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Dua Lipa ignores South Korea’s martial law drama, electrifies Seoul concert fans

Pop star’s exhilarating performance brought a much-needed burst of celebration to the protest-hit capital

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Singer Dua Lipa performs at London’s Royal Albert Hall in October. Photo: Instagram/dualipa

“Tonight is about us. Nothing outside matters. It’s just me and you.”

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Performing for more than 20,000 fans at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome, pop star Dua Lipa made it clear – the show must go on.

The Seoul leg of the singer’s “Radical Optimism” world tour began on Wednesday, coinciding with the aftermath of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of emergency martial law late on Tuesday night, and the decree’s subsequent revocation the following day.

Defying the tense political atmosphere, the Wednesday night concert drew massive crowds, offering an escape from the lingering anxiety felt across the country. The two-day event continues through Thursday, bringing a much-needed burst of celebration to a shaken city.

Under flashy laser lights, Lipa opened the night with her track Training Season, commanding the stage in a glamorous black bodysuit. Flanked by dancers, the singer combined sultry choreography with runway-worthy elegance, setting the tone for an electrifying evening.

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The energy swelled as the singer transitioned to crowd favourites including One Kiss and Illusion. Raising her hand with a playful exclamation, Sing it!, Lipa invited the audience to join her, and the crowd responded in eruptive, ear-splitting cheers.

After a whirlwind opening sequence, Lipa paused to connect with her Korean fans. “I’m so happy to be here dancing and singing with you,” she said. “It’s been a while since I’ve been here, but we are going to have a party tonight. Nothing else matters – it’s just you and me, us.”

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