U-KNOW Turns 15 Years of Waiting Into One Night in Singapore

Fifteen years after his last visit to Singapore, U-KNOW finally returned to the city on Aug. 15, turning U-Know Project 26 Scene #1 at Mediacorp Theatre into a night that moved between music, memories and moments shared directly with fans.

Organised by FriedRice Entertainment, the show marked U-KNOW’s first Singapore appearance since 2011. Rather than presenting a straightforward concert, he had promised a theatrical experience built around distinct segments, and the night delivered on that idea with a mix of performances, fan interactions and personal stories.

Before the main show, U-KNOW met fans during soundcheck with “Why” and “Spotlight.” He had also made time to visit Merlion Park and the Esplanade area for classic Singapore tourist photos. True to his playful personality, he checked in with fans to ask whether he looked well-cared for, showing how much he cares about presenting his best self to the people watching him.

He even accidentally bumped his front teeth with the microphone while talking, but quickly brushed it off, telling fans that he wanted to make the performance a fun one and that many events were coming.

The concert opened with “Time Machine,” with U-KNOW making a stylish entrance in sunglasses. An LED wristband on his left arm displayed the official event name, adding another visual detail to the opening.

From there, the night moved quickly through a dance-heavy setlist that showcased U-KNOW’s performance skills. But beneath the choreography was an equally strong vocal performance. On his new ballad “An Ordinary Story,” he surprised the audience with a polished vocal delivery and soaring high notes.

The show also gave fans plenty of opportunities to hear directly from U-KNOW during a Q&A session.

When one fan asked why the “Honey Funny Bunny” dance had shifted from an “adult sexy” concept to something more “cute sexy,” U-KNOW explained that fans still look like kids to him. With young Siho also present, he wanted the performance to remain suitable for all ages. He did, however, leave fans with a tease that the encore might bring a different vibe.

Another question focused on performing in a smaller venue. U-KNOW said he sees venue size as an opportunity rather than a limitation, emphasizing that a true artist should be able to adapt whether performing for 50 people or 75,000.

That mindset also explained why he specifically wanted Singapore included in the tour. Having not been able to visit the country often, U-KNOW knew fans could also travel easily to Singapore because of its location. More importantly, he wanted to respond to the many requests from Singaporean fans who had been waiting for his return.

One of the evening’s most emotional moments came during a time capsule segment, where fans submitted special memories involving U-KNOW.

The selected fan shared her experience recovering from spine reconstruction surgery, a difficult journey that required her to relearn how to walk and sit. She told U-KNOW that learning about the struggles he faced during his debut had inspired her to keep moving forward, making him an important source of motivation during her recovery.

U-KNOW read her letter aloud in English and promised to give her a handwritten reply. He then sang “Curtain” personally for her, turning the performance into a quiet message of encouragement and support.

After nearly an hour and a half of performing without a break, U-KNOW finally took his first MC segment to explain the thoughts behind his stage arrangements. He then introduced his new single “Time’s Tickin’,” bringing the energy back with its choreography.

One of the most memorable stages came with a look into U-KNOW’s past.

A video segment showed footage of his practice sessions from his teenage years before leading into “Spotlight.” When U-KNOW returned to the stage, he was joined by young Siho, who performed alongside him.

The pairing created a bridge between U-KNOW’s childhood and his present. Through the stage, he wanted to express that despite everything that has happened throughout his career, he has always held onto his original intention.

Siho also proved he could command the stage despite his young age, displaying impressive presence while dancing. U-KNOW praised him and told him that he would surely achieve great things in the future.

As the show approached its final stretch, TVXQ songs played in the background during the dancers’ introductions, keeping the crowd’s energy high. Fans responded with powerful fanchants throughout the night, particularly during the classic “Mirotic” and U-KNOW’s performance of “Thank You.”

Before the encore, Shindong appeared in a fun VCR that had fans following along with the on-screen segment, setting the mood for the final moments of the night.

For U-KNOW, the Singapore return was more than a stop on the schedule. After 15 years away, U-Know Project 26 Scene #1 gave him a stage to reconnect with fans, revisit his younger self and show how the artist he was then continues to shape who he is today.

And for the Singapore fans who had waited all those years, the message was simple: U-KNOW was finally back.

Thank you Fried Rice Entertainment for the invite!

U-KNOW PROJECT 26 : SCENE#1 in SINGAPORE – Setlist 

1. Time Machine 
2. DROP 
3. Follow 
4. Set In Stone 
5. Honey Funny Bunny 
6. Komplikated + Swing + Jam (Mashup) 
7. Need You Right Now 
8. 不眠; La Rosa 
9. An Ordinary Story 
10. Waterfalls 
11. Spotlight 
12. Tarantino 
13. Why 
14. City Lights 
15. Thank U 
16. Curtain 1
17. Vuja De 
18. Time's Tickin' 
19. Loco (House Party) + Leader (Dancer Performance) 
20. Eeny Meeny 
21. Body Language
22. Stretch 
23. 이륙 (26 Take-off) 
24. Hit Me Up 
25. Spotlight2