-songwriter who makes music on his own terms; music that reflects his truth rather than following the industry’s commercial pressures. ACT, without a doubt, is a significant transformation in his work as a singer-songwriter and identity as a man.

When Daniel last performed in London in 2023, he still carried the energy of a dreamer, a young performer with a boyish charm and big ambitions. The past couple of years may not have been his most commercially dominant, but they were years of rebuilding and searching for the best path he could take. Now, in 2025, he returns not to massive venues, but to spaces filled with the most loyal supporters; fans who continue to cherish him not only as an artist but as a person who lights up the lives of many.

The European leg of the 2025 KANGDANIEL CONCERT ACT tour began at the historic Islington Assembly Hall in London, a venue built in 1929 that has hosted an impressive list of artists including Ed Sheeran, Miyavi, Skepta, Rag’n’Bone Man, and Tom Odell.

Daniel opened the show with Losing Myself, a great track from ACT. Though performed in Korean, the translated lyrics reveal a vulnerable narrative: “Shattered dreams / I don’t wanna lose myself / Roughened breaths / I’m wandering again today.” The song bears an emotional intensity and even without fluency in the language, the audience could feel his internal struggle, his search for truth, clarity, and ultimately, self-redemption. One can easily imagine this track in English, where its aching honesty would be just as arresting. Despite being recorded last year, the song feels ever-present, like a window into a period of darkness from which Daniel is still emerging.

Daniel chose to perform live – a decision that speaks volumes. In a world where lip-syncing is commonplace, the singer poured everything into his performance vocally and emotionally. There was a visible nervousness in the opening moments – understandable for an artist returning to European stages after a two-year gap – but he settled into his element quickly.

This wasn’t the same boy from 2023; this was a man who had found his voice, and who was ready to be heard. “This song [Losing Myself] is about new beginnings,” a simple but poignant admission that defined the whole concert.

From there, the show moved smoothly. Outerspace (originally featuring Loco) displayed Daniel’s control over his high notes and brought a short but charming dance routine that lit up the stage. His energy was great and you couldn’t help but move with him, be drawn in by him. With a warm smile, he addressed the crowd: “Long time no see, two years, right? It’s good to see you. Thank you for waiting for me.” It felt sincere, and the audience responded with the kind of cheers reserved only for those you’ve truly missed.

Runaway (originally feat. YUMDDA) followed, delivering a slower, groovier rhythm with a compelling pre-chorus and yet another strong vocal showing. Get Loose kept that energy quite tight, followed by the beloved TOUCHIN from 2020’s CYAN. As the show continued, Daniel now visibly relaxed, clearly enjoying every beat, every lyric. He took us back to earlier eras of his discography with COLOR, a R&B-tinged track from his debut EP Color on Me. After a brief video interlude and a change into a sharply tailored suit – very London, very elegant – he moved to sing PARANOIA from 2021’s YELLOW, followed by the similarly gritty Wasteland. These tracks proved how effortlessly he can shift genres, and how naturally pop-rock suits him.

Daniel also performed SOS and the beautifully restrained Mess, a moment of stripped-down intimacy with just his voice, gentle music and a microphone. He slowed things down, but the chorus – driven by an electric guitar riff – delivered a satisfying punch. “It’s been six years since I debuted,” he said during another ment, his tone reflective but proud. Then came PARADE, a pop-rock track with tempo shifts, complemented by dancers weaving around him as he sat in a chair, now in a relaxed streetwear look. Electric Shock brought energetic choreography, keeping me on my feet.

Although Daniel has yet to fully reclaim the overwhelming popularity of his Wanna One days, he is making his way back – steadily and with purpose. What remains unchanged is the steadfast love from fans who have never left his side. Seeing him still so humble, so sweet, and so considerate of his fans makes you want to support him even more. He acknowledges those who’ve stood by him, not just with words, but with the kind of presence that speaks louder than gratitude – it speaks of loyalty, grace and the bond he has with his fans.

After the short break, he returned to the stage to perform more songs, including GHOST, which was great! Come Back to Me (originally featuring CHUNG HA) turned the venue into what felt like an intimate house party, with fans dancing and swaying in sync. The song had been re-arranged for the tour, and it worked beautifully in the live setting. Jealous had a fantastic beat, and Supernova continued that vibe as well. With RE8EL, Daniel dipped into pop-punk territory – the sound that reminded me slightly of Korean punk icons like No Brain – proving once again that he can take on genre he wants. Really enjoyed that small moment when Daniel introduced his dancers, humble and shy but visibly moved by the spotlight. Unlike many performers who neglect to acknowledge their teams, Daniel made it a point to share the stage, recognising the collaborative nature of the tour.

Flash, a soft pop-rock track was delivered with crystal clarity. Nirvana closed the main set with a mix of rap and melody, bringing a vibrant, celebratory close to superb show.

After a short break, he returned for an encore: Betcho Love, 9 Lives, and The Story + Outro. And then came the chance for VIP fans to take photos with the artist, exchanging smiles, thanks, and goodbyes.

The music industry can be a dark, unforgiving place. It’s lonely, competitive, and often disillusioning. Many give up, but Daniel didn’t. He kept going. And for that, I’m genuinely grateful. As a journalist, attending concerts is part of the job. But with Daniel, it never feels like work. His shows are moments of joy and lightness – times when music becomes a true connection. I’ve seen enough live acts to know that not all of them are memorable. Some are forgettable, some uninspired. But Daniel? He makes you want to dance, to feel, to return.

So here’s to a GREAT show. And to Daniel: thank you for being you. Keep on rocking.

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Written by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of KANGDANIEL [X]

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}