P1Harmony stays ‘Killin It’ in Houston!

Review and Photos by Christian Hernandez

As soon as I found out that P1Harmony was going to be making a stop in Houston for their Utopia tour, I knew that I had to be there. I had the pleasure of seeing them back in 2023 for their P1oneer show, which was hands down one of the greatest concerts I had ever been to. As a newbie in the K-pop scene, they were my first introduction to them as well as my first K-pop show. The concert was such a different experience from shows I had been to before. I’ve never seen an audience so energetic and engaging, everyone was dressed to impress, and I was getting handed goodies left and right. When they took the stage, it was a non-stop vibrant performance, with incredible production, costuming, and a showcase of this group’s talent. Leaving that show, I had no idea how they could ever top that. A year later, they did. 

Making my way to my position at the barricade, the entire venue was buzzing with excitement. Eager fans dawned extravagant getups, many dressed in pink and cowboy-themed outfits, with pink being a prominent color in this current era of P1Harmony. I walked down the aisle, once again being stopped by fans, thrilled to hand out the goodies they had made. I went home with so many photocards I think I might have to start collecting them. As I stood at the barricade, I could look back and get a view of the group would be seeing soon. It was packed, everyone shuffling to their seats, smiling ear to ear when they saw their view for the night. One girl in the front row began handing out handmade cut-out pink hearts to everyone, with everyone excitedly accepting. As the lights dimmed in the venue and the concert introduction began playing on the giant screen on stage, the venue erupted in cheers, electrifying the air. I turned to one of the other photographers and we made shocked glances at each other, realizing we were in for a show tonight.

As the sounds of “Street Star” filled the venue and the boys rose from the stage dawning beautiful and elegant white drapes, looking like a more sophisticated Backstreet Boys (I Want It That Way), the cheers grew louder and louder as they sprung into the performance. It always astonishes how strong performers they are, especially considering they’re still relatively new on the scene. I lost my breath multiple times through the first 3 songs, not just because these guys are just insanely beautiful-looking dudes, but just watching them manage to sing without missing a note while also hitting their choreography, it’s insane! That’s always been something I wish more Western artists implemented into their shows. Most of the time, artists will take the stage and perform their songs, not taking theatrics too heavily into their performance. Of course, we have exceptions such as Tyler, The Creator, and Beyonce, but seldom do I get to experience such awe at artists’ stage presence. With P1Harmony, I never have to worry. 

As my time up at the barricade wrapped up and I made my way to my seat for the night, I was still high on the fact that I got to experience them so closely. I do want to note that unfortunately, they were 1 man short tonight, as Jiung was out on injury (we wish him a speedy recovery!). You could tell because of this, the boys were giving it their all. As they took some time to banter with each other and the audience, they took it back to a few of their older songs, my favorite of which was “Back Down”, which was still as hard-hitting as when I first heard it live last year. They took a pause in the middle of the show to do an outfit change, as well as allow each individual member to come out and showcase themselves and their talent. This was something that surprised me from the last time I saw them, but it was really nice seeing them showcase their role in the group, especially those who do covers of other songs. The standouts to me were Theo’s beautiful rendition of Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You”, which may or may not left me with the smallest of teary eyes, and Jongseob’s cover of A$AP Rocky’s “Praise The Lord”, where he added his own verses. That is probably the closest I’ll get to hearing that song live so shout out Jongseob for that!

While they came back out together for round two of the show, I think everyone stayed up on their feet for the rest of the night. They played deep cuts, they played fan favorites, and I even got to hear my personal favorite song from them “Black Hole”, which is always going to hit every single time!

As the show came to a close, I began realizing that they topped their show from last year and came with even more energy and more power, even when being down a member. There’s something so special about not just K-pop concerts, but P1Harmony. If they’re ever coming to a city near you, even if you aren’t fans or aren’t familiar, take it from me and do yourself a favor and GO SEE THEM!