A Gentle Evening of Comfort, Honesty, and Music That Lingers

On March 14, 2026, South Korean indie-folk sensation 10CM, led by vocalist and songwriter Kwon Jeong Yeol, graced Singapore with his presence for the highly anticipated stop on his 2026 10CM Asia Tour <To 10CM: Chapter 1>. The event, held at the intimate Theatre at Mediacorp, was poised to be a memorable night for his dedicated fanbase, affectionately known as Centiners. However, the evening took an unexpected turn even before the first note was played, transforming the planned concert into a testament to artistic integrity, fan loyalty, and the profound connection between an artist and his audience.

An Unforeseen Announcement and a Commitment to Fans

Just prior to the official commencement of the concert, Kwon Jeong Yeol made a candid and heartfelt announcement to the assembled audience. He openly shared that his vocal condition was not at its optimal level, a revelation delivered with evident sincerity. In a rare and profoundly ethical gesture, he then announced that all tickets purchased for the event would be fully refunded. This decision, a significant financial undertaking for any artist and promoter, underscored a deep respect for his fans and a commitment to delivering a performance worthy of their anticipation. FriedRice Entertainment Singapore, the event’s promoter, promptly disseminated details regarding the refund process via their official Instagram channel, ensuring transparency and facilitating the necessary arrangements for ticket holders.

Despite the challenging circumstances and the offer of a full refund, Kwon Jeong Yeol expressed his unwavering desire to perform for his Singaporean Centiners. This decision to proceed, even with a compromised voice, spoke volumes about his dedication to his craft and the importance he placed on the fan-artist relationship. The atmosphere, initially tinged with concern, began to shift as the audience recognized the immense courage and commitment displayed by the artist.

A Curated Setlist: Familiar Melodies, Reimagined

The concert officially commenced with a specially arranged concert version of "Hotel Room," a track chosen to set an intimate tone. This was followed by the light and uplifting "It’s So Nice," which immediately began to warm the venue. 10CM then transitioned into fan-favorite anthems, including the universally recognized "Americano." The setlist continued to showcase his signature ability to reinvent his music, presenting a refreshingly reimagined rendition of "Island," which breathed new life into the beloved song and demonstrated his artistic versatility.

During his initial address to the crowd, Kwon Jeong Yeol conveyed his palpable excitement about returning to Singapore and reconnecting with his fans. His warm greeting and shy smile set a comfortable and approachable tone. He then engaged the audience directly, inviting them to participate in the upcoming song. With playful charm, he taught them a specific vocal line, "ah na jeoyo," and encouraged them to echo it back, fostering a sense of communal participation.

Moments of Collective Emotion and Intimate Connection

This interactive invitation culminated in a powerful rendition of "Hug Me." As Singapore’s Centiners responded in unison, their voices rising to meet his, the venue resonated with a shared emotional experience. The emotional thread continued through poignant performances of "Love in the Milky Way Cafe" and "Us," which collectively wove a calm, almost dreamlike atmosphere, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the music and the shared sentiment.

Introducing the next segment of the concert, 10CM shared that these particular songs held special significance for him and were among those he had most eagerly anticipated performing on this tour. The performance of "Pet" was particularly engaging, with 10CM ingeniously using a telephone as a prop, adding a theatrical element to the delivery. This was followed by "Mattress," another beautifully arranged track that further illuminated why these songs held a cherished place in his artistic repertoire.

A Sea of Lights and a Heartfelt Tribute

The mood subtly shifted with the introduction of "Stalker." As the song progressed, the audience responded by illuminating the venue with their phone flashlights, transforming the hall into a breathtaking sea of shimmering lights. The collective singing of the chorus demonstrated the deep connection fans felt with the lyrics and the music, creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged moment.

In a deeply personal and unexpected move, 10CM then picked up his electric guitar, preparing to deliver a special surprise. He offered a heartfelt cover of Kit Chan’s iconic ballad "Home," performing it exclusively for his Singaporean audience. This thoughtful and resonant gesture profoundly moved the attendees, marking one of the most memorable and touching highlights of the evening. The choice of a Singaporean artist’s song demonstrated a profound cultural appreciation and a desire to create a unique bond with the local fans.

The Art of the Encore and Unspoken Understandings

The concert flowed seamlessly into a series of beloved tracks, including "To Reach You" and "Gradation." As 10CM approached what he playfully announced as the "last song," he preemptively addressed the audience’s anticipation for an encore. He humorously cautioned them against shouting for one, subtly hinting that while it might be the final scheduled song, the evening’s musical journey was far from over.

He then delivered captivating performances of "Phonecert" and "Spring Snow," leaving the audience in a state of sweet, unspoken anticipation. True to his word, as the familiar chants for an encore began to echo through the venue, 10CM surprised everyone by reappearing from behind the curtains, eliciting delighted laughter and enthusiastic cheers. This playful interaction further solidified the intimate and genuine connection he shared with his fans.

Gratitude, Promises, and an Emotional Finale

Returning to the stage for the encore, he performed "Sseudam Sseudam." Once again, he invited the audience to join him in singing, reprising "Hug Me" in a rendition that felt even more tender and emotionally resonant than the first. Expressing his deep gratitude, he conveyed how touched he was that his fans had stayed until the very end, especially given the circumstances. He reaffirmed his commitment to returning to Singapore as soon as possible, promising future performances.

To bring the night to a deeply emotional close, 10CM presented an OST medley, featuring the poignant tracks "Drawer" and "Tell Me It’s Not a Dream." This selection paid homage to the popular dramas to which he had contributed, leaving the audience with a profound sense of reflection and emotional resonance.

Beyond a Concert: A Night of Sincerity and Connection

In retrospect, the 2026 10CM Asia Tour <To 10CM: Chapter 1> in Singapore transcended the definition of a typical concert. Despite the unforeseen vocal challenges and the unprecedented offer of full refunds, the event evolved into something far more meaningful. It was a powerful demonstration of artistic integrity, a profound act of respect for the audience, and a night characterized by sincerity and a quiet, yet deeply felt, connection between the artist and his devoted Centiners. The unwavering support from the fans, who chose to stay and witness the performance despite the announcement, speaks volumes about the loyalty and appreciation they hold for 10CM’s music and his genuine character.

Event Details and Acknowledgements

The 2026 10CM ASIA TOUR <To 10CM: Chapter 1> in Singapore was proudly brought to fans by FriedRice Entertainment Singapore. The media team at HelloKpop extends their sincere gratitude to FriedRice Entertainment Singapore for the invaluable media invitation that facilitated this report.

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