SEOUL (ANN/KOREA HERALD) – Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” world tour has landed in South Korea, captivating audiences with a series of six spectacular shows. Having already completed three performances on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, the band is set to return to the stage for three more nights on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. With an estimated 50,000 fans attending each concert, this tour is on track to draw a record-breaking 300,000 concertgoers – the largest audience ever for a foreign musical act visiting Korea.
Coldplay’s performances just outside Seoul have been a dazzling experience for music enthusiasts, marked by their signature anthemic sound, unexpected humour, special collaborations with K-pop stars, and a continued dedication to sustainability and inclusivity.
During Friday’s show, frontman Chris Martin surprised the audience with a witty remark, saying, “Every time Coldplay comes to South Korea, there is no president.” This lighthearted observation drew immediate laughter and cheers from the crowd.
Coldplay’s first concert in South Korea took place in April 2017, shortly after the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye. Now, eight years later, their return to Korea coincidentally follows the recent ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Martin continued his playful banter by suggesting a new leader for the nation: “I would like to suggest one person to be president of Korea. That is our drummer Will Champion! He is very kind, very fun, very strong. He is prepared to take on all the dictators, but be fair to all people.” This humorous yet pointed joke about Korea’s political climate was met with enthusiastic applause.
Interestingly, one of Coldplay’s most beloved songs, “Viva la Vida,” which narrates the downfall of a king set to an uplifting melody, has led some fans on social media to playfully dub the group “the impeachment band” due to these coincidental timings.
Sharing stage with K-pop stars
In the heart of K-pop, collaborations with local artists are creating unforgettable moments on stage. On Saturday, Jin of BTS made a special appearance, joining Coldplay to perform his solo debut single “The Astronaut,” a song co-written, composed, and performed by Chris Martin.
The two artists shared a heartfelt moment, sitting side-by-side at the keyboard and singing together, followed by a warm, brotherly hug. This performance held special significance for fans who recalled Jin and Martin performing the same song at a Coldplay concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2022, just before Jin began his military service.
Jin also joined Coldplay for their collaborative track with BTS, “My Universe.” While the first two shows featured BTS through video screens during the song, Saturday’s performance thrilled the audience with Jin and Martin sharing the stage live.
Twice, the opening act for all six concerts, has been energising the crowds with their hit songs, including “Dance the Night Away” and “Cheer Up.” The group has also been performing a special collaboration with Coldplay for “We Pray,” and on Friday, a version featuring Korean lyrics sung by Twice was officially released.
Race to return wristbands
A signature element of Coldplay’s concerts in recent years is the mesmerising display of tens of thousands of LED wristbands glowing in unison with the music.
Demonstrating their ongoing commitment to sustainability, Coldplay encourages fans to return their wristbands after the show. Collection bins are conveniently located at the exits for fans to drop off the devices, which are then reused to minimize waste and energy consumption.
The band has been diligently tracking wristband return rates by country, and according to Coldplay’s official Instagram, Friday’s show in Seoul achieved an impressive 98 per cent return rate. This surpasses the previous top rates held by Tokyo and Helsinki at 97 per cent and Hong Kong at 94 per cent.
With three shows remaining, fans are actively campaigning on social media to propel South Korea to the top spot, encouraging fellow concertgoers to return their wristbands in a collective effort towards sustainability.
Inclusivity for all
Beyond their environmental advocacy, Coldplay has made significant efforts to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
The band prioritised accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees. A dedicated section within the standing area was equipped with sign language interpreters, and wearable vests that translate bass and drum vibrations into tactile sensations were provided, allowing participants to feel the music through their bodies.
Prior to the show, each audience member received a pair of cardboard glasses known as “Moon Goggles,” which illuminated in heart-shaped halos when worn. At one point during the concert, the phrase “Believe in Love” lit up across the audience through synchronised wristbands, delivering a powerful message of unity and love.
