The Long-Awaited Reunion with XIA at 'Gravity' Asia Tour in KL
The concert opened with explosive performances from his latest album, beginning with "Beat's Knockin'", "eXtreme Love", before keeping the energy soaring with fan-favourite dance tracks "HANA" and "Pit A Pat." Backed by powerful live vocals and flawless choreography, XIA proved once again why he remains one of Korea's finest live performers."It's been too long since I came. All the songs I performed today will be your first time hearing them here," XIA warmly greeted the crowd, immediately drawing loud cheers from the packed venue.
Since it had been over a decade since his last visit, much of the evening's talk segment was dedicated to reminiscing about Malaysia.
XIA recalled that his previous trip to the country was for a commercial shoot, where the Malaysian actors treated him incredibly well, leaving him with unforgettable memories.
Laughing together with fans, he shared a hilarious behind-the-scenes story.
"Malaysia is so hot, but the commercial had a winter concept. Everyone was wearing thick winter clothes while filming. It was really difficult because of the weather," he said, sending the audience into laughter.
He also shared that he had returned to Malaysia a few years ago—not for work, but for a vacation in Kota Kinabalu.
"I went to Kota Kinabalu a few years ago. It's such a beautiful place," he said, earning loud cheers from the audience.
XIA also revealed a surprising connection between Malaysia and his company, Palmtree Island.
"When I first came to Malaysia, I saw palm trees everywhere. I think that's when I started liking palm trees so much." Maybe that's why he ended up naming my company Palmtree Island.
Naturally, the conversation turned to Malaysian food.
XIA happily shared that he had enjoyed nasi lemak, satay, and Malaysian mangoes during his stay. Fans immediately began shouting "Durian!", surprising the singer.
"So Malaysia is famous for durian?" he asked with a smile before turning to his staff and jokingly requesting them to prepare one for him to try before flying back to Korea.
A Voice That Never Fails to Move Hearts
After the light-hearted conversations, the atmosphere shifted as XIA showcased the emotional depth of his artistry.
With breathtaking performances of "Forest of Memories," "My Night," "Slowly," "Homepage," "Reach," and "Red Diamond," he captivated the audience with the signature vocals that have defined his career for over two decades.
Every note resonated throughout the venue, reminding everyone why XIA continues to be regarded as one of K-pop's strongest vocalists.
The Legendary Genie Time
One of the night's biggest highlights was undoubtedly the return of XIA's beloved "Genie Time," where he grants fans' wishes.
Thanks to Malaysian fans' requests, the audience was treated to nostalgic performances of "Always There", "Tonight," and "Mirotic". The moment the familiar choreography began, the venue erupted into deafening screams. Instantly, memories of the TVXQ era flooded back, transforming the venue into a sea of nostalgia.
During another fan interaction, XIA asked how long everyone had been supporting him.
The answers ranged from fans who had been with him since the TVXQ days, to those who discovered him through his musical theatre career.
One particularly memorable moment came from a Korean fan born in 2009, currently studying in Malaysia, who confessed that she only recently became his fan after watching his viral "Mirotic" performance and thought he looked "so sexy."
Caught completely off guard, XIA jokingly replied,
"It's a crime for you to fall for me. Please leave."
The unexpected response sent the entire venue into uncontrollable laughter.
Ending the Night on a High Note
As the concert entered its final act, XIA raised the excitement once again with electrifying performances of "XIAHTIC" and "Rock The World."
For the encore, he closed the unforgettable evening with "Gravity" and the ever-iconic "Incredible," turning the entire venue into one giant celebration.
Perhaps the most touching moment of the evening wasn't on the setlist at all.
Malaysian fans prepared a special tribute video chronicling XIA's incredible journey from his debut in 2003 to the present day in 2026.
The video captured 23 years of memories—the triumphs, hardships, growth, and unwavering bond between XIA and the fans who had stood by him throughout every chapter of his career.
For many in attendance, it wasn't simply a concert.
It was a reunion.
Fans who had first met through TVXQ over two decades ago were now attending together once again—this time as working adults, spouses, parents, and lifelong friends. Some came with their partners, others brought their children, while many reunited with friends they had known through fandom for over 20 years.
It was a powerful reminder that while time changes people's lives, the connection between XIA and his fans has never faded.
Visibly touched by the overwhelming love from Malaysian fans, XIA bid everyone farewell with a heartfelt,
"Jumpa lagi." ("See you again.")
After waiting 16 years for his return, fans can only hope those words become reality sooner rather than later.
With his musical theatre schedule continuing to keep him busy, everyone hopes it won't take another 16 years before XIA graces a Malaysian stage once again.
Thank you Star Planet for the invitation!
