Last week K-pop group UAU made their way to Chicago for their FanCon Tour [Playlist #You Are You] in Grand America. This isn’t the members’ first trip to the states, but it was their premiere appearance as a subunit. JiU, SuA, and Yoohyeon began their careers as part of the iconic 3rd gen group Dreamcatcher, and their successful debut as a trio had fans (known as InSomnia) more than ready to cheer them on in person.
While the setlist for the tour wasn’t exactly lengthy (eight songs in total), UAU made sure the night was jam-packed with excitement and laughter. JiU displayed her updated profile on the big screen (as well as her incredibly cute drawing), and later on three audience members were selected to play a game on stage with the members. Each track from their new EP Playlist #You Are You had its moment in the spotlight, as well. “Attitude” was perfect for kicking off the night and setting the tone with its bold and playful vibes. Things got darker and a bit sultry later in the evening with “Sacrifice” (which seemed to be a fan-favorite). Boisterous and upbeat “2 Months” gave a chance for the members to show off their abilities as dancers, as well as their performance of “Taki Taki” by DJ Snake. The trio said goodbye to their audience with a fun and carefree rendition of their album’s closer “Good Luck”.
Along with tracks from their new EP and solo songs they released as part of Dreamcatcher’s 2022 album Apocalypse: Save Us, the group also performed an energetic cover of BoA’s hit “Better”. Yoohyeon dazzled the audience with her jazzy hit “For”, her saccharine voice creating a dreamlike atmosphere inside the venue. JiU’s adorable and upbeat “Cherry (Real Miracle)” nearly became a sing-along with how loud everyone shouted the chorus, and it got everyone on their feet and dancing. The final solo “No Dot” turned up the heat with its hard-hitting sound, accompanied by SuA’s power and charisma on stage.
While their new music sounds different from their work with Dreamcatcher, the quality of their singing and their charm as individuals still shines through as always. It’s been almost a decade since their original debut, and the members are seasoned professionals at this point. Along with the top-tier performances as singers that they’ve become known for, UAU command the stage like they own it. Stunning (and sometimes intense) choreography that’s executed flawlessly, beautiful vocals delivered almost effortlessly, and the unique personalities InSomnias have come to love created a one-of-a-kind show packed with confidence and attitude.
UAU’s first adventure abroad was a sentimental nod to the members’ beginnings as Dreamcatcher, and an exciting look into their future as a subunit. It’s already quite a feat to survive and succeed for this long in the idol industry, but to have a loyal international fanbase on top of that is especially remarkable. On top of the lightsticks and banners seen all across the room, many fans were also draped in merch from their previous group tours. InSomnias are fiercely supportive, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is the group brimming with talent, they put on a memorable show and seem to genuinely enjoy connecting with their fans. In addition to the game they played, the members were interacting with the audience all throughout the evening. The atmosphere was so casual and relaxed, as if the members were completely comfortable being themselves and wanted the crowd to feel the same. UAU’s FanCon Tour [Playlist #You Are You] was an experience that seemed to impact every fan in the room and leave them both fully satisfied and geared up for their next visit.
