Lim Young-woong opened 2026 with a three-night run in Daejeon―and it wasn’t just the onstage moments that had fans buzzing.
From Jan. 2-4, the singer brought his 2025 "IM HERO" tour to Hall 2 of the Daejeon Convention Center. After a roar of cheers, he launched into an opener of "Wonderful Life," setting a warm tone as he greeted the crowd with a traditional New Year’s bow.
The set threaded album cuts from his second full-length with fan-favorite hits that have dominated playlists. A request segment―his playful “Hero Song Contest”―showcased his easy humor and versatility, turning any tune into a distinctly Lim Young-woong moment and spiking the energy in the room.
“Tonight made me happy,” he told the audience near the end. “There’s a lot I want to show you this year. As we kick things off, I’m cheering on all of your new beginnings.” He returned for an encore after relentless calls from the crowd.
Offstage, the fan care stood out. The venue carved out a dedicated “bread booth”―a check-in station where concertgoers could stash pastries and cakes from Sungsimdang, Daejeon’s beloved bakery―so they could enjoy the show hands-free.
Fans also lined up for interactive stops: the “I’m Hero Post Office” to drop postcard messages, region-by-region commemorative stamp stations, and photo zones celebrating the fandom, Hero Generation. The venue even eased facility crunches with additional portable restrooms, earning kudos for thoughtful planning.
Lim Young-woong will keep the tour momentum going Jan. 16-18 at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)