Anticipation was palpable as fans filled Seoul's Olympic Hall on August 31 to witness Taeyang’s return to the stage for the first time in seven years. The concert, Day 1 of the 'TAEYANG 2024 TOUR [THE LIGHT YEAR]' tour, marked the BIGBANG member’s long-awaited comeback, with fans in attendance holding both Taeyang and BIGBANG lightsticks.

Opening the show with "Prayer," a track from his first solo album 'Solar,' Taeyang set the tone for an evening that was both electrifying and nostalgic for fans of his earlier solo work. This choice wasn’t just about music; it was a tribute to his longtime collaborator and producer, Teddy, now the head of Taeyang’s current label, THEBLACKLABEL, who has a rap feature on the track.

During an early portion of the concert, he explained his decision to name the concert ‘THE LIGHT YEAR,' defining the term as "a street of light" and likening it to a record of his journey. “As I reflected on the path I've walked with many people, I thought that would be a cool way to name it,” he added. 

The evening's setlist was carefully curated to reflect this, blending Taeyang’s solo hits with iconic BIGBANG tracks, much to the delight of fans who had waited years for this moment. In fact, BIGBANG singles made up roughly a third of the evening's 29-song setlist, creating a balanced celebration of both his history as a soloist and member of the group that brought him to fame.

As the night progressed, Taeyang’s voice took center stage, free of heavy backing tracks and unnecessary embellishments. His raw, unfiltered vocals filled the venue, resonating deeply with the audience. Whether he was performing more vocal-heavy solo hits like "Only Look At Me," "1AM," or "Eyes, Nose, Lips" or more dance-focused singles like "VIBE," "Shoong!," or "RINGA LINGA," Taeyang’s performance was a reminder of his unique position in the K-pop landscape—an 'all-rounder' artist whose appeal transcends gender and generation. (One testament of such was the shouts heard when he asked if anyone born in 2009 was in the crowd, the same year his single "Where U At" was released.)

The concert was not without its surprises. Fellow BIGBANG member Daesung made an unexpected appearance, performing his 'ALIVE' era solo single "Wings" and joining Taeyang for performances of "A Fool of Tears," "BANG BANG BANG," "FANTASTIC BABY," and "We Like 2 Party." The chemistry between the two was undeniable as if no time had passed since their last performance together. The crowd’s reaction was overwhelming, with fans rising to their feet, singing along, and dancing in a collective outburst of joy. (As previously reported, G-Dragon also joined Daesung and Taeyang as a surprise guest for Day 2 of the Seoul concerts.)

Another highlight was the guest appearance by Jeon Somi, Taeyang's THEBLACKLABEL labelmate and a self-proclaimed VIP (BIGBANG’s fan club). She provided Taeyang a brief respite with her performances of singles "FAST FORWARD" and "ICE CREAM," adding to the concert’s dynamic energy.

Throughout the night, Taeyang didn’t just perform; he connected with his audience on a deeply personal level—even taking time to walk through the audience to personally serenade fans with his hit "I Need A Girl" and moving to the piano for a more intimate portion of the night, which included a short cover of Muni Long's "Made For Me."

During one of his final moments speaking with the audience, he expressed his gratitude for their patience over the past seven years, thanking them for their unwavering support. The emotional climax came when a male fan shouted, “I missed you, hyung!”—a sentiment that encapsulated the feelings of everyone present. Taeyang responded by singing his now-signature phrase, "I missed you too," creating a moment of shared warmth and affection when recreating the recent meme.

The concert’s finale was both poignant and powerful. Rather than closing with a solo track, Taeyang chose to end with BIGBANG’s "Still Life," a decision that underscored his enduring loyalty to the group. The voices of all BIGBANG members echoed through the venue, leaving fans with a lingering sense of nostalgia and hope.

Meanwhile, the '[THE LIGHT YEAR]' tour has only just begun. Following the Seoul performances on August 31 and September 1, Taeyang will take his tour across Asia, with stops including Osaka, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taipei. As he reconnects with fans in nearby nations, this tour promises to be not just a performance but also a triumphant return, a heartfelt reunion, and a powerful reminder of why Taeyang remains a beloved figure in K-pop.