It was a chilly, drizzly Sunday evening when I arrived at Prudential Center for JYJ’s Newark concert on the 22nd of May. There weren’t nearly as many people as I had expected –- I guess I was picturing something similar to the lines that spanned avenues at last November’s JYJ showcase in Manhattan. Then again, it was a Sunday night, and this was Newark, of all places.
That’s not to say that the energy level was low though, because fans – ranging from hoards of young teenyboppers to older married women (and the families they dragged along with them) – were bouncing off the walls in excitement.
JYJ fans are perhaps the most organized and dedicated fans I’ve encountered. I learned that they had a meet-up at the nearby park distributing red t-shirts hours before doors opened. At the venue, girls in red from head to toe were making their rounds, handing out glowsticks, red light sticks, and white light sticks, which I was told (on multiple occasions, mind you) were to be saved for the very last song.
Once doors opened and the crowd rushed inside, the huge arena felt eerily empty at first. I overheard a guy, probably in his late teens, chuckle as he followed his friends down to their seats. “There’s like nobody here,” he scoffed (only to be hit in the arm by the girls he came with). By the time the show started, the venue was filled to about …60% capacity, 70% maybe.
After the “Be My Girl (Remix)” dance tutorial was shown on the big screen and a few instrumental versions of JYJ songs played, it was finally showtime.
The lights went out, and the chanting/screaming/squealing began.
Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu – collectively known as JYJ – rose from beneath the stage after a dramatic pause following the piano intro to “Empty.” The trio was dressed from head to toe in shiny suits: Jaejoong in red, Yoochun in blue, and Junsu in green. Each with different patterns and feathered accessories, but shiny nonetheless.
After pumping up the crowd with “Empty” and “I.D.S (I Deal Scenario),” the three stood in the center of the extended stage, soaking up the JYJ chants from the audience.
I’ll probably never know if they were disappointed with the turnout that night, but there was a clear difference in energy between the first couple songs and the rest of the concert. It wasn’t that they weren’t trying, but they had a far-off look on their faces, like something else was on their mind. Either way, I think the intensity of the chanting shook them out of their daze because the next song, “Nine,” was executed beautifully.
In that moment, as the three harmonized during that captivating ballad, I finally understood why MTV K readers chose Jaejoong as K-Pop’s Sexiest Male Idol. Sure, I always thought he was kind of handsome (in a girly sort of way), but seeing him in person made me realize just how gorgeous this guy actually is. (Sunny, you win).
As for Junsu, you can’t say anything about his looks until you’ve seen him in person. The camera does not do him justice. It’s a unique mix of adorable and masculine, and he oozes with charisma onstage. Yoochun also looks younger and much more handsome than pictures make him out to be, and his playful smile is absolutely infectious.
Sweet, sexy, and smooth solo performances!
“Welcome to the JYJ Worldwide Tour!”
Yoochun did most of the talking throughout the night. Jaejoong and Junsu each piped in with their rehearsed lines, “Enjoy the show!” and “Let’s have a good time together!” before Yoochun introduced the next song, “Pierrot.”
…Or “Pyro,” as he pronounced it. (Not that anyone minded).
An hour into the show brought us to a smooth performance of “Be My Girl,” followed by a behind-the-scenes slideshow video of the trio as they headed backstage for a costume change.
As JYJ performed “Be The One” and “Ayy Girl” in their sleek black and silver outfits, I got a real sense of their experience and professionalism. Being onstage is like second nature for these guys — effortlessly belting out notes while performing intense choreography, comfortably making use of the entire stage, and interacting with the female dancers to get their fans screaming. JYJ are true performers, in the fullest extent of the word.
But that’s the thing that gets me. You’d think that after performing sold-out shows at huge stadiums like Japan’s Tokyo Dome that they’d just resort to half-assing the choreography. Why? Because obviously, they’d look still good doing that.
But they don’t. And that calls for some respect.
For their individual performances, Yoochun, Junsu, and Jaejoong each sang their solo songs from The Beginning, starting with Yoochun’s “I Love You.”
