The 16th KMF 2024 finale celebrated 16 years of K-POP, featuring performances from top groups and a heartfelt closing ceremony.

For 16 years, the strongest newcomer gateway "16th KMF 2024," which has excited fans as a K-POP rookie gateway, has closed its long history with an emotional finale. The Final "KMF" held on October 6 (Sunday) at Yokohama Arena featured six groups listed as the most noteworthy among the fifth generation of K-POP, including NiziU, NCT WISH, n.SSign, xikers, KISS OF LIFE, and ALL(H)OURS, along with Japan's first boy group ONE N' ONLY, ICEx, and special MC Kai from Super Junior, gathering at Yokohama Arena to leave an emotional stage that heralds a new era of fusion between K-POP and J-POP fans. The second part of the final performance, which was the last show of the 16 years, opened with the appearance of the Special MCs consisting of five Japanese members: Kai from Super Junior, Mako & Maya from NiziU, HAYATO from ONE N' ONLY, and Kazuta from n.SSign. Amidst great cheers, after finishing the voice practice for the theme of "LOVE" of "KMF," the five MCs shouted "LOVE," and the audience shouted "KMF!" uniting their hearts towards the Final "KMF," introducing the first performer, NCT WISH. NCT WISH debuted two new songs, "Dunk Shot" and "Steady," for the first time in Japan at "16th KMF 2024," meeting the audience's expectations. Riku expressed, "It's sad that 'KMF,' which has continued for 16 years, is ending this year, but we will deliver a powerful and amazing stage that won't make you feel sad, so please enjoy it!" igniting the venue's heat as the opening act. Following them, ALL(H)OURS, who debuted in Korea this January with Japanese member Masami, performed their debut song "GOTCHA." The audience was captivated by the gap between their cool performance and their fresh innocence during their self-introduction. They showcased their powerful group dance with their song "SHOCK" released in July, introducing their charm to the audience who had never seen ALL(H)OURS perform before. After ALL(H)OURS, the first Japan-Korea special collaboration stage with ICEx from EBiDAN (Ebisu Gakuen Boys' Division) took place. Eight members, four from ALL(H)OURS and four from ICEx, performed "Chk Chk Boom," creating a heated stage that felt like a well-rehearsed performance despite being their first collaboration. Next, all members of ICEx, whose concept is "Loving all love," appeared on stage and sang "CANDY," which was filmed in Korea for their music video. The audience cheered with "cute!" as they showcased their adorable visuals, embodying "LOVE! KMF!" with their performance. ICEx's impressive stage included their new song "Hollywood," released just on September 25, showcasing their cool and cute sides. At this point, the five MCs, Kai, Mako & Maya, HAYATO, and Kazuta, appeared in the audience, surprising everyone with their presence. HAYATO heightened expectations by saying, "The special collaboration between ALL(H)OURS and ICEx was cool! We also have a collaboration coming up, so please look forward to it!" The fourth group, KISS OF LIFE, known for their unique presence unaffected by trends, captivated the audience with their refreshing vocals and unique choreography in "Sticky." They performed five popular songs, including "Midas Touch," "Nobody Knows," "Shhh," and "Bad News," showcasing their high skills and talents as monster rookies, delighting the audience. Belle introduced herself as "Princess" and showcased her cute charm, eliciting loud cheers from the audience. Again, the five MCs returned to the stage, inspired by KISS OF LIFE's charm, and HAYATO suggested, "Since we are here, why don't we show some charm too?" Kai asked, "Is there a cute pose we can do?" Maya suggested a cat ear pose, and Kai proposed his signature chin heart pose, which they all performed together. The audience responded with delighted screams of "So cute!" and "Kyaa!" Kai humorously commented, "I've been doing the chin heart pose diligently, and today, it has taken flight into the world," bringing smiles to the audience. "Next is a group that will heat up the venue even more!" was the introduction for xikers, known for their intense performances. They raised the audience's voltage with their first song, "We Don't Stop," accompanied by intense lasers and a matching song atmosphere, followed by "Bittersweet," thrilling the crowd with their top-notch performance. They showcased a friendly side during their self-introduction, captivating the audience with their charming contrast. Finally, they closed their set with their Japanese debut song "Tsuki (Lunatic)" and their latest song "WITCH," hinting at xikers' great leap forward. HAYATO and EIKU from ONE N' ONLY joined the stage for their first special collaboration, performing ATEEZ's "BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)." From the start, they harmonized, raising the venue's energy. At the song's ending, all members of ONE N' ONLY joined in, delivering a stunning dance performance with 15 members that excited the audience. Amidst the heated atmosphere, ONE N' ONLY took the stage. Their addictive song "DOMINO" captured the audience's hearts, followed by their newly released song "Fiesta" on October 2. The performance included choreography that allowed even first-time viewers to join in, pulling everyone into ONE N' ONLY's world. HAYATO, who also served as an MC in the second part, encouraged the audience, saying, "For those seeing ONE N' ONLY for the first time, let's stand up and enjoy together!" The fun song "EVOL" had everyone naturally joining in with "HEY!" as they ran through the audience, creating a highly engaging stage. Beautiful NiziU, dressed in white, performed "RISE UP" and "BELIEVE," the opening and ending themes for the TV anime "Tower of God - The Return of the Prince," raising the venue's voltage to its peak. The lovely fairies showcased their soft smiles during talks, enveloping the venue in bright energy, and concluded their stage with loud cheers while performing "HEARTRIS" and "Take a picture." At this point, MCs Kai and HAYATO appeared. HAYATO expressed his overwhelming feelings about being able to present a special collaboration stage at Final "KMF" and called for the last performer, n.SSign. Amidst great cheers, n.SSign took the stage as the grand finale. Having made their Japanese debut at "KMF" two years ago, n.SSign premiered their new song "EVERBLUE," releasing on October 9, for the first time in Japan, sharing memories with the gathered fans during a photo time. Leader Kazuta recalled, "Two years ago at 'KMF,' I was worried if anyone would come, but many fans came to see us, and I was deeply moved," expressing gratitude to the fans and the NPO Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Association, the organizer that supported them for the past 16 years, which was met with a big round of applause and deep emotion. As a final song filled with memories, Kazuta performed "My House," showcasing a mature stage that made fans who have supported them since their first appearance in Japan feel proud. The five MCs, Kai, Mako & Maya, HAYATO, and Kazuta, appeared on stage. Kai announced that all artists' performances at Final "KMF" had concluded and expressed reluctance to part with the audience. Mako said, "Finally, we have a special collaboration song prepared with our beloved KISS OF LIFE!" and teased the audience, asking, "Do you want to hear it?" The special collaboration song chosen by NiziU and KISS OF LIFE was ZARD's famous song "Makenaide." NiziU's beautiful and pure singing resonated throughout the venue, bringing healing and energy. KISS OF LIFE's refreshing vocals harmonized, leading to an emotional finale. In the end, all performers gathered on stage to sing "Makenaide" together, reaching the conclusion. Mako suggested, "Let's all unite our feelings to finish," and together they shouted, "LOVE! KMF!" and "Thank you! KMF!" uniting their hearts as they closed the long history of "KMF" over 16 years. At "16th KMF 2024," the annual Dance de Smile team from Japan-Korea opened the act with a K-POP cover dance medley. They showcased the results of their practice for this day, dancing joyfully to warm up the audience. Additionally, for the first time, a photo zone object was set up for fans to enjoy taking certification shots with their favorite goods, creating memorable moments. Various warm exchanges unique to "KMF" took place, leaving fans with happy and emotional memories as they closed the longest history of K-POP concerts in Japan.