Having followed the path of Japanese music for many years, I’ve come to hold SPYAIR especially close to heart. They’re a rare kind of band, one that took a bold leap into unfamiliar territory and, through sheer determination, built a presence in Korea that no other Japanese act had achieved before. It’s hard to believe it’s been 14 years since they filmed the music video for “ジャパニケーション” at Seohyeon Station. Since then, they’ve crossed the sea again and again, showing up on music shows, in solo concerts, and at festivals. On their own terms and without shortcuts, they steadily worked their way up, eventually selling out KBS Arena in their seventh year. Even when the pandemic put live performances on hold and despite the ups and downs the band faced, their love for Korea never faded. They held on to that connection, even when it wasn’t easy, even when the chances to return felt out of reach.
Reenergized, SPYAIR made a bold return to the stage at the 2023 Busan International Rock Festival, winning over a massive crowd and proving to everyone in the industry that their popularity in Korea was still very much alive. Riding the momentum of a new wave of support, they came back in full force with their show, “Road to BU-ROCK ~ SPYAIR ASIA TOUR 2025 -BUDDY- in Seoul,” held over two nights on June 21 and 22 at YES24 Live Hall. It had been nearly a decade since SPYAIR last took this stage. What made this return all the more meaningful was that it was part of the “Road to BU-ROCK” program, an initiative by the Busan International Rock Festival to offer diverse stages to artists from around the world and promote cultural variety. As the night of the show approached, the energy and anticipation from the fans were already in the air, tinting the sunset near Gwangnaru Station a deeper shade of red.
Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart” served as the intro, blasting through the venue as the four heroes of the night took the stage one by one. With YOSUKE’s signature shout, the show officially kicked off. The opening track, “RE-BIRTH,” announced their renewed identity, urging not only the floor-level crowd but even those in the upper deck to get on their feet. It was only the first song, but the energy inside already rivaled that of a full-scale outdoor rock festival. The last time I saw them in person was at the 2017 Korea-Japan Super Rock Festival: Great Meeting. Even from the start, I could sense a shift in the crowd’s energy compared to back then. The audience seemed more willing to express themselves, more emotionally engaged. It felt clear in that moment that a significant portion of the fans had discovered SPYAIR through their performance in Busan.
With each song, their confidence grew stronger. As “FEEL SO GOOD” kicked off, YOSUKE shouted, “Welcome to SPYAIR’s live show!” greeting the crowd with infectious energy. Voices from across the venue merged in rhythm. Between lines, YOSUKE let his personality shine through, throwing in playful gestures and stage mannerisms that felt more like an idol’s than a rock frontman’s. Despite not having a long track record with the band, his instinctive sense of pacing made it clear that he wasn’t just a stand-in. He was someone the band genuinely needed right now.
After a brief pause to catch his breath, YOSUKE declared, “I’m going to give it my all tonight.” At the same time, he urged even the audience in the upper deck to stand up, showing a confident determination to lead the show as the star of the night. His spirited “Eh-oh” chant brought to mind Freddie Mercury at the 1985 Live Aid, giving a glimpse of YOSUKE’s playful character. Watching the other band members look on affectionately, as if enjoying the antics of a youngest sibling, was a charming sight in itself. The heavier arrangement of “WENDY ~It’s You~” stirred nostalgic memories for me and marked a moment that clearly announced their complete rebirth.
After performing “One Day” and “アイム・ア・ビリーバー,” YOSUKE expressed gratitude for the sold-out show and shared his hopes to keep visiting Korea. He said, “It really depends on all of you tonight,” revealing a heartfelt desire for continued support. As they moved past “Last Moment,” a song that’s well over 15 years old now, they surprised everyone with “サクラミツツキ,” a track that hadn’t been on the setlist the day before. Being one of their biggest hits, many in the audience were visibly moved by this unexpected moment. The song’s bittersweet melody bridged the gap between their past and present, weaving them together without missing a beat.
YOSUKE briefly stepped backstage, giving way to a moment with KENTA, MOMIKEN, and UZ as they shared some reflections. They spoke about how often they had come to Korea since filming the “ジャパニケーション” music video and expressed heartfelt emotion about returning once again. The deep bond between these three, who have lived as SPYAIR for so many years, was evident. At one point, UZ pulled out a bottle of banana milk and proposed a toast. MOMIKEN and KENTA joined in with their water bottles, expressing their gratitude for being back together. It was a powerful reminder that, for them, Korea is more than just a place to perform. It has become an emotional home away from home.
Passing through the heartfelt “My Friend,” which felt like a direct message to the fans, there was nothing left but to go all out. With laser effects amplifying the visual spectacle, “Buddy” and the heavy-hitting “STRONG” built a narrative tension that steadily pushed toward the finale. Then, the nostalgic track “JUST ONE LIFE,” absent from the previous day’s setlist, brought an unexpected twist that lifted the energy to its peak. KENTA’s dynamic drumming dominated “ファイアスターター,” while UZ’s rap section drove the fast-paced momentum. During the instrumental break of “RAGE OF DUST,” the three of them came together in a powerful drum-centered ensemble, delivering a cathartic explosion of sound.
In the final talk segment, YOSUKE expressed his deep affection for Korea, saying, “This was all possible because of you. Let’s continue creating beautiful moments and memories together.” What followed was “Orange (オレンジ),” a song that carried the lingering emotions. The soothing string section blended with the soft glow of phone lights, gently painting a farewell scene. Staying true to his earlier promise to give it his all, YOSUKE closed the show with the uplifting “イマジネーション.” He then moved down the center aisle, sharing a moment of connection with the audience and creating a truly unforgettable memory.
But we weren’t a crowd to back down. As the audience joined in a clear, unified harmony with “SINGING,” the band reappeared, responding with their signature song, “サムライハート(Some Like It Hot!!).” The nonstop sing-alongs and towel-waving throughout the show proved exactly why this song stands as a symbol for the band. It felt like a powerful answer to the question, “What does it mean to become one?” SPYAIR also shared the exciting news that the live performance will be screened in Korean theaters soon, promising to return before long. They closed the two-day drama with a majestic finale of “現状ディストラックション.” The carefully crafted setlist reminded everyone once again that a 120-minute concert can pass in what feels like a fleeting moment.
There is one clear realization from this concert. The popularity they enjoy today is not nostalgia leaning on past fame, but a fandom newly built on their current aura. Moreover, YOSUKE’s distinctive voice brings a gentle warmth that moves the audience in a way different from before. This is clearly not a replacement, but an evolution, not a succession, but a creation.
Through this performance, SPYAIR once again proved an important truth: music knows no borders, and sincerity transcends language. It also showed that sometimes, a crisis can become the springboard for a greater leap. At YES24 Live Hall, which they returned to after ten years, what they presented was more than just a concert. It was a declaration of a new beginning. Watching them revive the special bond they once had, not as faded memories but as a vivid present, it was clear that time, once paused, had started flowing again. There is now every reason to listen closely to their voices and wonder what stories they will tell next.