Even before JYJ was formed, I never considered Yoochun a particularly strong singer, but I guess I was wrong because he really does hold his own. My appreciation for his unique timbre and almost-husky voice was interrupted when a female dancer put her hands between his leg and grabbed his crotch. It took me a second to snap out of the shock, but props to him for keeping it together as the dancers each took their turn rubbing up against him. Fans were going crazy, but I couldn’t tell if they were mortified… or jealous?
Junsu’s solo was simply breathtaking. I found myself ignoring the elementary lyrics of “I Can Soar” because he was able to make them sound so precious, and I barely noticed his ugly objectionable belted top while he serenaded the lone ballerina upstage.
Jaejoong’s artsy solo performance, “Still in Love,” was the epitome of his creative direction as concert director. Two male dancers held up a sheer curtain across the stage that the female dancers incorporated into their sexy choreography. Compared to Junsu and Yoochun, Jaejoong maintains a more graceful composure onstage. Anyone else in his shoes might give off a detached, almost haughty impression, but Jaejoong carries himself with an elegant and mysterious air of confidence.
“Found You” from the soundtrack of Yoochun’s drama, Sungkyunkwan Scandal, came after a short dance break introducing JYJ’s dancers (though we never actually learned their names). Everyone in the stadium was singing along, and JYJ seemed pleased at the immense popularity of the song, playfully interacting with each other and the crowd.
“Are you guys having a good time?!” Yoochun yelled after the song ended. He asked Jaejoong and Junsu to say something as well, but they started drinking their water bottles to avoid talking, even though Yoochun said they could speak in Korean.
“Thank you so much for being here,” he said, giving a huge grin. Fans in the front started yelling something, so he leaned forward and whispered back, “I love you too.”
Once the euphoric screaming subsided, he introduced the next song, “Fallen Leaves.”
“We wrote this song thinking about you guys.”
JYJ Sings Their Four Unreleased Songs!
The biggest treat of the night was getting to hear the full live versions of the four (count ‘em!) not-yet-released JYJ songs.
1. “Boy’s Letter” is another beautiful ballad that highlights JYJ’s mastery of harmonizing. At one point the music practically cuts off and Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu carry out the lines with such emotion and power. And Junsu… when he sang “Now, I will make your heart beat…” I almost forgot to breathe. I don’t know how any audio recording will be able to capture the depth he brings to this song.
2. “You’re” is similar to “Found You” in that it’s a mid-tempo track with a bright melody. It was also nice to see Yoochun rapping in Korean again, his original element, and Jaejoong and Junsu’s ad libs in the background made for a refreshing mix. And of course, fans were eating up the lyrics: “Because we are one.” JYJ really knows how to please their fans. Not to mention later on when Yoochun screamed “Always Keep the Faith” as they walked off the stage. What a player.
3. “Get Out” raised the energy level up a few notches. JYJ came out wearing jeans, their white JYJ t-shirts, and colorful jackets (my favorite look that night). I was surprised at how many fans already knew the words to this song (well actually all of the unreleased songs), and the interaction between JYJ and the crowd was at its peak during this portion of the concert (including the remixes of “Be My Girl” and “Empty” that came right before and after this song).
[Bonus: Yoochun screamed F*** You towards the end of the song, even though there was already a bleep placed in the song. Maybe he was just so excited and thought it’d be a cool thing to do. How cute, I guess.]
4. “In Heaven,” the encore song, was by far the highlight of the show. Everyone pulled out their white light sticks (if they hadn’t already), and the mix of red and white made for a surreal atmosphere as Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu (still drenched in sweat from the “Empty” remix) sang their heart out for the last song of the night.
The song itself reminds me of TVXQ’s “Love in the Ice.” It’s a powerful heart-wrenching ballad that calls for the trio’s rawest, most emotive vocals, and I was blown away for the umpteenth time.
“In Heaven” was the perfect song to end the show – with the most appropriate lyrics (“Don’t go, don’t go, I love you, I love you…”) to wrap things up.
The three seemed pleased with themselves. They looked beyond tired, but there was a glimmer of satisfaction in their faces. Like, “Wow, look at what we just did.”
“Thank you so much for being here. We really hope to see you again at our next concert. We’ll work hard, so please cheer us on. Thank you, thank you.” As Junsu closed with these words, JYJ took a long dramatic bow, and the night was finally over.
