While large venues and a gigantic stage often characterize a concert, virtual idols, who provide equally enjoyable experiences behind the screens, separate themselves from the general trend. One of the virtual idol groups, Re: Revolution, hosted their first-ever concert, “The First Bullet,” years after their debut. Previously named “Revolution Heart,” this group of streamers began a new journey with a new member, Leeon, and the comeback of Gemini, the lead vocalist, from the military.
On March 15th, the concert was live-streamed on the screens of Lotte Cinema all over South Korea. As an avid fan for four years, I joined many in Dongseongro. Once I entered the building, two extensive rows of people eager to print photo cards greeted me.
The ticket costs 81,000 won, which may seem pricey at first glance, but it felt reasonable for the experience the concert provided. The show was entirely live, and the attendees received special goods after the concert as well.
Around 3,000 tickets were sold all over Korea, and Daegu was responsible for about 100. Units, the group’s fanbase, gathered together and socialized with each other – they shared snacks and followed each other on X.
The fans included me in the scene as well; I forgot to bring cheering gear, but a kind fan offered me light sticks and shared snacks with me. Whistles took a huge part in the cheering, and thanks to the person’s kindness, I didn’t feel ashamed or disappointed for the hasty preparation I had.
Before the performance began, Jack, the leader, briefly thanked all the Units for their continuous support and encouragement. Then, the rest of the members – Onyu, Ryu, Gemini, and Leeon– rose from the stage. The bullet hole shape of the stage referenced the theme of the group, revolutionary armies, and the background referenced the music video for their song, “전투 (Hate you).”
Each of the members’ solo stages comprised the highlight of the show. Among the five different performances, I especially enjoyed Ryu’s solo “피해망상 (Paranoia)” because of the irony between the lyrics that feature low self-esteem and the cheerful melody. My favorite lines include: “그래도 괜찮아. 나는 망가져도 돼. 타인을 위해 조금 희생하는 것뿐이야.” (“It is alright. I can be destroyed. It is sacrificing a little for others.”)
In between songs, the members walked fans through concert prep: how they chose the order of the songs, how they felt before the concert began, etc. These sessions balanced out the rush of adrenaline from the stages and gave the audience some time to relax.
When Jack announced the end of the concert, everyone, including me, sighed and cried from despair until the fans altogether started to hype up the group by shouting “encore.”
The lights turned back on, and the members came back with their newest songs “Volcano” (2024) and “Super Star” (2024). The finale, composed as a fan song, brought the concert to an heartwarming end. Fans remained in their seats and sang along as Re:Revolution’s debut track, “등장 (Appearance),” filled the room.
The moment the track ended, everyone rushed to the counter to receive the special goods. Unfortunately, I arrived late, I waited for over an hour to finally purchase the merch and spent another in the line for photo cards. Eventually, I managed to buy ten, – two for each member.
I would rate the concert a 10 out of 10, largely because no part of the concert used pre-recorded audio or choreography: the members sang and danced live in their studio for the whole duration. It made me, a Unit of 4 years, especially proud, since I knew them before they earned artistic recognition. The opportunity to mingle with the large fandom went by in the blink of an eye, but I will cherish it.
