[Recap] WILD WILD in Helsinki

On Tuesday May 5th, the South Korean show musical phenomenon WILD WILD brought their highly anticipated first European tour to Helsinki, performing a single, electrifying night at Kulttuuritalo (The House of Culture). The eight members of the group (Kang Chun Il, Noah, Lee Hee Jung, Kim Si Woo, Jay Choi, Kim Jin Woo, Kim Dong Hee and Park Dokyung) brought their brand-new, adult-only 'AFTERPARTY' production to the Finnish capital.

Taking over the historic Kulttuuritalo for a single evening, the eight-member powerhouse delivered an amazing show in physical theatre, K-pop-style showmanship, and unadulterated sensuality.

Photography by Tiia

As soon as the doors opened, the energy inside the venue was electric, and the audience was captivated the moment the spectacle begun. The production also utilised a single intermission to give both the audience and the performers a moment to breathe (which the audience very much needed to cool down).

The show seamlessly bridged the gap between the group's theatrical roots (all the way back to their 2021 debut 'Fantastic Nightmare') and their newer, harder-edged musical identity shown in their digital singles like 'Boiler Room'. Speaking of the single: there were no photos or videos allowed other than during 'Boiler Room', which the group performed twice (first with two members and towards the end of the show as a whole group) and this made sure everyone in the audience could be fully present and enjoy the night to the fullest.

Photography by Tiia

The show consisted of multiple different scenes and outfit changes (and undressing) from showers and towels to military outfits and even an intense taiko drums moment. It also featured many different music genres and influences, the famous 'It’s Raining Men' by the Weather Girls fitting the evening perfectly, and Fall Out Boy’s 'Phoenix' being a very pleasant surprise. Amongst the heavier choreography and sensual moments, Kang Chun Il took the stage to perform a beautiful contemporary piece, momentarily slowing everything down and incorporating some acrobatics as well.

Photography by Tiia

In the end, it was the interactive, immersive nature of the show that truly drove the Helsinki crowd wild. The members controlled the room with effortless charisma, breaking the fourth wall multiple times coming down from the stage and going into the audience to flirt, tease and take some Polaroid pictures. There were two moments when some lucky people got picked to join the performance for a moment, one being a one-on-one involving a bed that cracked very majestically. Those were the moments you were truly reminded that the show was for people over 18. (A tip if you want to be taken to the stage during their show: wear pants.)

Photography by Tiia

By the time the final bass dropped and the group took their bows, the audience was completely captivated. WILD WILD’s show was sophisticated, visually stunning, intensely energetic, and undeniably bold, leaving Kulttuuritalo with an afterglow that won't be forgotten anytime soon.

Review and photography by Tiia

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