Singer Lim Young-woong once again colored Gocheok Sky Dome with sky blue through his overwhelming vocal ability and delicate love for fans. This performance, which achieved a perfect harmony of song, stage composition, and interaction with fans, was an emotional epic that transcended the essence of 'a singer must sing well.'
On the 16th, Lim Young-woong successfully held the first day of the '2026 National Tour Concert I'm Hero (IM HERO)' at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul. Returning to Gocheok Dome after a year, he incorporated meticulous consideration for fans throughout the stage by installing a 180-degree semicircular wide screen and a giant vertical screen for unobstructed viewing.
Opening with 'Wonderful Life,' Lim Young-woong shouted, "Hero Era, shout out!" signaling the start of a festival that would last for three hours. The lively country sound of 'I Am a Hero' and the witty production of 'London Boy' instantly transformed the atmosphere of Gocheok Dome, captivating the audience.
In particular, Lim Young-woong's unique warm banter was the highlight of the performance. He expressed excitement by saying, "It's been two weeks since I last saw you after the first performance of the new year," while also warmly checking on fans' health by asking, "Have you had your health check-up?" His frequent reminders for safety, considering the steep incline of Gocheok Dome, revealed his genuine affection for fans.
The setlist was filled with a diverse composition worthy of a 'masterpiece of great songs.' Along with representative emotional songs like 'Love Letter' and 'Our Blues,' the jazz version of 'Now Only Trust Me' offered a different romantic mood from the original. During the 'Rainbow' stage, the entire audience sang together, creating a spectacular scene that filled Gocheok Dome with a massive cheer.
Lim Young-woong's transformation was endless. In a bridge video, he showcased a playful performance as 'Doctor Hero,' and in the 'Hero Singing Contest' corner, he perfectly executed the choreography of IVE's 'After Like,' turning the venue into a frenzy of excitement. In the latter part of the performance, the stage of 'The Story of a 60-Year-Old Couple' conveyed deep resonance, bringing tears to the audience.
This Seoul performance, which breathed with about 54,000 audience members over a total of three days, became a testament to the value of the Lim Young-woong brand. Lim Young-woong concluded the first day's performance by shouting his signature greeting, 'Stay healthy and happy,' saying, "I exist because of you."
