ONF’s Spotlight Tour Stop in Toronto Proves Why “We Must Love” Them

When ONF (On and Off) announced their North American Spotlight tour, Canadian FUSE (ONF’s fandom) were thrilled to get a second chance to experience their favorites this year. With stops not only in Toronto and Montreal, they would also hit New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Los Angeles. The tour began in Toronto’s Bluma Appel Theater on August 16 as the sextet made up of Hyojin, E-Tion, Seungjun, Wyatt, Minkyun, and U under WM Entertainment made true on their promise to return even stronger than before. Performing new releases and some classic faves, the members' camaraderie, vocal proficiency, creative choreography, and solid dance skills proved their performance mastery on stage. Considered by many, who have witnessed them perform, as one of the most underrated third generation K-Pop artists, ONF proved again in Toronto, why “we must love” them.

Dressed dramatically in princely bedazzled white suits, “New World” opened the show. With live vocals that don’t miss a beat as they move fluidly through their choreography, ONF is the epitome of a group that can really sing while performing. As the verse moved from Hyojin to Minkyun, U, Seungjun, E-Tion, and finally to Wyatt’s, it was clear that there’s not a member that lacks in vocal aptitude. Jumping right into “UGLY,” the lyrics had everyone dancing. Things got “GUCCI” as arms pumped to the rhythm, proving their “show is one of a kind.” As an opening set, the energy level was electric. ONF was ready to show Toronto what they had in store.

One thing FUSE has learned is the hilarity of ONF’s dynamics. After U and Wyatt shed their jackets, the crew expressed excitement at being in Toronto. Minkyun listed the first tracks performed, followed by Wyatt who asked, “Did you guys love that?” before drawling out, “I knew that.” Wyatt stated that “GUCCI” was performed there first for the Spotlight tour. E-Tion’s directive, “Feel free to scream along with us, and when you want to focus on us, definitely focus on us,” was one easy to agree with.

The stage for “Sukhumvit Swimming” began with Hyojin attempting a bottle flip. The unusual title refers to a busy area in Thailand. Chill reggae vibes play against the song’s instrumentals as ONF's voices balance out the sound. “Asteroid,” a song Minkhyun picked as one he’d recommend to new fans in our interview earlier this year, followed. He noted then that this was because the “song is one where you can hear the contrasting qualities of the ON team and OFF teams.” This was visibly clear as they broke into sub-units within the choreography; Hyojin, Minkyun, E-Tion (the “ON” vocal group) then Seungjun, Wyatt, and U (the “OFF” performance team).

In the next ment, Wyatt had Hyojin redo the failed bottle flip. Success on the second try had the theater cheering. U then E-Tion tried, noting that it was harder than it looked. They continued with “Goosebumps,” and truth to be told, there’s nothing more fun than a room full of people yelling, “Goose, goose, goose, goose, goosebumps.”

After a short VCR, ONF returned as the boys next door. In casual red, white, and denim streetwear, they popped off stage to the delight and shock of everyone there for “My Name Is.” The quirky song that self-describes each member had been recently revamped to reflect the change in stage names at the start of the year. With Minkyun no longer MK and J-US now Seungjun, the duo noted that the new version had made its debut with the tour. Walking amongst fans on the floor, ONF could interact directly with FUSE with even E-Tion mentioning how amazing it was to stand so close to the crowd. Keeping it light and fun, “Fat and Sugar” followed. The song kept everyone bopping as ONF just vibed with the crowd. After the ment mentioned above, “Love Effect,” with its bright energy, kept up the vibe. The latter part of the song that references “Goosebumps” and the “Bam bambam bam bam” from “Beautiful Beautiful” is a highlight that had everyone screaming along. “Difficult” and “Popping” followed, with the latter definitely being a song you can’t listen to without moving your feet.