I think what impressed me the most was neither JYJ’s superior vocals nor their precise dancing skills. It was the energy with which they performed. If anyone was watching Yoochun during the “Empty (Remix)” performance, they’ll know what I’m talking about.
Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu poured their everything into those two hours, knowing that within days, weeks, they’d be doing the same exact thing in another city, another country. It was borderline desperate, but mostly just impressive…
And that’s when it struck me. Have they really gone back to this rookie mindset? Was this really a new beginning for them?
Maybe in their heads they’ve just started this new journey to climb up to the top, but their bodies and voices say otherwise. JYJ are veterans to the stage. There’s no denying it. Music is their home, the stage their natural environment – and it definitely shows.
People say that you never really hear an artist’s music until you see it live.
For JYJ, that saying has never been more true.
JYJ Newark Concert Set List:
1. “Empty”
2. “I.D.S (Ideal Scenario)”
3. “Nine”
4. “Pierrot”
5. “Be My Girl”
6. “Be The One”
7. “Ayy Girl”
8. “I Love You” (Yoochun solo)
9. “Mission”
10. “I Can Soar” (Junsu solo)
11. “Still in Love” (Jaejoong solo)
12. “Found You”
13. “Fallen Leaves”
14. “Boy’s Letter”**
15. “Be My Girl (Remix)”
16. “You’re”**
17. “Get Out”**
18. “Empty (Remix)”
19. “In Heaven” (Encore)**
**unreleased track
Credits: MTVK
Photo Credit: MTV K/Josh Maready
Shared by: JYJ3
good
wow….^^
amazing…..^o^
Yes! Thank you MTV K! Leave it to the professionals to truly remember everything. It refreshed my memory. I’m glad the writer was that impressed. I mean, who wouldn’t? 🙂 I love MTV K’s support for JYJ. So thank you. And I hope they continue supporting them, because they deserve it.
Love the special emphasis they gave the new songs. Yay! I feel like “You’re” isn’t getting as much love…”Boy’s Letter” either because “Get Out” and “In Heaven” stand out so much. But those two are really good songs…and now I’m stuck with “You’re” for the rest of the night. It’s such a feel-good song. ^^
Thanks again!
jyj is just an amazing trio!!!!! they’re always trying their best 4 their fans…wish i’m at all of their concerts….
This……… “Maybe in their heads they’ve just started this new journey to climb up to the top, but their bodies and voices say otherwise. JYJ are veterans to the stage. There’s no denying it. Music is their home, the stage their natural environment – and it definitely shows.” very proud of u guys.. 😀
I like all their 4 new songs, yes, even thought Get out and Inheaven are the most stand out…
thank you MTVK for such a great review.
“Maybe in their heads they’ve just started this new journey to climb up to the top, but their bodies and voices say otherwise. JYJ are veterans to the stage. There’s no denying it. Music is their home, the stage their natural environment – and it definitely shows.
People say that you never really hear an artist’s music until you see it live.
For JYJ, that saying has never been more true.”
THIS SAYS IT ALL……..
Yes *thumbs up*
Thank you for a great review. Nobody can go to JYJ’s concert and not know how professional and passionate they are about music.
Thank you MTVK for an awesome fanaccount! And lol they are obviously JJ biased >.< Too much competition! …….X___x
One thing you have to realize from these guys is all three of them are perfectionists. They don't the definition of 'not working hard'. Even back then when the five were together the only time they lip-synced was when they were so tired they were going to collapse and I think that was only 1 or 2 times. Every stage they are given they put in their best effort and are never half-hearted. And that is something totally fearsome and should be respected.
Even world class artists give so many half-hearted concerts.
Eh, who can resist JJ? lol^^
@pheonixia
“Even world class artists give so many half-hearted concerts.”
Man, is THAT ever the truth! But then again, that’s probably why JYJ has the level of fans that they have: fans that would do anything for them. I think it’s safe to say that this is a pretty rare occurrence for any artist from any country.
