The Death of an Idol, the Birth of an Artist: An Evening with KUN at Terminal 5 [Photos]

The last time I had the chance to witness KUN captivate a crowd, it was under Brooklyn’s Kosciuszko Bridge in late September. Back then, the Chinese singer-songwriter, producer, and fashion icon kicked it backstage with me to discuss finishing his sophomore album and his vision for a 2026 tour. On February 6th, the prophecies told within our interview were fulfilled when KUN dropped his self-titled all-English album and announced his North American, UK, and European spring tour, “An Evening with KUN.” Standing in Terminal 5 this week, I finally saw the album KUN spent two years cultivating come to life exactly as he had envisioned.

The concert ignited with an epic electric guitar solo, a performance so intense it felt as if KUN’s bandmate was wearing his instrument like armour. It was a triumphant sonic entrance, carving out the perfect space for KUN to emerge and lead into the protective love ballad, “Honour.” In this piece, KUN’s vocal delivery is strikingly multidimensional; he layers his tone so seamlessly that it sounds as if higher and deeper versions of himself are singing in a haunting, perfect harmony. This duality alone demonstrates how the artist’s eclectic sound echoes the musical predecessors who have breathed life into his work, such as Elvis, Queen, and Prince. KUN’s music exists as a perfect blend of vintage textures with modernity.

As KUN sauntered across the stage under purple lights, the instrumental gave way to the retro-soul single “Jasmine.” This song, which KUN previously revealed, is about a titular character who is actually a figment of his imagination, truly takes on a life of its own when performed live. It feels as if KUN is dancing onstage with an invisible being.

He then paused to address the crowd with raw and honest intensity. “I spent fucking two years making this album. Now, this is ‘Deadman’ standing in front of you. I’ve been waiting for too long.” It was a powerful statement from an artist who clearly wants to put to rest the idol self of his past and fully accept an entirely new, self-crafted version of himself.

Next, KUN performed “Don’t Call,” a groovy track about toxic relationships and the struggle to set boundaries. KUN had true jazz in his step during this performance, spinning around the stage and at times acting as a conductor. He performs not just vocally, but with his entire body as if each part of himself is made of the music. Considering he co-produced each track on the album, KUN really is the music he performs.

Following “Don’t Call” perfectly was “Back in Time,” a sweet song that promises a return to a close connection. This is exactly what KUN offered in this intimate New York show. KUN then crooned over jazzy and rock textures on the dizzying “Paranoid.” It was a psychedelic trip of a song that certainly ascended every soul in that crowd.

KUN returned to the sounds we spoke of during our Head in The Clouds conversation on the next track, “Washed Away.” KUN explained last year that he wants to “kill” his past musical persona and create something new. With this track, he did just that. KUN metaphorically washed away his past and welcomed a sea of new sounds with a bass that serves like a current pushing the star into new sonic territory.

Despite the lyrics crying out that he’s drowning, KUN’s soaring high notes sound like he’s glimmering through the water’s surface. With each chorus sung, KUN reached the highest points of Terminal 5, his voice hitting the third balcony. That section was entirely sold out, just like every row below it.

“I’m gonna sing ‘Plastic Angel’ just for you,” the suave singer revealed to his adoring fans, met by a chorus of cheers. “Plastic Angel” is a track that KUN unveiled for the first time last year, under the K Bridge for New York’s Head in The Clouds. Back then, the timeless musician shared that this song was a gift to his New York audience and may never make it on an album. KUN made good on that statement, omitting it from his self-titled release while repackaging it as a once more special gift for his Terminal 5 attendees.

With his deep vibrato and rockstar disposition, KUN entranced the entire crowd with his musical storytelling. He performed the track with clarity, confidence and conviction. He followed this surprise with a classic KUN track, “Ride or Die,” which he shared was written about his family.

The room’s energy completely transformed when he began to perform the predominantly Mandarin track, “Lover.” It was a beautiful sight to see the sold-out crowd under red lights, singing lyric for lyric alongside the artist. KUN truly commanded the venue, guiding his listeners on a sonic journey so that they, too, could become one with the music he poured his heart into creating.

Returning to the KUN album tracks, the artist slowed it down with “Fool,” a transformative ballad where KUN cries out vocally on each verse, taking listeners deep into the complexities of love. KUN amped up the energy again with his 2024 release, “Afterglow,” a sci-fi thriller-sounding track that you can’t help but bop along to. Fans sang along wholeheartedly, and KUN expressed true appreciation for the moment. “I like that, I want to hear you,” he sincerely shared.

The true showstopper of the night was KUN’s powerful vocal delivery on the title track “Colder.” As KUN lifted the mic stand off the ground and belted from the depths of his soul, onlookers could craft a vivid picture of an artist trudging through the coldest arctic weather to reach the pinnacles of new musical creation. In fact, it almost felt like KUN took us to the very glaciers of Iceland that he filmed the Colder music video in front of. When he sang out his final note, KUN walked off the stage like a hero who just survived an apocalypse, with quiet strength and the will to keep moving forward.

It wasn’t until the music finally settled that I fully locked in on KUN’s stylish look. His sound had carried me away so completely that the visuals were almost secondary until he stood still. Standing there, KUN looked as if he had stepped right off a magazine and onto the stage. He wore an all-leather ensemble of a jacket and pants with a white tank underneath that highlighted the chiselled contours of his chest. His dark brown locks, feathered with blonde throughout, perfectly capped off his old-time movie aura.

He returned with an encore of one of his most celebrated tracks, “Deadman,” which he alluded to earlier in the show. Soulful as ever, KUN performed this time with more vocal experimentation, effortlessly moving between deeper and falsetto tones. The man’s range is simply insane, and “An Evening with KUN” is a testament to that sentiment.