On a chilly Sunday evening in Seoul, a sea of faces poured into an intimate venue eagerly awaiting LIPNINE’s first concert.

On January 28, 2024, LIPNINE took to the stage at the CJ azit venue in Seoul’s Mapo district for his first concert. Joined in full-force by special guests; including rapper OUREALGOAT, artists PULLIK, Taeb2, CHANHYUN, and more; LIPNINE pulled off an event adjacent to those by the DREAM PERFECT REGIME.

Featuring both collaborative and solo stages, meticulous lighting which married perfectly with the setlist, and fan-service reflective of the artist’s four years of experience, the debut concert was one to remember.

The audience was well-receptive of the tracks performed – one such stand-out track being “idontlikeyourboyfriend (feat. Han Yo Han)” from LIPNINE’s EP SKETCH: trapped. As the featured artist on the song, Han Yo Han joined LIPNINE on stage much to the delight of fan’s who danced and sang passionately along.

Following each collaborative performance, LIPNINE gave the featured artists the limelight to showcase what Korea’s up-and-coming talented musical artists are capable of. Each artist held their own on the stage, keeping the audience engaged and feeling more than satisfied after every song.

As the concert concluded, following an encore demanded by the eager audience, fans lined up for the opportunity to talk to LIPNINE and take a selfie with the artist. His collected and professional demeanour on stage seeped backstage as his kind and calm persona was highlighted during each fanmeet. As comfortable as the soloist is on-stage this comfort is magnified tenfold when interacting with his fans.

I had the chance to sit down with LIPNINE post-concert to talk about his inspirations and his connection with his fans.

Cherry Chu: Congratulations on your first concert. How does it feel?

LIPNINE: I was so thankful that lots of people came, and I feel like I should work harder. I feel so happy.

Cherry Chu: You seem to work hard anyway.

LIPNINE: But I should work harder. More, more, more.

Cherry Chu: What inspires you to create music and work hard?

LIPNINE: I don’t have a specific inspiration but everything I see in my daily life can inspire a song.

Cherry Chu: It might be difficult to choose, but which of your songs is your favourite?

LIPNINE: Can I choose three? [Laughs.] “idontlikeyourboyfriend”, “Why Me”, and “Late Night”.

Cherry Chu: Why?

LIPNINE: These are songs I got to work with the people I have been admiring, and it was a great chance to let them know who I am as an artist.

Cherry Chu: You’ve already worked with some great artists, but who would you like to work with in the future?

LIPNINE: I’m open to a variety of genres, so I’m not sure if it’d be a rapper but I’m also open to work with singers and K-pop idols, too.

Cherry Chu: You mentioned genres. Is there a genre you haven’t tried yet that you want to try?

LIPNINE: Dance and house.

Cherry Chu: Very exciting, I look forward to hearing that. We’ve talked about your inspirations and your music, but what about who you’re listening to? Who’s your favourite artist?

LIPNINE: DPR LIVE, GDragon, and CK.

Cherry Chu: I can definitely see a collaboration with DPR happening for you in the future.

LIPNINE: Oh, I wish.

Cherry Chu: Finally, do you have a message you’d like to share with your fans?

LIPNINE: I’m always thankful to my fans and I know that I’m nothing without them. I’m always motivated by them and will work forever for them.

Having made his debut on November 19, 2020 with the EP SKETCH: footprint, LIPNINE later signed with INHOUSE MUSIC GROUP on October 3, 2022.

Listen to LIPNINE’s latest release “Short Hair (feat. JAEHA)” below.

With special thanks to Jess, Kobee and the INHOUSE Publishing team, and to Kevin for translating.