THE ROSE BRINGS WRLD TOUR MAGIC TO INGLEWOOD WITH EMOTION AND ELECTRICITY

On a warm August night in Inglewood, Korean alt-rock band The Rose took the stage at the YouTube Theater to a deafening roar. Touring in support of their latest album WRLD, they delivered a performance that was both emotionally rich and sonically explosive, taking the packed crowd on a two-hour journey that left them breathless, tearful, and on their feet until the final note.

The show opened with a soft, atmospheric soundtrack, setting the mood before Woosung, Dojoon, Hajoon, and Jaehyeong stepped onto the stage. Taking their seats in a line, they began Act 1 with five songs performed entirely acoustically, spanning multiple albums. “Ticket to the Sky” led the way, flowing seamlessly into “Childhood” and “Definition of Ugly Is.” The set reached a poignant peak with a stirring rendition of “She’s in the Rain,” before closing with “Tomorrow.” Throughout the act, the usually boisterous crowd was almost silent—not from disinterest, but as if suspended in the spell of the band’s raw emotion.

When the acoustic set ended, the stage transformed. A large textile backdrop dropped to the floor, revealing a mock-up of a bedroom complete with the actual bed from Woosung’s home in Korea. The concept, the band explained, was to bring their own personal spaces to the audience, mirroring the intimate vulnerability of WRLD. The room became a playground as the members moved freely, sat on furniture, and, during the electrifying “Red,” Woosung leapt onto the bed, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The second act burst to life with “Nebula,” a fan favorite that instantly reignited the room’s energy. The band moved fluidly between soaring anthems and heartfelt ballads, balancing emotional resonance with high-octane performance. “Sorry” was a standout, introduced as the track that changed their career trajectory—a song born from years of struggle and now sung to a sea of thousands.

From there, the momentum only grew. “Back to Me” transformed the venue into a galaxy of swaying phone flashlights, while “Time” and “Lifeline” showcased the band’s uncanny ability to blend vulnerability with power. The production remained sleek but understated, with dynamic lighting and tight transitions keeping the spotlight firmly on the music.

By the time they closed with “O,” the audience had shifted from quiet reverence to an all-out singalong, voices rising in unison with the band’s. It was a finale that encapsulated the night’s emotional spectrum: catharsis, joy, and connection.

The Rose’s stop at the YouTube Theater wasn’t just a concert—it was a carefully woven experience, a space where heartbreak and healing coexisted, and where fans felt both seen and celebrated. For longtime supporters, it was another unforgettable chapter. For first-timers, it was the start of something they’ll want to follow closely.

Written and photographed by: Ana Oquendo