[MusicY] PSY's 'SUMMER SWAG' Dominates Summer Festivals with Stellar Guest Support―ROSE & GD

On June 28th, PSY's signature summer brand concert "SUMMER SWAG 2025" kicked off with a bang at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium. On the first day of the national tour, the stadium was packed with approximately 30,000 spectators, buzzing with anticipation even before the show started.

Before the main event, the audience was greeted by PSY's doppelganger(?). A parody video featuring comedian Lee Su-ji dressed up as PSY had the crowd roaring with laughter as it played on the screen.

"I need another me to run with me," PSY twisted his opening line, setting the tone with the show's unique blend of wit and self-deprecating humor. PSY then made a grand entrance onto the actual stage with a jump at the end of the video, playfully blurring the lines between reality and virtuality.

The concert kicked off with PSY's hit "Champion" and a blast from water cannons. "Don't record, just remember," a guiding philosophy of the show, led into a parade of hits like "It's Art" and "Paradise." PSY, who mentioned the preparation took about two months, said, "I had high hopes, and so far, it's been a blast. I'll sing with all my heart, just as I feel right now," sharing his overwhelming emotions about the first show.

Following were powerful performances of "You Move Me" and "I Luv It," which kept the energy high even as the evening cooled down, with the water jets adding to the heated atmosphere.

Midway through the concert, PSY shared a touching moment, "My father happens to be in the audience today."

"I'm singing this song in front of my father for the first time in 27 years," he introduced "Father." As the lyrics "Dad, I'll follow you" filled the air, both the stage and the audience listened in a respectful silence.

Surprise Appearance by ROSÉ: "I've Always Dreamed of the 'SUMMER SWAG', So Happy to Be Here"

The first guest of the night was BLACKPINK's ROSÉ. As PSY started the first verse of "APT.," ROSÉ took the stage by storm with her solo song "toxic till the end."

"I've always dreamed of being part of the 'SUMMER SWAG,' and I'm thrilled and honored to be here. It makes me a bit shy," ROSÉ said with a bashful smile. "After releasing my first album last December and receiving so much love, I really wanted to express my gratitude." She added, "The next song is one I haven't sung in a while, but I hope it can be a comfort to both me and you," sharing a heartfelt message.

G-DRAGON's Triumphant Return to the 'SUMMER SWAG' After 12 Years

The second guest was G-DRAGON. Making his entrance with "POWER," he joked, "Not many people invite me. But when a superstar among superstars like PSY hyung calls, how can I say no?"

"I was here at the 'SUMMER SWAG' 12 years ago. Never thought I'd be back on this stage, but I'm glad to be here with all of you today," he said, captivating the audience with "Crayon" and "Crooked." Despite the pouring water, the crowd sang along, and the energy in the venue soared even higher.

"Doing Everything I Want on This Stage. That's My Definition of Summer," Says PSY

"What's the happiest thing? It's doing everything I want on this stage," PSY remarked towards the end of the show. "Laughing, crying, running, resting, rapping... I'll keep singing for you."

True to his words, this day's 'SUMMER SWAG' transcended a mere concert to become an emotion, a memory. PSY's wish wasn't for records but for memories, a wish that clearly came to life in this performance.

The 'SUMMER SWAG 2025' will share the summer with audiences across nine cities, starting with Incheon and moving on to Uijeongbu, Daejeon, Gwacheon, Sokcho, Suwon, Daegu, Busan, and Gwangju.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)