Show Review: BOYNEXTDOOR brings out explosive and youthful energy at first Singapore gig

Knock knock, who’s there? It’s BOYNEXTDOOR, one of K-pop’s newest rising boy bands.

When you think of the phrase ‘boy next door’, you would associate it with someone pleasant but dull. However, the lads of BOYNEXTDOOR were anything but dull.

Playing at the Arena @ EXPO yesterday (15 Mar), the sextet held their first stop of their first volume Knock On Tour. Here are four highlights from their 2½h setlist.

1. Commanding stage presence

In recent years, a common trend in K-pop is the increasing difficulty of choreography. Yet, the sextet kicked off and concluded their show with that same explosive energy, with no sign of fatigue.

During their performance in Seoul, the sextet popped up on stage through trap doors, and they included props like a blue door with reference to their escape room themed videos played between the tracks.

While they did not replicate these details in their Singapore show, the boys still put up a good show as they command the stage with their stage presence.

2. Adorable special guests

Yes, you read that right.

The band brought out special guests, adorable ones, by the way, who joined them on stage. The guests in question? They were BBNEXDO, the official representative characters of BOYNEXTDOOR.

The boys brought hand puppet plushies as they performed ABCDLOVE (2023), a track full of joy and sweetness. This definitely made the crowd gush, with how adorable they were.

3. Fan engagement

The group took every opportunity to interact with the crowd, be it speaking Singlish, or getting them to count the band down during their short water break.

Members peppered their speeches beforehand with slangs like “today we slay, no cap”. Gen Z much?

They also used Singlish phrases like “I want to toh” (I want to take a rest) and “Ai stead mai?” (Shall we get serious and date?)

The crowd reeled in laughter and excitement with the band’s unexpected confession.

Unlike other shows, BOYNEXTDOOR also dedicated some time for fans to have a sing-along session. They screened the lyrics of lifeiscool (2024) on the LED screens, offering fans an opportunity to sing and even chant along with the boys.

4. A perfect closure

With every high that comes to an end, it’s inevitable for fans to be left wanting more.

To quench their thirst for more, the band’s leader, Jaehyun said: “We are working on new songs every day so please stay tuned for us!”

In a sentimental fashion, he added: “I hope our songs will be the soundtrack of your life and your youth”, making the crowd instantly swoon.

When the boys went backstage and the venue’s lights came on, fans were almost preparing to depart.

However, the boys rushed out on stage again to perform their surprise encore, If I Say, I Love You (2025). Fans rushed back to their seats, basking in the high of partying with the boys one last time.