YENA's Taipei Concert Shakes Through 6.1 Earthquake as Fans Sing Along Unaware

Key facts

• YENA performed at Legacy Max in Taipei on May 1, 2025.
• A magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred during her performance of 'SMILEY'.
• The venue on the sixth floor experienced noticeable shaking.
• Fans and YENA were reportedly unaware of the earthquake due to the lively atmosphere.
• She performed Mandarin versions of 'Catch Catch' and '我最討厭被說善良'.
• A tribute video featuring all 12 IZ*ONE members was shown during '너에게'.
• YENA will perform again on May 2, 2025.
• She is 28 years old and joked about fans requesting a 'xiaolongbao' hairstyle.

Earthquake Strikes Mid-Performance, But No One Notices

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Taipei on Friday evening as K-pop star YENA was performing her hit song 'SMILEY' at Legacy Max. The venue, located on the sixth floor of a building, experienced clear shaking. Yet the crowd and the artist remained completely unaware, swept up in the high-energy concert atmosphere. The earthquake, which occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time, did not interrupt the show. Concertgoers continued singing and cheering as the ground moved beneath them. The incident has since become a talking point on social media, with fans marveling at the collective obliviousness.

A Night of Mandarin Covers and Fan Interaction

YENA, 28, returned to Taipei for her solo concert '2026 YENA LIVE TOUR 『So Near Yet So Far, Another Wo2ld!』In Taipei' after a year-long absence. She performed Mandarin versions of 'Catch Catch' and '我最討厭被說善良', engaging the audience with frequent Chinese phrases. Her efforts to connect with local fans were met with enthusiastic support. During the concert, she was visibly moved by a fan-made support video, calling it 'so old-school' and laughing. She also screamed with joy upon receiving an oversized light stick from fans. In a moment of playful reluctance, she shouted in Chinese, 'I don't want to go home.'

Emotional Tribute to IZ*ONE Brings Fans to Tears

A highlight of the evening came during her performance of '너에게', when the large screen displayed silhouettes of all 12 IZONE members. The tribute instantly moved many fans to tears. After finishing the song, YENA handed out tissues to crying audience members and comforted them in Chinese, saying, 'Don't cry.' The gesture deepened the emotional atmosphere of the concert. IZONE, the project group that launched YENA's career, disbanded in 2021, but its legacy remains strong among fans.

Fans Demand 'Xiaolongbao' Hairstyle for Second Show

With a second concert scheduled for May 2, YENA asked the audience what hairstyle they wanted to see. The crowd unanimously shouted 'xiaolongbao' — a bun hairstyle resembling the steamed dumpling. YENA initially resisted, saying, 'I haven't worn a bun in a long time,' and added playfully, 'I'm already 28 years old.' Despite her protests, she eventually agreed to discuss the idea with her stylist, leaving fans excited. The exchange highlighted the warm rapport between the singer and her Taiwanese audience.

Concert Part of a Busy Week in Taipei's Live Music Scene

YENA's show is one of several major concerts in Taipei this week, alongside performances by bands such as 麋先生, 冰球樂團, and deca joins. The lineup reflects a vibrant live music scene in the city. YENA's two-night stand at Legacy Max has drawn significant attention, with both shows expected to be well-attended. The earthquake, though minor in impact, added an unexpected footnote to an otherwise smoothly run event. No injuries or damage have been reported.

What Comes Next for YENA's Tour

YENA will perform her second Taipei concert on May 2, where fans hope to see the promised 'xiaolongbao' hairstyle. The tour continues to other Asian cities, though specific dates have not been disclosed. Her ability to connect with international audiences through language and personalized gestures suggests a growing global fanbase. The earthquake incident, while trivial in the moment, may become a lasting memory for those in attendance — a story of a concert so immersive that even a seismic event went unnoticed.

The bottom line

• YENA's Taipei concert on May 1 was marked by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that went unnoticed by the crowd.
• She performed Mandarin versions of two songs and interacted with fans in Chinese, demonstrating cultural engagement.
• A tribute to IZ*ONE members during '너에게' brought many fans to tears.
• Fans requested a 'xiaolongbao' hairstyle for the second show on May 2, which YENA tentatively agreed to consider.
• The concert was part of a busy week in Taipei's live music scene, with multiple acts performing across the city.
• YENA's tour continues, with the second Taipei show scheduled for May 2.