Words by Maggie Arandela-Romano
It’s not every day that London’s Indigo at The O2 turns into a haven of dreams, screams, and guitar strings, but on a warm June night, that’s exactly what happened. The Rose brought their Once Upon A WRLD tour to town — and from the moment doors opened, it was clear: this wasn’t just a concert. It was an experience.
Fresh off their documentary Come Back to Me making waves at Tribeca — where it snagged second runner-up for the Audience Award — The Rose is on a roll. Their 2023 album Dual marked an evolution, and now with WRLD, they’ve entered a more defined chapter. And London? London was ready.
You could feel the energy early outside Indigo. London’s unpredictable weather had taken a break — summer showed up, and Black Roses (the fandom name) turned up in droves. They queued patiently in the sun, armed with keyrings, stickers, handmade bracelets — exchanging smiles and Instagram handles with strangers-turned-sisters.
Among the crowd? A 10-year-old boy named Thomas, celebrating his birthday with his mum. Nearby, a graceful woman turning 60. Two generations, united by four Korean musicians.
I was there as a Dreamer — a VIP experience with soundcheck access. But the magic came from those around me. Remi, Katey, Emily, and Parishaa — four English Black Roses — adopted me into their fangirl circle. I’ve never had more fun being swept into a chorus of love and lyrics.
The concert was a visual feast. From cinematic transitions to theatre-inspired staging, it was clear The Rose had poured heart, soul, and aesthetics into the night.
One scene stood out: a full set change to a Kabuki stage-meets-loft-bedroom. A literal bed sat centre-stage. The band not only played around it — they jumped onto it. It was cheeky, warm, emotional. A peek into their creative cocoon — the kind of space where “She’s in the Rain” might’ve been born.
And when they sang “She’s in the Rain” and “Back to Me”? The venue exploded. Everyone was on their feet — jumping, dancing, crying and holding hands. Raw and unforgettable.
Musically, WRLD is a slight pivot. As Woosung admitted mid-show, “Some of you might be disappointed — it’s not like ‘Back to Me.’” But no one minded. WRLD — entirely written and produced by The Rose — is arguably their most mature work. It doesn’t scream; it breathes, pulses, and invites close listening.
There’s a deliberate tenderness throughout. Songs like Lifeline and Cosmo grounded the crowd in silence before erupting into crescendos of pure feeling.
For the unfamiliar: The Rose blends alt-rock, indie-pop, and emo nostalgia. Early days were inspired by British music — The Beatles, Coldplay, The 1975, even a bit of Radiohead. That influence still lingers, but now it’s something distinctly theirs.
Woosung’s raspy voice is like vinyl crackle. Doojoon’s is cinematic. Hajoon is the heartbeat — subtle but powerful drumming. Taegyom? Pure elegance on bass, carrying entire verses with groove.
Let’s talk about the elephant — or Woosung’s hilarious callout. “London is the quietest crowd on tour,” he teased. Cue thousands of Brits yelling back. A line he’s used before — but somehow, it always works. That cheeky challenge only he could pull off.
From that moment, it was game on. Every “Make some noise!” got a thunderous reply. Earlier, during the intimate soundcheck, Thomas had received a surprise birthday song from the band — his mum filming through shaking hands and teary eyes.
Style matters. And The Rose served. Tailored but effortless. Stage-ready but personal. The vibe? A mix of Tokyo streetwear and Camden indie gig, with lighting that shifted like fairy tale chapters.
From entrance to final bows, they moved like a unit — familiar, joyful, nudging each other during solo moments. Not a band phoning it in. A band who knew where they came from, grateful for where they are, dreaming of what’s next.
Meeting The Rose after the show was surreal. For most fans, it was just long enough for a photo — but the memory? Timeless.
Watching Remi, Katey, Emily, and Parishaa light up beside their idols — you could feel what it meant. Nervous giggles. Grateful bows. A few tears (some from me, not gonna lie).
We came for the music, but stayed for the connection.
I’ve interviewed politicians and CEOs. But rarely have I left a room feeling this electric. The Rose reminded me why music journalism matters — because when four guys from Korea walk into a London venue and make you feel like the only person in the room, that’s a story worth telling.
The Once Upon A WRLD tour in London wasn’t just a concert. It was a shared memory. A campfire in a dark forest. A page in someone’s coming-of-age story. It brought strangers together, reconnected old fans, and turned casual listeners into lifelong Black Roses.
They may have started out busking on the streets of Seoul, inspired by Brit bands and indie dreams. But The Rose has bloomed into something far greater — global, grounded, and gloriously sincere.
Come back to us anytime, boys. London will be here — hearts wide open.
Woosung, Dojoon, Taegyom & Hajoon, it was enchanting to meet you.
HYGY Magazine Rating: 5/5 — for the music, the stagecraft, the fan connection, and that brilliant bed-on-stage moment.
Setlist Highlights: Cosmo, Back to Me, She’s in the Rain, Nebula, O, Slowly
