UVERworld and CNBLUE hold a joint live event in Japan and Korea, showcasing their music and unity across borders.

UVERworld and CNBLUE, two representative rock bands from Japan and Korea, held a joint live event in Japan and Korea called "UVERworld & CNBLUE SUMMER LIVE IN JAPAN and KOREA ~UNLIMITED CHALLENGE~". UVERworld's first performance in Korea and CNBLUE's first joint live performance, with the first Japan performance at PIA ARENA MM on June 15th. Photo=YOSHIHITO KOBA Approximately 1 hour of performance time. Both bands included introductory songs in their setlist, as they had never interacted with each other's fans before. "When we first met, we were surprised by how many things we had in common and hit it off," said UVERworld's Takuya∞ and CNBLUE's Jung Yong Hwa. The interaction between the frontmen, who also work on the band's music, led to this joint live event. The title of the live event "UNLIMITED CHALLENGE" reflects the strong will of both Takuya∞ and Jung Yong Hwa to continue challenging themselves and pursuing their dreams. The first performance was by CNBLUE. With Jung Yong Hwa's shout of "Yokohama!", they opened with "Between us", and the audience stood up from the first song. During "I'm Sorry", everyone in the venue imitated Jung Yong Hwa's "Moragodance" of moving their right hand up and down, blurring the line between BOICE (CNBLUE's fans) and crew (UVERworld's fans). In sync with CNBLUE, Jung Yong Hwa's shout stood out. In Japan, CNBLUE performs in Japanese, while in countries other than Korea and Japan, they perform in Korean. They started with their representative songs from Korea, then brought in Japanese songs in the middle. From their major debut song "In My Head" to three consecutive heavy rock songs, then a choreographed chorus in "SHAKE", the audience danced along. Jung Yong Hwa, who saw this, praised it as "Chemitta! (fun)" and the audience responded with "Chemitta!" From rock songs to songs that everyone can dance to, the selection of songs conveyed Jung Yong Hwa's thoughts on creating songs that can always excite the audience at live events. Jung Yong Hwa's keyboard performance of "Can't Stop" led to a climax with "Radio". During "YOU'RE SO FINE", Jung Yong Hwa showed cute gestures in line with the lyrics, then enjoyed call and response with the audience off-mic, ending with a joyful feeling. In the MC, bassist Lee Jung Shin said, "This is our first joint live performance. We have seen other artists' live performances at festivals and agency family concerts like Summer Sonic and ROCK IN JAPAN, but we were nervous from the preparation for our first joint live performance. We want to perform together at summer festivals next." Drummer Kang Min Hyuk expressed his excitement for the live event, saying, "Before our major debut, we had the opportunity to be the opening act for Linkin Park, and I was looking forward to today like that time. It's fun for bands from Japan and Korea to create a live event together, because it's the fun that only bands can have." Jung Yong Hwa said, "When Takuya∞ and I went out to eat for the first time last year, we both ordered gluten-free menus, and we found that we have many similarities, even our private and work cars are the same. But the most similar thing is that we both love live performances and continue to challenge ourselves. CNBLUE's dream is Tokyo Dome!" Jung Yong Hwa's talk that day was mostly about Takuya∞, showing his respect for him. He then passed the baton to UVERworld, saying, "It's an honor to perform live with UVERworld seniors. I want to have fun with everyone as a fan after this." CNBLUE's setlist was half Japanese and half Korean songs. They showcased a wide range of musical styles, from pop tunes to sweet love songs, without limiting themselves to rock just because it was a joint performance. UVERworld, the second performer, changed the mood of the venue with Terakawa's intense drum solo, then gathered in the center of the stage and opened with "AVALANCHE", a familiar theme song. Takuya∞'s vocals with autotune drew the audience in. "Let's do it, PIA Arena!" Takuya∞ said, and the fans sang along with "IMPACT". With Takuya∞'s words, "Hey crew, bring BOICE with you. Don't leave anyone behind!" the sing-along became more powerful, increasing the unity in the venue. Takuya∞ said, "Why did we accept this joint live event on a whim...? To pierce the hearts of fans who are not interested in each other. We don't know if we can do it or not, but let's do everything and find out!" and they went into "PRAYING RUN". Takuya∞ runs 10 kilometers every day, and Jung Yong Hwa also trains daily. This dedication is another common point between the two. The unity in the venue proved that the fans of both bands were captivated. Seeing crew and BOICE come together, Takuya∞ said, "We're having fun!" quoting Jung Yong Hwa from earlier. Then, with "With respect to CNBLUE," he surprised the fans by performing CNBLUE's "Between us" in Korean, which he had been studying. CNBLUE members were also leaning out from the audience to watch the surprise prepared by UVERworld that was supposed to be a secret until the actual performance. After singing "In the Form of Existence", Takuya∞ said, "We're really having fun~!" and sang "EN" with a message of band love. Takuya∞, a seasoned performer, said he might have been nervous that day. "CNBLUE calls us seniors, but we actually consider them seniors, as they have toured the world and achieved results. Jung Yong Hwa said, 'I want to perform at Tokyo Dome!' Well, go ahead and do it, you should. Tokyo Dome is the best. It's the coolest place in Japan. I think you can experience the best live performance there. I hope everyone can receive the inspiration to challenge themselves from the music and attitudes of UVERworld and CNBLUE." They finished with "7th Day's Determination" and "Ø choir", filling the venue with the voices of crew and BOICE. Since their debut, UVERworld has been at the forefront of the Japanese band scene, while CNBLUE, who debuted in Korea, has been active worldwide, not only in Japan. The chemistry born from their mutual respect for each other's music brought their fans together, proving that music and love for bands transcend borders and languages. This miraculous two-man live event will also be held in Korea on July 27th. Interview/Text: Yukari Sakamoto Photos: Yoshihito Koba Photos: Yoshihito Koba Photos: Yoshihito Koba Event Details: "UVERworld & CNBLUE SUMMER LIVE IN JAPAN and KOREA ~UNLIMITED CHALLENGE~" <JAPAN> PIA ARENA MM June 15, 2024 (Sat) 16:00 Doors Open / 17:00 Start <KOREA> KOREA UNIVERSITY TIGER DOME July 27, 2024 (Sat) 17:00 Doors Open / 18:00 Start Ticket pre-sale for Korea event BOICE JAPAN 2nd pre-sale & CNBLUE★mobile 2nd pre-sale Application period: June 21, 2024 (Fri) 18:00 - June 30, 2024 (Sun) 23:59 Announcement of lottery results start date and time: July 5, 2024 (Fri) 18:00 Payment period: July 5, 2024 (Fri) 18:00 - July 9, 2024 (Tue) 23:59 <Japan Performance Setlist> ○CNBLUE Setlist Between us Cinderella I'm Sorry In My Head Where you are Lady SHAKE Can't Stop Radio YOU'RE SO FINE *CNBLUE's setlist is now available on Spotify ○UVERworld Setlist AVALANCHE IMPACT Touch off PRAYING RUN Between Us *CNBLUE cover In the Form of Existence EN THEORY Eye's Sentry AFTER LIFE 7th Day's Determination Ø choir Related Links CNBLUE Japan Official Website