KOR
There is a memory that lasts longer than what is stored on your phone. Please, keep today in your memories, said PSY.
The annual summer tradition, PSY's Drenched Show, has returned. The first concert of PSY Drenched Show SUMMERSWAG 2026, which began in 2011, was held at Uijeongbu Sports Complex on the 27th. Approximately 33,000 fans gathered to soak in the summer night for four hours.
Following an opening VCR featuring director Jang Hang-jun and actor Park Ji-hoon, the hits Napal Baji and Entertainer echoed through the venue. The opening VCR, which garnered significant attention last year for its collaboration with comedian Lee Su-ji, once again exceeded expectations.
From the start, the massive water cannons, special effects, and spectacular stage production were as overwhelming as ever. PSY made two requests at the beginning of the show: to put down their phones and experience the concert with their eyes and hearts, and to sing along as loudly as possible.
The audience responded with enthusiasm, singing along to tracks like That That, Paradise, Art, GENTLEMAN, Gangnam Style, and New Face. The boundary between the stage and the crowd naturally dissolved, turning the venue into a massive choir of 33,000 voices.
Throughout the show, PSY shared his genuine thoughts with his signature wit. I was originally a songwriter, but I became a singer because it just wasn't working out, he joked before performing Paradise. Behind the humor lay a deep affection for music. He added, Even as a songwriter, the happiest moment is when many people sing my songs together.
Despite being in his 26th year in the industry with countless hits and concert records, his concerns remain surprisingly humble. Every entertainer has a job that involves dealing with customers who have sophisticated tastes. I always wonder if people still like me, he said, expressing his gratitude and emphasizing that while having 33,000 people attend might seem routine, he never takes it for granted.
PSY also revealed a statistic that defines the Drenched Show. About 70% of the audience are first-timers. I am truly grateful that people in their 50s and older are coming to the shows, he noted. Indeed, the crowd was a diverse mix of generations, from teenagers to families with children, friends, couples, and fans in their 50s and 60s. The sea of blue outfits filling the venue has become a signature sight of the Drenched Show.
Special guests added to the significance of the opening night. Sung Si-kyung said, I had a schedule in another region, but I wanted to be here for the start. I hope this nine-week journey gets off to a great start, while Hwa Sa kept the energy high with an explosive performance.
At the end of the show, PSY remarked, The first step of this nine-week tour has been taken perfectly. I hope you all go home with bright smiles and wonderful memories. He then closed with his signature humor, saying, I will try my best not to get into any trouble until we meet again.
The four-hour concert, brought to life by 1,500 staff members, once again showcased the highest scale of production in the country. The overwhelming water cannons, special effects, and seamless operations proved once again why the Drenched Show is in a league of its own.
However, as the festival grows every year, challenges remain. The nature of the concert leads to significant consumption of single-use items like raincoats and waterproof bags, and the area around the venue suffered from severe congestion due to a lack of parking. If organizers discuss eco-friendly measures—such as encouraging active recycling among fans, promoting reuse, and managing water usage—the Drenched Show could evolve into an even more sustainable festival.
Photo=P NATION
kykang@sbs.co.kr
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.