The Rose enchants fans at Seattle's McCaw Hall on 'Once Upon A WRLD' Tour

The Rose's Journey and Impact in Seattle

As K-pop continues to rise in popularity worldwide, alternative Korean rock has been close behind, and one of the leaders in that genre is The Rose. Debuting in 2017, the group started together in a small room in Hongdae, a neighborhood of Seoul, with big dreams of making a name for themselves. They busked to get their name out there, releasing their first single "Sorry," which is still one of their most popular songs to date.

The Rose took the stage at McCaw Hall on August 1, making their return to Seattle. Their performance was filled with emotion and storytelling, reflecting the journey they've taken as a band. "Music was healing us from the inside, and changing us," says Woosung to a crowd of local fans.

The group released their latest album "WRLD" in May, which inspired the tour called "Once Upon A WRLD Tour." Fan Kelsey Klemm, who has seen the group live four times, shared her thoughts: "It was different from their other shows, but it felt familiar at the same time. The sets and their storytelling was so artistic."

The four members of The Rose shared messages of their journey through the music, starting with an intimate performance where they sat on stools, playing guitars. Then, the curtain dropped behind them revealing the stage with set dressings that gave a look into their past. The stage was decorated to represent the room they got their start in, a callback to the place where it all began before they got their big break.

"I love that they have humble beginnings and how they connect with the audience. You can tell that their beginnings impact the way they perform with the smaller venues for a more intimate feel," says fan Jessica Rockstad.

McCaw Hall provided the band and concertgoers with an experience to share in the stories The Rose told through their music in a close setting. One thing that stood out to the members was the diverse crowd who came to see them. "I’ve seen grandparents and children at our shows, showing that all generations can enjoy our music," says drummer Hajoon.

The members connected with the audience throughout as they played both old and new songs with the crowd singing along. "I love that they’ve brought me together with some of my best friends, and I love how genuine they are with their music. Their sound tickles my brain in the best of ways," says Kelsey Klemm.

The packed venue of fans with glowing light sticks, singing along with their music, created an atmosphere of togetherness, showing the impact that their music has on them. "I have been a fan of The Rose for just over two years now and I love their unique sound and inspiring lyrics. I also really admire how focused and dedicated they are to being true to their identity and how they have worked so hard to achieve their goals in their own way and on their terms," says Jordan Alcantara.

The group will wrap up their U.S. tour on August 6 in Inglewood, California, and will be moving on to Brazil for their next show on August 8. Their performances continue to resonate with fans across the globe, proving the lasting impact of their music and their dedication to their craft.