KUN’s ‘One Night Only’ in LA Was a Dream You Didn’t Want to Wake Up From

This past weekend, Chinese sensation KUN (Cai Xu Kun) cast a spell over Los Angeles with his first-ever U.S. showcase and 27th birthday celebration, One Night Only. The intimate evening felt like stepping into a beautifully preserved time capsule, where vintage soul met modern elegance. Fans from across the globe gathered, joined by KUN’s personal guests, to witness a once-in-a-lifetime performance that blurred the lines between past and present. With a strict phone-free policy in place, the crowd was fully present, soaking in every note, every glance, and every magical moment.

Photo Credit: Deborah R.

A true visionary, KUN has made his mark as a singer-songwriter, producer, and actor. He first captured hearts as the leader of the chart-topping boy group Nine Percent, where his stage presence, versatility, and charisma established him as a star to watch. But it’s in his solo career where KUN’s artistry fully blooms—drawing influence from the likes of David Bowie, Prince, and Elvis to craft music that revives the elegance of classical, jazz, and soul. Each song is a cinematic journey, led by his rich, soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence.

The night began with a cinematic flair—warm, moody lighting washed over a stage framed by a gold drop curtain and retro-style spotlights. As his live band took their places, cheers erupted through the venue. Then, KUN stepped out in a tailored all-black suit, polished shoes, and slicked-back hair. The aura he brought with him was undeniable. From the first groove of his opening number, it was clear: this wasn’t just a concert—it was a cinematic experience. KUN opened with “What a Day” and “Ordinary Love,” two unreleased tracks he revealed are part of a new album in the works. His performance was equal parts soulful and stylish, with dance moves and adlibs that brought the crowd to life.

He paused to warmly welcome the audience, sharing how grateful he was to be performing in the “city of stars.” His fans, known as IKUN, helped carry the next song, “Lover,” harmonizing with him word for word. With over 30 million streams, it remains KUN’s most-played track to date. He followed with “Hard to Get” and “Ride or Die,” the latter he dedicated “to the fellas in the crowd.” His band gave these songs a jazzy, classic twist that had the venue swaying. Midway through the set, a chant broke out: “TOUR! TOUR! TOUR!” KUN turned to his band with a smile and whispered, “They want a tour!”—a sweet moment that drew even more cheers.

The emotional highlight of the night came with the ballad “Remedy,” which showcased the depth of KUN’s vocal ability. The song, which debuted at No. 2 on the U.S. iTunes chart, was delivered so beautifully it sent chills through the room. He followed with “Washed Away,” a vulnerable, unreleased track he teased earlier this year at Head in the Clouds LA. The song speaks of wanting to cleanse past pain, and the performance was raw and powerful. KUN then left the stage to prepare for the final segment, but not before IKUN sang him “Happy Birthday,” welcoming him back with a cake from his staff. 

KUN closed the night with a heartfelt speech, thanking everyone for making this birthday so special. He promised that One Night Only was just the beginning of a new chapter. Fans were treated to the first-ever performance of his upcoming single “Jasmine,” set to release August 8th. Wearing a fedora, KUN danced through this sensual and groovy track with a smooth melody that hinted at what’s next. Finally, he brought the night to a close with “Deadman,” a cinematic fan favorite song that has helped him reach new audiences worldwide. As confetti showered the crowd, the moment felt like a snapshot of history in the making.

This wasn’t just a showcase; it was a rebirth. One Night Only marked KUN’s evolution into a global artist, with the poise, presence, and artistry to take over any stage. The phone-free policy made every note, every glance, every shared emotion feel even more personal. And if this night was any indication of what’s to come, one thing is clear: KUN’s new era has only just begun and the world is watching.

Special thank you to KUN, La Fonda Theater, and Goldenvoice!