Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre is tucked away in an unsuspecting corner of New York’s Flatbush neighborhood. Originally built in 1929, the theater is striking in appearance compared to its surroundings. Much like any historic venue, the building has hosted countless acts over the years and has aged elegantly, only growing in significance as time goes on—a sentiment which rings true for the artist that graced its stage on February 13th. 

Throughout his almost 17-year career, SHINee’s Taemin has been crowned K-pop’s “idol of idols,” and rightfully so. The youngest member of his quintet, Taemin’s time as a musician has seen the continued reinvention of his artistry: first as a member of SHINee, and later as a soloist. 

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Amongst his numerous accomplishments as an industry veteran, his longevity as an artist is a standout. While most musicians hope to be remembered for the years to come, the understanding that their mark on history is often fleeting is implicit. It’s a sentiment that many are left to reflect on, including Taemin himself—hence the name of his world tour, Ephemeral Gaze. The concept stands opposite his 2024 release ‘ETERNAL’, a seven song EP in which he is experimental and unrestrained, asserting himself as the “Greatest of All Time” per his opening track ‘G.O.A.T’. Taemin’s discography is woven with many such juxtapositions—and perhaps it is not his desire to be eternal, but knowing his reality is ephemeral, that drives him to perform the way he does.

While the venue isn’t nearly big enough to fit every fan who has waited almost two decades for a chance to see him live (the show sold out in mere minutes), it certainly suits his grandiose nature. Modeled after the Palace of Versailles, its high ceilings, gold ornamented pilasters, and red velvet draperies are undoubtedly fit for royalty, which is exactly what Taemin is. 

As he opens the show with ‘Deja Vu’, Taemin emerges from backstage, arms outstretched and head bowed—his signature pose. Its melody is driven by alluring strings and distorted echoes, reflecting his struggle to differentiate reality from illusion: the perfect start to the night.

Taemin has a considerable presence when it’s demanded, but when he first introduces himself to the crowd, his intensity melts away and a radiant smile graces his features. His offstage demeanor contradicts his artist persona and it’s truly endearing. 

The setlist features an abundance of his discography staples, including ‘Sexy in The Air’, ‘WANT’, ‘The Rizzness’, ‘Horizon’, and the king of his discography, ‘MOVE’.

While he makes it difficult to select a standout of the evening, Taemin’s performance of ‘Heaven’ is the culmination of his artistry embodied. Fans have said the song evokes a feeling of collective effervescence likened to a religious experience and, after witnessing the song live, it’s not hard to understand why. In its entirety, the piece is ethereal yet incredibly haunting. His body is an instrument, and with it, he transforms into a siren—the melody sung by every outstretched hand and body roll the choreography bears. 

Towards the end, a staircase is revealed behind him and, debauched, he climbs up the steps—slowly, defeatedly, restrainedly. With his head hung, he turns to face the audience once more, completing the sign of the cross before raising his arms to the sky as he plummets backwards. There is not a single moment more tense than the second he disappears, thunder echoing over the speakers as the lights go down. It’s an image that burns itself into the memory of spectators—his arm outstretched, expression harrowing. 

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Vocally he’s just as impressive. It’s unclear at times whether it’s only him or the backing track being heard—Taemin’s live vocals are an unnerving replica of his studio recordings, an incredible feat for any live performer. Before singing ‘The Unknown Sea’, he explains that the song was written from the perspective of a butterfly seeing the sea for the first time. As he sings, it morphs into a first person narrative. Despite 17 years having come and gone, Taemin is visibly elated to finally see his international fans. 

He expressed his gratitude to the fans who have remained by his side, and asked for their support as he continues to explore the full scope of his musicianship: “As long as you guys want it, I will continue to stand on stage and repay your love back to you.” 

Once a timid 14-year-old whose love of dance and disdain for after-school tutoring drove him to audition to become an idol, Taemin has now blossomed into one of the greatest K-pop performers history will ever know. To be graced by the presence of someone who is so clearly in love with their craft is truly a privilege.

Taemin was born to be on stage.

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Words: Natalia Kabenge

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