@Lilibaiyu;
That’s true. Commonly, artists confide in their backgrounds and market numbers, but they don’t give a penny for their fans. They doesn’t make efforts to please the public, their arrogance and selfishness blinds them and they think their names are enough when performing.
But JYJ boys are exactly the opposite. They always do huge efforts to perform the best to please their fans. Their fans are of high value for them. They are humble and sincere. They always surpass their last performances and continue improving their coreographies and their songs.
That’s why, as you said, their fans give EVERYTHING for them, no matter what it is. And they’re loyal and trustful (most of them).
I dare say there’s no other artists in the world who are able to say that they have fans like the ones that JYJ have. JYJ fandom is truly UNIQUE.
@Shuheilove
“artists confide in their backgrounds and market numbers, but they don’t give a penny for their fans. They doesn’t make efforts to please the public, their arrogance and selfishness blinds them and they think their names are enough when performing.”
I actually know a very highly regarded artist rather well who is PRECISELY like that. He regularly gives horrible performances to sold out crowds because he’s just not in the mood that night. Imagine that! I can’t think why these poor people come back and back time and again after witnessing one of these awkward public tantrums, but they do. I think that, for myself, that’s one of the reasons I love and admire JYJ so much. I really disapprove of that kind of ego-centric spoiled behavior by successful, pampered artists who appear to have never grown up or learned the meaning and rewards of Gratitude.
JYJ is on the opposite end of the scale. This is what makes them radiate beauty and profoundness to me.
agree with u guys comment 🙂
JYJ really bring something that u can’t imagine before……and yeah their fans give EVERYTHING for them, no matter what it is. And they’re loyal and trustful (most of them).beside their fans became more better and always do something that bring good seed like charity or make a project with unique also appropriate ways
Thank you MTV-K for your great review. I am one of the very lucky fans who was there in NJ and believe me…. they are really indeed very amazing and all I can say is that MTV-K gave a very honest review of JYJ concert in NJ.
Awesome review.
Bet this concert made a fan outta her/him.
And for those who were pulled along by their families, I believe they became fans too.
For how can anyone not be impressed?
Vocals, looks, dances, dedication, sincerity, and many other traits…..
They are that good.
For they are JYJ.
@Shadow, I second everyone of your words.
i’m third
I’m fourth.
Really loved this review,
Just shows that the boys work so hard and so sincerely that even people who are not hardcore fans can praise them endlessly without biasness.
Ive probably said this for the billionth time but they make me so proud as a fan and I dont think ill ever think otherwise.
i hope they will choose the location of the concert where they have a lot of fans..like in their showcase last year..considering that they traveled from far away and paying all those big venues and not so sure whether they can fill up the whole stadium..just worried about the boys not getting enough..i hope the promoter will think wisely next time..we always want the best for boys…
Well, I have been pretty much inconsolable all day long. But I talked to a dear girlfriend this afternoon and she said, give her a bit of notice next time and she will fly down to where I am (she lives in Ontario, Canada) and we’ll go to the next JYJ concert together. Now THAT’S something to look forward to!
Have a GREAT show tonight, my adorable ones.
See, that’s how it’s done! Anticipate and prepare! 🙂
@ButterfliesAreFree
OMG, I nearly burst into tears when she said that! So we now have a date to do it, next time they’re here. I feel a little better already. But earlier today….. it wasn’t good.
😦
exactly what I was wondering…why not ny? ==;;
“And that’s when it struck me. Have they really gone back to this rookie mindset? Was this really a new beginning for them? Maybe in their heads they’ve just started this new journey to climb up to the top, but their bodies and voices say otherwise. JYJ are veterans to the stage. There’s no denying it. Music is their home, the stage their natural environment – and it definitely shows. People say that you never really hear an artist’s music until you see it live. For JYJ, that saying has never been more true.”
This is so amazingly TRUE!
I am loving JYJ since the beginning of 2011 (I know where have I been for the last years), and I am so proud and inspired by their talent, kindness, hard work, dedication, and resilience. All three of them are extremely beautiful physically, but as I said before about Jaejoong their beauty will be empty and would leave me cold, if it was not match by their talent, character, personality, and kindness.
I will continue to be a dedicated fan and love and support their creative and artistic growth, and I will support them as unique and awesome individuals.
