On December 25, the Inspire Arena in Incheon transformed into a festive hub for the 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon. This year’s theme, ‘Merry Freaky Christmas,’ set the stage for an unforgettable night. Doyoung from NCT, An Yujin from IVE, and Yeonjun from TXT hosted the event, promising a lineup filled with stellar K-pop performances.
The show kicked off with Lee Young-ji dazzling the audience as Santa. She performed Mariah Carey’s classic ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ alongside her hit ‘NOT SORRY.’ The arena buzzed with energy, creating a lively atmosphere for the evening.
Standout performances included rookie groups BABYMONSTER and ILLIT. BABYMONSTER showcased their talent with ‘DRIP,’ while ILLIT charmed fans with ‘Magnetic’ and ‘IYKYK.’ Established groups like RIIZE and NMIXX delivered special stages, presenting unique Christmas versions of their popular songs. Fan-favorites such as IVE and aespa also captivated the audience with delightful medleys.
A major highlight of the night was the return of legendary K-pop girl group 2NE1. They performed beloved hits like ‘Come Back Home’ and ‘Fire,’ filling the arena with nostalgia and excitement after a nine-year hiatus. G-Dragon also made a grand return after seven years, performing ‘POWER’ and ‘Crooked’ in a striking red outfit that matched the festive spirit.
The 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon showcased the diversity of K-pop, featuring artists like SHINee’s Key, NCT 127, Stray Kids, and aespa. NewJeans impressed the audience with a medley of their hits. Meanwhile, LE SSERAFIM and ITZY captivated fans with their powerful performances.
Special collaborations added extra excitement as artists covered popular songs from groups like Red Velvet and EXO. The event celebrated the spirit of Christmas while highlighting the incredible talent and unity of the K-pop community. Fans eagerly anticipated next year’s festivities.
This event not only showcased K-pop’s vibrant culture but also set trends for future performances. Fans reacted enthusiastically, sharing their experiences on social media. The palpable sense of community among K-pop artists and fans created an unforgettable atmosphere, making the 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon a night to remember.
