Cha Eun-woo’s Memories VR Concert Review: Interactive elements give off the perfect fan experience

Virtual reality (VR) concerts are quite the hit nowadays. After all, it makes good sense: you can re-watch a concert with that immersive experience if you didn’t manage to catch it live the first time. And that’s what bands like Enhypen, Tomorrow x Together and more have done.

The latest VR concert to hit our local cinemas is Cha Eun-woo’s. Titled Memories, Cha’s first-ever VR concert is slightly different, blending musical performances with a romantic fantasy storyline rather than a full concert.

An aptly chosen title, the plot brings us through Cha’s memories with his ex, Roha (short for Astro’s fandom name, Aroha).

In the film, viewers take on the perspective of Roha and experience what it would be like dating the idol. Musical performances were seamlessly interwoven through the storyline, which added a layer of engagement.

Cha performed five songs throughout the film: Stay (2024), F*cking great time (2024), U&I (2024), You’re the best (2024) and Memories (2024). Each song showed a different side of him, from being mournful in the first to lovingly sweet at last.

You may be sceptical about whether you’d enjoy the experience, especially if you’re not a die-hard fan. After all, he’ll be jumping out at you during the various junctures, for that up-close and personal moment with him.

But the general public can also easily enjoy it. The film’s (somewhat whimsical) plotline allows viewers to witness Cha brokenhearted and hopelessly in love with them. But more than that, it also fulfils fans’ fantasies due to the film’s interactive nature.

Fans can choose some elements, like the props used in the scene with Cha.

If he hasn’t won you over yet, let his music speak for itself. Nearing the end of the film, Cha performed You’re the best (2024) alongside his pet dog, Dong Dong. I couldn’t help but marvel at his vocal skills, which tend to be undermined because of his blinding visuals.