10CM’s Singapore Concert Becomes an Unforgettable Evening of Resilience, Honesty, and Lingering Melodies

On the evening of March 14, 2026, South Korean indie-folk sensation 10CM, helmed by the charismatic Kwon Jeong Yeol, returned to Singapore for his highly anticipated "2026 10CM Asia Tour <To 10CM: Chapter 1>" at the Theatre at Mediacorp. What unfolded was not just a concert, but a profound testament to the artist’s dedication and the unwavering bond he shares with his devoted fanbase, affectionately known as Centiners. The night, marked by an unexpected announcement of vocal strain, transcended typical concert expectations, evolving into an intimate and deeply emotional shared experience.

Prior to the official commencement of the performance, Kwon Jeong Yeol addressed the assembled audience with a disarming sincerity that immediately set a unique tone for the evening. In a rare and deeply considerate gesture, he revealed that his voice was not in its optimal condition. Understanding the potential impact on the audience’s experience, he proactively announced a full refund for all ticket holders, with detailed information to be disseminated via FriedRice Entertainment’s official Instagram channel. This transparent and empathetic approach, prioritizing fan satisfaction, underscored a commitment that resonated deeply. Despite this personal challenge, and without any obligation, Kwon Jeong Yeol expressed his resolute desire to still perform for his Singaporean Centiners, a decision that underscored the profound respect and affection he holds for his supporters. This act of courage and commitment immediately transformed the anticipation into a shared sense of understanding and mutual appreciation.

The concert officially kicked off with a specially rearranged concert version of "Hotel Room," a track that immediately established an intimate atmosphere. This was followed by the bright and uplifting "It’s So Nice," a song that brought a gentle wave of positivity to the venue. The mood continued to warm as 10CM transitioned into fan-favorite anthems such as "Americano," a song that has become synonymous with his musical identity. He then presented a refreshingly reimagined rendition of "Island," a performance that exemplified his signature ability to infuse familiar melodies with new life and emotional depth, ensuring each song felt like a unique discovery for the audience.

During his initial address to the crowd, Kwon Jeong Yeol expressed his heartfelt anticipation for his return to Singapore and the joy of reconnecting with his fans. With a characteristic shy smile, he then invited the audience to participate actively in the upcoming song. He charmingly taught them a specific vocal line, "ah na jeoyo," encouraging them to echo it back, fostering an immediate sense of communal engagement.

This interactive moment blossomed into a powerful collective experience during the performance of "Hug Me." The Singaporean Centiners responded in unison, their voices rising to meet his, creating a moving chorus that filled the theatre. The emotional resonance of the evening continued with the heartfelt renditions of "Love in the Milky Way Cafe" and "Us," songs that collectively wove a calm, almost dreamlike tapestry of sound and sentiment, further deepening the connection between artist and audience.

Introducing a subsequent segment of the concert, Kwon Jeong Yeol shared that these particular songs held a special significance for him and were those he had most eagerly anticipated performing on this tour. The performance of "Pet" was particularly engaging, as he creatively utilized a telephone as a prop, adding a theatrical and memorable dimension to the song. This was followed by "Mattress," another beautifully arranged piece that highlighted the emotional depth and lyrical prowess that define his artistry. The careful curation and arrangement of these songs clearly demonstrated why they held such a cherished place in his musical narrative.

The atmosphere then shifted with the more intense and evocative "Stalker." As the song progressed, the audience responded by illuminating the venue with their flashlights, transforming the theatre into a mesmerizing sea of shimmering lights. Their passionate singing along to the chorus amplified the song’s dramatic effect, creating a powerful visual and auditory spectacle. Following this, Kwon Jeong Yeol picked up his electric guitar, preparing a truly special surprise for his Singaporean audience. He delivered a deeply heartfelt cover of Kit Chan’s iconic song "Home," a performance exclusively dedicated to the Centiners in Singapore. This thoughtful and personal gesture profoundly moved the audience, marking one of the most poignant and unforgettable moments of the night, a clear indication of the artist’s deep appreciation for the local fan base.

The concert seamlessly flowed into "To Reach You" and "Gradation," maintaining the elevated emotional tenor of the evening. As he approached what he announced as the "last song" of the main set, Kwon Jeong Yeol playfully cautioned the fans against immediately calling for an encore, subtly hinting that while this might be the final track, it would not signify the true end of the night’s festivities.

He then delivered a captivating performance of "Phonecert" and "Spring Snow," leaving the audience suspended in a sweet, unspoken understanding. True to his playful hint, as the fans began their enthusiastic encore chants, Kwon Jeong Yeol surprised everyone by reappearing from behind the curtains, eliciting delighted laughter and thunderous cheers, a testament to his engaging stage presence and his ability to playfully connect with his audience.

Returning to the stage for the encore, he began with "Sseudam Sseudam." Once again, he invited his fans to join him in song, reprising "Hug Me" in a moment that felt even more tender and intimate than the first rendition. Expressing his profound gratitude, he conveyed how deeply touched he was that the fans had remained until the very end of the concert. He made a heartfelt promise to return to Singapore as soon as his schedule would permit, a pledge that was met with enthusiastic applause.

To bring the memorable evening to a close, Kwon Jeong Yeol performed an OST medley, featuring beloved tracks such as "Drawer" and "Tell Me It’s Not a Dream." This segment served as a poignant tribute to the dramas to which he has contributed his musical talent, concluding the concert on a deeply emotional and reflective note, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.

Despite the unforeseen challenges presented by his vocal condition, the "2026 10CM Asia Tour <To 10CM: Chapter 1>" in Singapore evolved into an experience that transcended the definition of a typical concert. It was a night characterized by profound sincerity, unvarnished honesty, and a quiet, powerful connection that resonated deeply between the artist and his dedicated audience, solidifying the enduring appeal of 10CM’s music and his genuine appreciation for his fans.

The "2026 10CM ASIA TOUR <To 10CM: Chapter 1>" in Singapore was proudly presented by FriedRice Entertainment Singapore. Team HelloKpop extends its sincere gratitude to FriedRice Entertainment Singapore for the media invitation.

Words by Naw Thet Nwe Oo.
Image Source: FriedRice Entertainment Singapore.