Written by Lorenzo dela Cruz | August 5, 2025

photos taken by Lorenzo dela Cruz with the Once Upon A WRLD Tour

“Alright, so who here…” Sammy began.

“ME!” the crowd at The Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land suddenly interrupted in unison.

“Can you guys read the future?” he quickly retorted.

For one night, The Rose didn’t just perform — they invited fans into their world, quite literally. As part of their latest tour, the band — comprised of Woosung (Sammy), Dojoon (Leo), Taegyeom (Jeff), and Hajoon (Dylan) — transformed the stage into a cozy bedroom set, complete with Leo’s bed: the place where it all began.

Known for their emotional lyricism and powerful live performances, the group has carved out a distinct space in the global music scene, blending alt-rock, pop, and ballad elements into something wholly their own. Originally formed in the busking scene of Hongdae, Seoul, they’ve since built a devoted international following thanks to their heartfelt songs and raw, vulnerable energy.

Making their debut in 2017 with the single “Sorry,” The Rose emphasized a true connection with the beauty of human emotion in their music from the start, setting themselves apart. Over the years, a series of well-received EPs and consistent touring built them a loyal global fanbase. Even amid a brief hiatus due to military enlistments and label issues, their popularity only grew — making their comeback as an independent band even more impactful. Today, they stand not only as performers but as storytellers — sharing music born from struggle, healing, and hope.

The night opened with a breathtaking series of acoustic ballads — five songs in a line, stripped-down and intimate. The group sat together as close friends letting you in on a secret. The softness of their voices, the stillness of the room — it was a peaceful beginning to the night.

And yet, for all the tenderness, there was a raw humor and spontaneity that defined the show. Sammy even teased a fan when she hesitated on a solo moment, almost breaking character with mock frustration.

Still, the energy was undeniable. With “Slowly,” the band slowed time with airy vocals and soft harmonies, ending the number with a dramatic collapse into Leo’s bed. But it wasn’t all whispers and wistfulness — the second half of the show turned all the way up. “Say Yes” became a joyous relay of vocals, each member taking turns as the crowd yelled back lyrics with arms raised and light sticks bouncing.

“I Can Make You Cry” lived up to its name, evoking both tears and cheers. Chanting “oohh oohh ooh,” the audience leaned into the drama, while the band leaned into their instruments. Red lights bathed the venue for “RED,” capping off this emotional segment of the show.

The group never faltered in stage presence. They radiated warmth, and each time the members spoke to the crowd, the jokes kept on coming.

“The seats are here, guys, use them while we can,” Sammy joked.

The night was full of stories — about their roots in Hongdae, South Korea, about how they never meant to go international, about learning English from clubs and meeting as scattered dreamers from New Zealand, Korea, and the U.S. They reminisced about tiny rooms and big dreams, paying tribute to the journey that brought them here.

Drummer Hajoon even shouted out the younger fans, thanking parents for bringing them. He spoke earnestly about the power of music — how their album was made with the hope of giving kids the courage to dream in an unstable world. “Children will lead the world,” he said — not as a cliché, but as a responsibility.

The emotional crescendo of the night came during “Sorry,” grounding the performance in shared human experience.

And then, as confetti rained down and fans screamed, The Rose closed with “Once Upon A WRLD” — a fairytale ending to a night that felt as heartfelt as a handwritten letter.

It’s not every day a band turns a concert into a confession, a bedroom, a safe space. But The Rose did just that in Houston — and left us all a little more human because of it.