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| Photo Cr. Thomas Ma // KpopWise |
In a night filled with warmth, sincerity, and vocal brilliance, Red Velvet’s Wendy transformed Kings Theatre into an intimate sanctuary during the New York stop of her W:ealive world tour on November 9.
For nearly two hours, she guided the audience through a journey of healing and self-discovery, seamlessly mixing emotional depth with her signature bright humor. Fans arrived expecting a strong performance; what they experienced was not only that, but a deeply personal and unexpectedly cathartic evening from an artist who has become one of K-pop’s most cherished vocalists.

The show opened with a cinematic instrumental before Wendy emerged under a single spotlight. Her voice — warm, resonant, effortlessly controlled — filled the room in an instant, silencing the crowd and setting the tone for the emotional arc to come. The first two songs showcased her remarkable ability to make even the largest spaces feel intimate, every vibrato carrying its own sincerity.
As the final note faded, Wendy moved into her first ment of the night, greeted by a tidal wave of cheers.
“New York, how are you feeling today?” she laughed, immediately overwhelmed by the crowd’s energy. She admitted she was “a little nervous, but very happy,” a confession that only made fans cheer louder. Wendy pointed out signs in the crowd, waved at fans in the balcony, and joked about her hands shaking — “but in a good way!”
The warm laughter that followed set the tone for the rest of the show: personal, vulnerable, and incredibly human.

Wendy then shifted into a gentle reflection on the purpose of her W:ealive tour. She shared that the concert was designed to be a space for healing—for both herself and the fans—and that the setlist was crafted to move through themes of reflection, growth, and hope. She explained that preparing for a solo stage overseas came with a lot of pressure, but being able to see the crowd in front of her made everything feel worth it. Her voice softened as she thanked the audience for allowing her to express herself freely through music, emphasizing how grateful she felt to be performing in New York again.

As she prepared to transition into the next song, Wendy added a playful warning that things might get emotional. She introduced the upcoming stage as one that held personal meaning for her, encouraging the audience to “feel whatever you need to feel” and to let the music carry them through. With one last bright smile and a small bow, she stepped back toward the center of the stage, signaling the band as the lights dimmed and the next emotional chapter of the night unfolded.


Wendy’s W:ealive in Brooklyn wasn’t simply a concert; it was a conversation — a gentle exchange of stories, emotions, and hope. Her unmatched vocals, paired with her humor and vulnerability, created an evening that felt warm, human, and wonderfully alive.
For many in the crowd, it wasn’t just about seeing Wendy; it was about being seen by her.
And that is the true magic of W:ealive.
Wendy will continue her tour in Asia, starting in Bangkok on December 14.
All photography by Thomas Ma @thomasma__