The guys came out to chat as E-Tion declared, “ONF and FUSE make summer together.” Noting a change of pace, it was time for the ballads as “My Song” led the way. Hearing the song brought out the first round of feels that would only grow with every song in this set. “Moscow Moscow,” a gorgeous song with a haunting rhythmic melody followed. Hyojin’s mesmerizing voice made the song into a siren call. E-Tion’s surprise “Toronto, make some noise,” shocked at first, but became a call that had the theater singing. A personal favorite was the last song, “Breath, Haze and Shadow.” The harmonization at the end of the song was simply gorgeous as Hyojin’s voice blended against Minkyun’s, followed by Seungjun. Each voice brought its own color to the beautiful harmony, leaving some FUSE in tears.

The next VCR was followed by new outfits in black. “Bye My Monster” was an epic release using orchestration and classical melodies. As the headliner on their latest EP, it was a song that many waited to see live for the first time. With lights down in black, they were shrouded in shadow and drama as they moved weightlessly to their feet as Minkyun’s sweet voice filled the air. With a ballerina’s grace, the sextet seemed to flow whether they linked hands along a row or moved aside for the parts that focused on subsets. It was a seductive dark drama exceeding all expectations. Toronto FUSE had learned the fanchant for the song and to hear it successfully executed was especially moving. Transitioning to the next song, “We Must Love” had a bit of a hiccup that Wyatt declared as a “we don’t know” moment. Thus, the restart saw the crew standing stage front in darkness as the accordion melody guided the first moments of the song’s choreography. The routine, adapted from their Road to Kingdom performance, had Hyojin as a maestro conducting a surreal orchestra of seated puppets with his baton. The lifelessness in the choreography was amazing to watch as the stage’s development intensified. The dramatic choreography combined with fabulous vocals made it certain that we would fall in love with them as commanded.

With the “Show Must Go On,” ONF took time to engage with FUSE while singing, Wyatt took a Canadian flag while members sent hearts in between verses. Next was probably their most famous song to date. With Minkyun’s words, “for you, we sing for you,” the first Brrram ppabam ppabam ppamppams of “Beautiful, Beautiful,” began. The words and the song’s ensuing fanchant filled the theater loudly as this was one song that everyone there knew. It was impossible not to sing along and feel the connection to other FUSE and ONF.

Coming back for their finale in expected concert wear, they all took more time to express their gratitude to FUSE. The encore began with their fan song written especially for FUSE, “Your Song.” The song’s chorus simply translates to “I am your song,” and has a deceptively simple melody. With touching lyrics and a sound that builds depth as it goes on, ONF engaged with fans who heard them sing the words that united them.

With their last words of gratitude and love, expounding on the energy, and frankly the volume, of Toronto FUSE. Hyojin noted, “Everytime I come to Canada, the fact that FUSE are so in tempo with us, makes it a real joy to perform here…and because of our FUSE, I was very happy today.” Wyatt was the last to comment, simply stating, “My days are beautiful, because you are beautiful.” With that, it was time for the final song. If there was any song that was requested, yet not played last March, it was this one, “Complete.” Released in 2018, it was ONF’s first comeback song and has remained a favorite ever since. The song's upbeat tempo, sax and guitar riffs, fabulous vocals, and in this case, Wyatt going shirtless, made this a scream-worthy performance. The hilarity when Seungjun tried to cover Wyatt’s pecks with a “You Complete Me” banner was priceless. But the last words of the song, “You make me feel complete, crazy,” would probably be the most perfect way to end this show, as it was definitely crazy, yet at the same time, completely satisfying.

ONF consistently proves that they are performance kings and the Toronto show was memorable for all. With hilarious memories and jaw-dropping stages, the night was one to remember. The tour was brought by J&B Entertainment, a Canadian firm who have been working to bring more groups to Canada. With pre and post show benefits of selfies with the group, polaroids, fan-signs, the emerging promoter wants K-Pop fans here to have more events and engagement opportunities. As for ONF, this tour continues across the U.S. with completed stops in major East Coast cities heading westbound. As ONF mentioned a possible return after their next album, FUSE in Toronto will wait with baited breath hoping that ONF’s spotlight shines in their direction again soon.

Thank you to WM Entertainment, J&B Entertainment, and most of all to ONF for having us at this show.