Houston Shines for K-Pop: Hohyun and WITHUS Take the 2025 Korean Festival Main Stage
- K Fuse
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
The 2025 Korean Festival in Houston was a celebration of music, culture, and community, bringing fans together for a day filled with electrifying performances, interactive activities, and heartfelt moments. Among the festival’s highlights were the headlining sets from rising solo star Hohyun and the dynamic K-Pop group WITHUS, both of whom delivered unforgettable performances that captured the hearts of everyone in attendance. Fans of all ages gathered at Discovery Green, waving banners, dancing along, and cheering for the artists they had been waiting to see all day.
For Hohyun, this festival held a special significance. Having made his first stage appearance at Houston’s K Fest in 2019, returning to the main stage in 2025 was both a personal milestone and a public celebration of his growth as an artist. It was a moment that reflected years of dedication, late-night rehearsals, and the unwavering support of his manager Michael and his band—an echo of the hard work that had brought him to this point. The excitement in the air was palpable, setting the perfect stage for a night of music, stories, and connections that would linger long after the final note.
The anticipation was heard long before Hohyun stepped on stage. His band was the first to greet festival attendees, setting up instruments and sound equipment with practiced precision, a quiet energy building as the sun dipped toward evening. Each member wore a white jersey-style tee paired with blue jeans, the shirts boldly declaring “TEAM HOHYUN,” a visual tribute to the artist they had supported through years of practice, performances, and milestones. Fans immediately recognized the familiar sight, cheering as the team moved with purpose, the camaraderie and professionalism of the group evident in every movement.
Once the stage was fully prepped, Emcee Jovi took a moment to hype the crowd, building anticipation for the headliner of the evening. “Please welcome to the stage… Hohyun!” he announced, and the festival erupted into a thunderous roar. The collective energy of hundreds of fans surged forward as Hohyun made his entrance, each step greeted by cheers, shouts, and the waving of light sticks. Hohyun appeared in a comfortable street-styled outfit that perfectly balanced casual confidence and stage presence: blue jeans, a simple black tee, and a green jacket that hinted at effortless style. But it wasn’t just his outfit that drew attention—it was the newly painted mic he carried, a detail his most devoted fans, the Hohmies, had been anticipating. As Hohyun approached his mic stand, the atmosphere shifted from excitement to something almost electric, a shared understanding among the audience that they were about to witness a performance crafted with heart, precision, and years of dedication.
Taking the stage, Hohyun opened with a soul-stirring rendition of “Better Days,” immediately connecting with the crowd. He paused between lines to acknowledge fans, returning waves, throwing hand hearts, and exchanging high-fives whenever he could reach the barricade. The audience’s excitement was tangible, a mixture of anticipation, admiration, and pure joy.
He seamlessly transitioned into “Cast Iron,” taking fan engagement to the next level. Hohyun stepped off the stage entirely, running along the barricade to high-five fans and capture videos on his own phone, sharing the moment as much as receiving it. Between beats, he reminisced about his first performance at Houston’s K Fest, a memory that clearly resonated deeply with both the artist and the audience. This reflection led into a reprised version of “Stage Fright,” which featured an unexpected key change and a driving beat that had fans jumping and singing along in unison.
The pace slowed beautifully as Hohyun picked up the acoustic guitar resting behind him and delivered a moving, intimate performance of “A.E.I.O.U.” His soulful voice, paired with the gentle strumming, enveloped the crowd in a quiet intensity, making it a standout moment of vulnerability and artistry.
Known for his heartfelt storytelling, Hohyun paused to engage directly with the audience. “Who here is an INFP?” he asked, prompting a few shy hands to raise. The song that followed, “I Can't Escape The Rain,” was dedicated to them—a musical embrace for anyone who overthinks, doubts, or hesitates before taking action. During this performance, he spoke with a fan about learning to play two songs on guitar, expanding the conversation to the full crowd: “As long as you have passion, that’s what will take you far,” he encouraged, his words resonating beyond the music itself.
