As the stage went from dark to blue, screams filled the air at the Palladium in New York City on October 4. OMEGA X had made it. Their mere presence there was a moment to celebrate as 48 hours prior, nobody knew if the dream would become a reality as flight and logistic issues prevented them from going onstage the night prior. But OMEGA X had arrived and were ready to embark on the U.S. leg of their CONNECT: Don’t Give Up world tour. Nobody in that room had “given up,” and in the end, everyone was gifted for their fortitude.

Jaehan, Hwichan, Sebin, Hangyeom, Taedong, Xen, Jehyun, Kevin, Junghoon, Hyuk, and Yechan arrived on stage and started with their 2021 debut single, “VAMOS.” It was exactly what the room needed to get the party started. They looked hot in their red, black, and white racing style gear, which became more apparent as the blue light switched off and their faces became clearer in the light. The crew filled the stage with ease and smoothly went through their complicated choreography without missing a hitch, holding mics while singing. Ending with the line, “Vamos a la fiesta,” was perfectly fitting, as the party had just begun.

Moving into their namesake song “OMEGA X,” the guys moved into a tight formation in perfect sync. Shifting from an inverted triangle to smaller group formations, they had no trouble managing the stage. The shouts of “OMEGA X” went clear through the floor, clarifying for anyone who might have been in doubt that night who they were there to see.

Breaking into their first words of the night, each member introduced themselves and acknowledged the chaos created by a delayed show, but also a deep appreciation for everybody there. FOR X needed none of that, as it was all about support for the guys. Playful and sweet, the guys expressed their appreciation for being in New York. Hangyeom mentioned they had come directly from the airport while praising the fashion sense of those in the crowd. It was definitely a journey for both OMEGA X and FOR X, but it was all about the show, the guys, and the music.

With “WHAT'S GOIN’ ON,” the stage turned into a red inferno and the energy in the room was palpable. The rap sequences were particularly memorable as they hit every mark with precision. There was no pause as the popular and catchy “BAILA CON OX” was next. Red into blue, there was no stopping anyone. Although the members have no set roles in the group, I found my eye focusing on Jaehan, Hangyeom, and Sebin in this stretch for vocals. My focus changed throughout the night as different members shined in every song.

Taking a moment to change, they emerged in black and leather. Clearly, the sexier part of the night. Moving into “LOVE ME LIKE” and “TAKE'EM ALL” it was still a house party. The jumping, screaming, and cheers never stopped as the choreo became secondary to the energy in the room. Yechan’s expressions, Xen’s smile, and well, everyone’s moves, had fans enthralled.

The floor brought out the “woofs” again before the guys spoke about the special event that they had prepared for FOR X that night. “While we were preparing this world tour, this is a special event that we’ve been planning with a special present. We’re going to ask our question now… For that person who gets the right answer. We’re going to sing for you. We’re going to sing from our music,  ‘LOVE.’” The question was Jaehan’s favorite color and after a few fans misguessed, there was one lucky winner who guessed “green.” After some navigation from barrier to stage, magic happened for one FOR X. Seated on a stool, the gentlemen were kind enough to give her the jackets off their backs to cover her skirt and another around her shoulders. Truly a dream come true!

Though on stage one fan was serenaded by all, it was now the rest of the crowd's turn to be serenaded during “DRY FLOWER.” Singing and giving fan service to everyone there, this song was for them. They brought out the choreography again for “ICETAG.” Opening strong with Hyuk and Hangyeom’s rap line and Xen’s vocals, the song showed how versatile everyone was. 

Ready for another wardrobe change and mindset, they chatted again with the audience. In comfy denim, it was playtime with the upbeat and fun “PLAY DUMB.” Sweetness and playfulness took over, and we were all for it. With smiles all along and less mood lighting, it was fun to see the sweetness in their eyes. With “ALL ABOUT U” and “LIAR,” they were almost at the end of the show.

Xen started the last words which conveyed the sentiment that would be repeated down the line: “Finally I’m back in NY after two and half, maybe three years, and New York is still the same. It’s very passionate, and thank you for your warm welcome. I’ll never forget today, and I promise you I’ll be back in New York. Thank you so much and I love you.” For some, it was a return, but for Taedong and Jaehan, who got the “Best Leader” chant, it was their first time in New York. Yechan's words also struck a chord: “I’ll say this again, but thank you so much for waiting for us. I was really happy to see your beautiful faces, and about the tour, there’s chaos anyway all around us, right? But I want to tell you never give up your dream. I’ll be on your side…I’ll give you love forever.”

The last songs of the night were “VENUS” and “BINARY STAR.” During the latter, lightsticks and phone lights came out for the melodic finale. Picking up slogans made for the night, OMEGA X walked toward the front of the stage to engage with all the fans that were there for them. A touching way to round out the concert, well, until the encore. They were soon back in black tour shirts for the encore, singing “YOUNGER” and “FOR BABY.” This time it was all about the fans. Taking slogans and lightsticks from the fans for a moment, singing to cameras, and taking selfies, it was the perfect way to finally end the night. As Sebin said in his final ment, “Today’s a very happy day. We got to do the show together as 11 of us as one group. Stay healthy, FOR X. Our tour title is Never Give UP. Let’s never give up!”

New York had not given up. FOR X had persevered, as well as OMEGA X, who was now on their way to complete the rest of the U.S. leg of their tour. As bumpy as the road started, it made many meaningful memories every FOR X cherished that night.

Thank you to Spire Entertainment and Helix Publicity for allowing us to share these moments with OMEGA X.

Edited by Cara Musashi