K-Pop’s Rising Stars Take the Stage in Japan
JYP Entertainment’s rookie boy group KickFlip is officially on the global radar. The group, fronted by members Gyehun, Amaru, Donghwa, Juwang, Minje, Keiju, and Donghyeon, delivered standout performances at Summer Sonic 2025, held in Tokyo’s Makuhari Messe on August 16 and Osaka’s Expo ’70 Commemorative Park on August 17.
Hot off their Lollapalooza Chicago debut earlier this month, KickFlip continued their global rampage, turning heads with every beat drop and body roll. From sleek live vocals to jaw-dropping choreography, their stage presence screamed one thing loud and clear: future K-pop headliners.
Setlist That Screamed Rookie Power
The group lit up the festival vibe with their high-energy debut track “Mama Said (뭐가 되려고?)”, as well as crowd favorites like “응 그래”, “Complicated!!”, “FREEZE”, and the deeply emotional “언젠가 태양은 폭발해” (translated: Someday, the Sun Will Explode). Combine that with slick choreo and infectious charisma, the boys left no doubt they’re built for stadiums.
But the true encore moment? Their special cover of Japanese singer Aimer’s hit “Kaiju no Hanauta”—a nod to their local fans and a show of versatility. “We practiced hard because we wanted everyone to have fun with us,” the members said during the concert. “It was such a thrill to bounce and smile with all of you. Let’s meet again soon!”
K-Pop’s Super Rookies Are Just Getting Started
KickFlip isn’t cooling down anytime soon. Having stormed multiple stages abroad this summer, they’re set to perform next at the prestigious 2025 TMELive International Music Awards on August 23, and Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025 the following day. Turns out, this flip is just warming up.
With a global fanbase forming faster than a TikTok dance challenge, KickFlip is proving they’re more than just a rookie sensation—they might just be the next K-pop standard.
Photo Credit: ©SUMMER SONIC All Rights Reserved.
