I had the pleasure of attending the 2023 Weverse Con Festival last weekend (June 10-11), and the lineup was nothing short of legendary. Here are some of my favorite B-side performances from the festival that are guaranteed to liven up your summer.

“Attention, please!” - ENHYPEN

ENHYPEN headlined the 88 Lawn Field with a live band on day one before performing songs from their brand-new album at KSPO Dome on day two. Their first set was perfect for an outdoor festival as the fourth generation group played live band arrangements of fan-favorite tracks.

“Attention, please!” was undoubtedly a stand-out performance. The pop-rock anthem is a B-side from the group’s first full-length album, DIMENSION: DILEMMA. There is a slight contrast between the lyrics and the overall sound. While the heavy guitar and drums give the song a confident edge, the lyrics show hints of nervous energy shrouded in insecurity. Behind the assertive vibe, “Attention, please!” is a love song about trying to catch the eye of someone you like, but lacking the courage to approach them first.

The lyrics, however, can also have a dual meaning when performed by the seven-member group. On stage in front of thousands, donning ripped jeans and cut-off shirts, ENHYPEN naturally garnered attention. As Sunghoon sang, “I want all of the popularity and love,” Jay stood at the center with his electric guitar, and the remaining members hollered in support. All eyes were on them, and the born-to-be rockstars didn't disappoint.

“バズ恋 (BUZZ LOVE)” - &TEAM

&TEAM is a Japanese boy group under HYBE LABELS and Universal Music Group with members hailing from Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Despite being formed in Japan, &TEAM truly is a global group and seems to be working to bridge the gap between J-Pop and K-Pop. Their newest album, First Howling : WE, contains Korean versions of two songs, and the group is currently promoting in Korea with performances on major music shows.

They kicked off Weverse Con with a performance at the 88 Lawn Field on day one before opening the stage at KSPO Dome on day two. The rookie group officially debuted seven months ago, but their skillset could convince you they’ve been singing live for years. From beautiful falsetto to powerful dancing and top-notch fan service, &TEAM put on an overall impressive performance.

My highlight of the weekend was “BUZZ LOVE,” a B-side track from their debut mini-album, First Howling : ME. It’s a bright and upbeat love song with heart-fluttering lyrics. The nine members of &TEAM sing about the overwhelming feelings of falling in love. When romance blooms, it leaves you buzzing with the excitement of new possibilities. &TEAM’s sweet lyrics detail this sensation as they reveal “these out-of-control feelings” to the world.

“OVER YOU” - Hyolyn

Hyolyn played the 88 Lawn Field on day one with a 30-minute set jam-packed with SISTAR throwbacks, solo songs, and popular covers. Her set included difficult choreography and belted high notes, which she delivered effortlessly amidst the intense summer heat.

My personal favorite was Hyolyn’s performance of “OVER YOU” from her 2022 solo album, iCE. She hyped up the crowd by teaching us a quick fan chant for the chorus before jumping in with strong vocals.

As the title suggests, “OVER YOU” is about moving on from a past relationship. The lyrics aim to rediscover oneself as the final stage of the healing process. “OVER YOU” isn’t filled with regret or ill-wishes, but sincere hope for a better future. Hyolyn hit every note with ease as even non-fans sang along, proving how she earned the nickname “Korea’s Beyoncé.”

“Frost” - TXT (Tomorrow x Together)

Fourth generation “It” boys, TXT (Tomorrow x Together), warmed up for Lollapalooza with a two-day performance at Weverse Con. They closed out night one at KSPO Dome and headlined 88 Lawn Field on day two with thousands of MOA in the audience to support.

I still remember the screams as their silhouettes appeared onstage for a quick performance of “Frost” following LE SSERAFIM’s “The Great Mermaid.” HYBE seems to be connecting their webtoons, which was shown through a VCR teaser before each group took the stage. Although “Frost” was mainly performed for this purpose, I think it was an excellent addition to their festival setlist.

The track is from TXT’s second full-length album, The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE, and was later repackaged in The Chaos Chapter: FIGHT OR ESCAPE. American singer and rapper Ashnikko is credited as one of the main songwriters, and the hyper-pop track is dripping with her influence (in the best way possible). Huening Kai opens the song with a twist on one of her iconic lines, turning, “I’m so shy” into, “I’m so shocked,” followed by a crazed laugh that truly sets the tone of the performance.

The lyrics connect with the original story of TXT’s webtoon, THE STAR SEEKERS. The five boys travel through worlds where magic and reality intertwine. Chaos surrounds their journey as they try to escape the growing frost on a “dream island.” The trap-centered track and adventure-filled lyrics really aid the fairytale atmosphere that is a recurring theme throughout TXT’s impeccable discography.