JYJ, fighting to the top of the world and beyond through kindness, peace, and love.
I Love you, men!
@daebaksama
“as I said before about Jaejoong their beauty will be empty and would leave me cold, if it was not match by their talent, character, personality, and kindness.”
So true, so very true. There are many types of beauty that also leave me 100% unmoved and uninterested in knowing anything further. I think the physical beauty of The Three is actually their least important feature. It is merely the oh-so delicious icing on the JYJ cake. Their talent, their persistence, their beautiful gentle souls, how they are so full of gratitude to the fans for everything that they have achieved…. these are all of greater value and will last forever.
People say that you never really hear an artist’s music until you see it live…YES, JYJ IS AN ARTISTS….Proud of them…
Very great review….Love it…
Thank you for this wonderful article. It allow us to feel closer to JYJ boys.
Yes, a very detailed and neat account. 🙂
thank you for this great review 🙂
i am overwhelmed with emotions – especially reading the last part. JYJ, fighting! Will always support you, precious boys
“Music is their home, the stage their natural environment – and it definitely shows.” Exactly!!!
Nice review, too many good quotes to put them all down. I like that even someone with an objective perspective can see the hard work, dedication, determination, professionalism, artistry, and awesomeness of JYJ!
I actually disagree with “i can soar” having elementary lyrics, i believe they are simple lyrics with feeling and emotion, but junsu definitely made it sound precious
@JYJ’s onlooker
Yes. Kind of like every single great R&B song of the 20th century….
Simple, but soulful and heartfelt.
I totally agree with your ‘disagree’. ” I can soar” helped me when I was alone and frightened; I sang the words out loud and they seemed to lift me up and give me courage. This song inspires me to go forward; like Junsu! : D
That was a great review…it sounds like JYJ may have a new fan! The only thing I didn’t agree with was “In Heaven” reminding me of “Love in the Ice”. Of course the writer is entitled to their own opinion but I just don’t see it. “Love in the Ice” will always be one of my favorite, if not my most favorite, song from DBSK. It’s beautiful and I love it especially during Junsu’s solo part…but “In Heaven” just feels more powerful and emotional. I think because I know that Jae wrote it while thinking of one of his closest friends, it has more feeling to it and it has more meaning in my heart. The way they put so much raw emotion into it just leaves me speechless. I really hope that one day there will be a studio version released so that I can quit having to listen to it through fancams. It’s just such a touching song.
I agree with you on the ‘In Heaven’..
one of the best article i had read so far.
Its a pity how So.Korea turn blind eyes on them. This is a huge feat JYJ is doing carrying their nation pride. How could they let this out of their hand?
I guess Korean Ent. shallow mind, put their financial interest above everything else. What a pity, what a waste, what a shame.
People say that you never really hear an artist’s music until you see it live….
๋ํ๋
I like this. This person kept it real, giving, yes, the negative points of the night (like empty seats and at times, the boys did seem saddened by the empty seats) BUT praised them extremely ❤
You can tell that this person truely admires the boys <333333 ^^
I liked this review. It was very honest and i loved how the author praised the boys. One point, i dont understand why jyj booked such a big venue? I dont think that any kpop group (maybe bigbang) would get it filled unless its a combination of idol groups. And, last yr, the reason they had a great turnout was bcz it was free. So, it would have been wise for cjes to book a venue less than 10k. Nonethless havin an audience of abt 8k is amazing! Congrats JYJ~
“I think what impressed me the most was neither JYJ’s superior vocals nor their precise dancing skills. It was the energy with which they performed. If anyone was watching Yoochun during the “Empty (Remix)” performance, they’ll know what I’m talking about.”
Well, i wish i could watch their show for once… Lucky u and thanks millions for ur review especially fans like us who do not have a chance to see them… I can imagine how my hubby chun and su performed … 🙂
“As for Junsu, you can’t say anything about his looks until you’ve seen him in person. The camera does not do him justice. It’s a unique mix of adorable and masculine, and he oozes with charisma onstage.”
I’ve always known this !!!!!!!!! and i’ve never got to see him live 🙂 🙂 🙂