After 16 years, Kim Jae Joong returned to Singapore not just with a concert, but with a universe of his own making. His 2026 J-Party Asia Tour Fan Concert “GALAXY 1986” at the Arena @ Singapore EXPO unfolded as a hybrid of the best of both worlds (fanmeet and concert), where the distance between him and Babies felt almost suspended.

The night kicked off with a no-holds-barred intensity that immediately ignited the arena. Opening with Maze and Just Another Girl, Jae Joong stepped out in a soft white silhouette before the stage erupted into sound and confetti. The energy arrived all at once – sharp and immediate that gave way to his steady, powerful vocals. From the very first note, it was a reminder of a performer with more than two decades on stage; one who knows exactly how to command a room without needing to prove it. 

That sense of control extended beyond the music. Interactive game segments brought out a lighter, more playful side of Jae Joong. From attempting balance games to trying his luck at a ping pong challenge which he tackled with determination despite repeatedly admitting he was “bad at” the segments revealed a self-deprecating humour that drew laughter from the crowd. 

A standout came when he took on the role of “photographer”, stepping closer to the crowd and scanning the audience with playful intent. Spotting pairs, he asked again and again, “Are you two a couple?” – sometimes he got it right, sometimes not before breaking into laughter. “So many couples today… I’m jealous” he teased, even turning his attention to unexpected pairings, including two male fans without hesitation. At one point, he paid a cheeky nod that drew knowing laughter from the crowd asking if there’s anyone together he should not take a photo of. He lingered on reactions, pointing out how fans’ expressions shifted the moment they were the ones being watched. 

Musically, the night unfolded in waves – shifting between intensity and restraint with an ease that felt instinctive. Reappearing in an all-black ensemble for Kiss B, Jae Joong leaned into a more soulful delivery, his vocals carrying a quiet weight that filled the arena. The emotional thread continued through One Kiss, Dear J, and Hoper, where softer lighting and galaxy-washed visuals created a sense of stillness within the scale of the venue.

That stillness soon gave way to a livelier turn. With Summer J, Dopamine, and Glorious Day, the energy lifted, their transitions pulling the crowd to their feet as Jae Joong moved closer to them, guiding the atmosphere into something more electric and shared.

That same ease showed in the way he read and reacted to fan banners. Spotting one that read, “Hi my love rival — my wife loves you, I’m jealous” he laughed before praising the effort behind it, pointing out that the fan must have held it up just to get him to say “I love you” to his wife. It was a small exchange, but one that captured his quick wit and awareness. Moments like this spoke about the kind of instinct built over time from his idol-rookie to the ease of where he stands now, as a singer and producer/CEO. 

A touching VCR segment set the stage for the encore, tracing Jae Joong back to 1986 — a small star finding its place, held by the countless “stars” around him. When he returned with I’ll Protect You, he stepped off the stage and onto the floor, moving through the crowd. Then, quietly, the night shifted. The fan project unfolded with a video montage of his earlier visits 16 years ago. It culminated in a coordinated banner event, with fans singing along to Rockstar before the choir of “Kim Jae Joong saranghae” filled the venue. The performer who had spent the evening leading the room now stepped back, letting the moment belong entirely to the fans.

In his final ment, his tone softened. He spoke of wanting to give strength, but finding instead that he had received even more. Apologising for not returning sooner, he promised to come back again — a simple promise that lingered long after the lights dimmed.

As the final stop of the J-Party tour, the Singapore show carried a quiet sense of closure. Jae Joong hinted that this part concert, part fan meet may be coming to an end, with future visits shifting towards full-scale performances. He did promise a return back to Singapore soon.

The night concluded with To The Boy, bright and unrestrained,closing out a night that felt both celebratory and deeply personal. “GALAXY 1986” was a testament to the enduring bond between Jae Joong and his fans — one that continues to evolve, much like the ever-expanding galaxy he invited them into and the invisible pull that keeps Babies around the world returning, again and again, to the same place. 

*And for one night in Singapore, that galaxy felt close enough to touch.*

Special thanks to Sliding Doors Entertainment for the invitation to cover the show!