Hohyun also took a moment to share his personal journey with mental health, opening up about his own struggles despite diagnoses and challenges he faced in his career. Introducing “Tomorrow,” a song written during one of his lowest moments, he reminded fans that everyone deserves a safe space to be heard and to express themselves. Flashlights from the crowd lit up the field as fans swayed to the rhythm, hearts collectively moved by the vulnerability and sincerity of his performance.
As the emotional wave began to crest, Hohyun transitioned into “That's Okay,” a heartfelt piece that encouraged fans to share love and appreciation, with attendees passing gifts and tokens toward the stage. He then introduced his pre-release track from the upcoming album Petrichor, “Flawed,” an anthem of self-acceptance. The crowd enthusiastically joined the chorus, shouting, “I’M SO FLAWED!” in unison, turning the song into a communal celebration of imperfection and resilience.
Hohyun closed his unforgettable set with the beautifully curated “Sunset Boulevard,” a song that left fans reflective and exhilarated. As the final notes faded, the audience erupted in cheers, applause, and a shared sense of gratitude for the night’s intimate yet powerful journey. This stage not only highlighted Hohyun's aritstry, but the connection that he has already created with fans, and his determination to continue advocating for those who are suffering from mental health illnesses.
As the crowd caught their breath from Hohyun’s deeply moving set, anticipation built once again—this time for the high-energy K-Pop group WITHUS. Formed under withHC, WITHUS made their official debut on November 17, 2020, with the digital single “Dogaebi: It” and consists of members Janghyeon, Rak, Junyeop, Hwanrok. Known for their powerful performances, synchronized choreography, and dynamic stage presence, WITHUS has quickly become a favorite among fans seeking fresh, bold sounds in the K-pop scene. Each member brings a distinct personality and talent to the group, creating a balance of charisma, vocals, and dance that captivates audiences from the first note. Houston fans were in for a whirlwind of excitement, as WITHUS took the stage ready to deliver a performance full of energy, precision, and unforgettable moments.
The crowd erupted into deafening cheers as WITHUS kicked off the evening with “쾌지나 칭칭 나네 (Kwaejina Ching Ching Nane),” a high-energy track with catchy hooks and a driving rhythm that immediately set the tone for the night. Afterward, the members introduced themselves, with leader Janghyeon expressing the group’s excitement for performing in Houston. The excitement only grew as they launched into their debut track, “Dogaebi,” with thunderous cheers carrying through the park while the group showcased a glimpse of their intense choreography.
WITHUS continued the momentum with their first special stage, covering STRAY KIDS’ “God’s Menu,” as fans sang along and waved lightsticks, transforming the park into a stadium-like environment. The group then performed fan-favorite “Barricade,” followed by a second special stage blending Western hits. Hwanrok led with Beyoncé’s “Halo,” inviting fans to sing along as flashlights lit up the park. The stage seamlessly transitioned to Janghyeon, Rak, and Junyeop performing “Single Ladies,” keeping the energy soaring.
The group then delivered “PSYCHO,” earning unison singing during the chorus and deafening cheers. They followed with a BTS-themed random dance challenge, in which the playful “loser” was meant to take an aegyo photo—but Houston fans cheered evenly for all members, leading the group to pose together for a cute photo instead. As the night drew to a close, they performed ATEEZ’s “Bouncy,” followed by their own "Indigo,” showcasing precision and powerful choreography before the crowd was treated to hits from BLOCK B and BIGBANG, including “Very Very Good,” “BANG BANG BANG,” and “H.E.R.” Interacting with fans until the very last note, WITHUS left the stage to thunderous applause, with attendees proclaiming themselves WITHME and celebrating the group they’ve supported over the years.
As the lights dimmed and the final notes faded into the Houston night, the 2025 Korean Festival left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. From Hohyun’s heartfelt storytelling and intimate connection with fans to WITHUS’s electrifying choreography and dynamic stage presence, the festival captured the full spectrum of what makes K-pop and Korean culture so magnetic. Discovery Green buzzed with energy, from waving lightsticks and shared songs to laughter and excitement that carried through every corner of the park. Fans left not just with memories of incredible performances, but with a renewed sense of community, connection, and love for the music and the artists who dedicate themselves so fully to their craft. Houston had not only welcomed these performers home, it had witnessed a night of artistry, emotion, and pure magic that will be remembered for years to come.
