The global rise of Thai boy groups is no longer a quiet trend, and we are loving it! Acts like LYKN are beginning to engage international audiences by bringing something wonderfully delightful: a linguistic texture that is refreshingly new to many listeners. Thai, as a language, has that tonal softness to it and a warm melodic cadence; it is also fluid and golden in the listener’s ear. It’s that “honeyed” quality that makes even unfamiliar lyrics almost instinctively understood.

At the Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber, just steps away from the Duomo, LYKN delivered a performance that summed up precisely why Thai pop is finding its footing outside of Southeast Asia. The venue itself was elegant and acoustically rich. Nut, Hong, Tui, William, and Lego took their live show to another level. While their performance looks like it is built for arenas, they pulled it off superbly in a more intimate setting. Could they do it in a bigger venue? Absolutely!

From our photographer’s perspective, and through the lens of Alessia, who captured the night, the show brought together movement and emotion beautifully. LYKN are performers who understand their bodies in space. Their choreography hits every beat without missing a moment, making them incredibly compelling to shoot. During Drip and Trick or Treat, their tight, synchronised routines cut through the stage lighting like sculpted silhouettes. This was followed by a stronger, more fluid energy in songs like Feel Like Me, where expression was carried through smooth, flowing choreography.

Vocally, the group delivered with great consistency. William, in particular, drew attention – not because he was flawless, but because, despite being under the weather, he showed what being a professional really means. His solo stage, covering ผิดที่ไว้ใจ by Silly Fools, was quite good. The rawness in his delivery contrasted well with the polished production, and from behind the camera lens, those are the moments that matter: the slight tremble and the grip on the mic just a little tighter than before.

The setlist itself was cleverly structured, combining LYKN’s original tracks with solo performances that paid homage to Thai music across genres. Nut’s cover of คิดถึงจัง (มาหาหน่อย) by Pramote Pathan brought a gentle warmth to the room – we truly appreciated the fact that he sang live while dancing, and did so impressively well. Tui’s Rewrite (ฉบับปรับปรุง) was more contemporary, while Lego brought a playful, almost theatrical energy to OUCH! (อย่างนี้สิ) by Hi-U. And honestly, his movement on stage was so fluid it felt like one of Swan Lake’s little swans – not in a ballet sense, but in the way he carried his body: smooth and perfectly in sync with the rhythm. Hong’s performance of กำนันทองหล่อ by Pop Pongkool was charismatic, reflecting his natural ease on stage and ever-present smile. You could tell he genuinely enjoyed every moment of it.

What made the night a great concert was the strong bond between the group and the audience. Italian fans are known for being very passionate, and the performers clearly felt that energy. The members often said they could hear the crowd singing and cheering even through their in-ear monitors, showing just how loud and excited the audience was inside the theater.

Hong talking about his lifelong love for Italian football made it feel more personal, like a childhood dream coming true. William also added meaning by mentioning his past visit to Rome and how fans once hoped LYKN would perform there. And then there were the small, unforgettable moments, the ones no setlist can predict. Nut’s charming line, “Sei un ladro? Perché mi hai rubato il cuore!” (“Are you a thief? Because you stole my heart”) was a fun cultural connection, and the crowd reacted right away with a scream. The group also kept saying “grazie” and trying to speak Italian, which created a warm exchange where the performers and audience showed appreciation for each other.

Perhaps the most emblematic moment of the evening came when the crowd introduced LYKN to Sei Bellissima (You’re Beautiful) by Loredana Bertè. The 1976 classic, with its endlessly repeated chorus, helped bring them closer together. Watching the group encourage its inclusion in their final crowd video look like a spontaneous tradition being passed on and simply embraced. From a photographer’s standpoint, that scene was gold, with a sea of faces lit with joy. I am sure LYKN had no idea how popular they are in Europe; they filled each venue, which shows that, if given the chance, fans of Thai music will always show up.

The encore – returning to First Sight, Sugoi, and Feel Like Me – was very good. 

What makes Thai boy groups like LYKN increasingly appealing is not just their music, nor solely their performance quality. It’s their ability to create profoundly personal moments, combined with the unique sonic texture of the Thai language. And through Alessia’s lens, it shows how the distance between Southeast Asia and Europe – and between people – disappeared, frame by frame. Without question, LYKN impressed many of us greatly.

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Written by VOA Team

Featured image © Alessia Belotti / RAISER & GMMTV

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. As we continue to grow, we aim to deepen our coverage of Asian music while remaining committed to exploring and celebrating creativity across the global arts landscape.}