KOR
The first show of PSY’s 'SUMMERSWAG 2026' at the Uijeongbu Sports Complex was filled with as many memorable moments off-stage as on. From his father in the audience to a surprise appearance by his debut-era peer Sung Si-kyung and the behind-the-scenes story of director Jang Hang-jun, here are the highlights from the event.
▲ PSY’s Father Shows His Support Again
During the concert, PSY introduced his father in the audience before performing his hit song 'Father.' His father, who also attended last year’s show in Incheon to watch his son perform, received a round of applause from the crowd for his quiet, unwavering support at the annual summer concert series.
▲ "I’d Rather Perform Than Direct": Director Jang Hang-jun’s Choice
This year’s opening VCR brought instant laughter, featuring director Jang Hang-jun and actor Park Ji-hoon.
"Lee Su-ji’s appearance last year was so intense," PSY said, drawing laughs from the audience. "I originally asked director Jang Hang-jun to direct the opening, but he told me he’d rather be in it than direct it." He added, "I am truly grateful that Park Ji-hoon joined us as well."
The SUMMERSWAG opening videos are a highlight every year. Following appearances by Seo Jang-hoon in 2018, as well as Kim Bo-sung, Don Lee, Heo Sung-tae, Park Ji-hwan, and Lee Su-ji, director Jang Hang-jun and Park Ji-hoon have now taken the baton.
▲ Debut Peer Sung Si-kyung: "I Can Hear the Bass from 100 Meters Away"
The first guest was Sung Si-kyung, who debuted on the same day as PSY in 2000.
Showing off their long-standing friendship, Sung Si-kyung said, "I had a schedule in another province, but I wanted to be here for the first show." He drew laughter by adding, "PSY is such a different kind of singer than I am. You can hear the thumping bass of the SUMMERSWAG venue from 100 meters away. PSY once told me that when he was a guest at my concert, he thought the show had been canceled because it was so quiet."
He added, "It’s great that we can be guests at each other’s shows. I really admire and love that he has his own unique style of music and performance."
▲ Hwa Sa Powers Through with Energy Despite Knee Injury
Guest Hwa Sa kept the momentum going with hits including 'Maria.' "I’ve been waiting for this day. I’m going to have a great time," she said, before adding, "Since I can’t bring out many guests, I’ll cut the talk short and perform one more song," proceeding to deliver a high-energy set.
Despite a minor injury to her knee during choreography that left it visibly scraped and red, Hwa Sa kept a bright smile throughout. "In the past, I used to blame myself a lot when I made a mistake," she shared. "But now, I tell myself, 'You are doing a great job overcoming this,'" before performing 'So Cute.'
▲ A Nostalgic Remix Party
The nearly four-hour concert was non-stop until the very end. During the encore, PSY treated the crowd to an EDM medley featuring not only his own hits but also iconic tracks from various eras, turning the venue into a massive club. Fans soaked in the water and the music, savoring the lingering excitement of the first SUMMERSWAG of the year.
Photo=P NATION
kykang@sbs.co.kr
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.