Kanye West’s Korea Listening Party: Why He Performed So Many Songs & Favorite Spots

In August 2024, global hip-hop artist Kanye West (now known as Ye) returned to Korea for the first time in 14 years, delivering a performance that shocked both fans and critics alike. What was initially planned as a listening party transformed into an epic event that captured the attention of the world. Beyond the performance itself, Kanye’s family and personal activities in Korea also became a hot topic across social media platforms.

 

On August 23, Kanye West hosted a listening party at Goyang Stadium, Gyeonggi-do, which was initially marketed as a simple listening session. However, the 35,000 attendees and over 50,000 viewers on YouTube were met with a jaw-dropping performance. Kanye performed a 76-song medley live, showcasing his entire career in an extended set that spanned two and a half hours. Fans did not anticipate that Kanye would actually pick up the mic, and when he did, the crowd erupted in excitement.

Although the event started 70 minutes late, the sheer energy and magnitude of the performance more than made up for the delay. This was Kanye’s first live show since July 2022, making it even more special for his fans worldwide. Kanye also interacted with his Korean fans, shouting, "Korea, I love you!" which further heightened the crowd’s enthusiasm.

  

Kanye West's time in Korea extended beyond the stage, and fans eagerly followed his journey through the city. He stayed in the luxurious Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul’s Jongno District. The suite, priced at approximately 20 million won per night, offers panoramic views of Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Complete with a private gym, sauna, and media room, Kanye and his family enjoyed their stay in privacy and comfort.

 

Kanye also developed a taste for Juicy’s blueberry juice, reportedly drinking up to five glasses a day. This prompted the juice chain to market it as the "Kanye Pick," even launching a special discount campaign for the beverage. Fans quickly caught on, flooding social media with photos of themselves drinking the same juice.

  

  

 

One of the more amusing stories came from Kanye’s visit to Dosan Hwekwan, a renowned Korean barbecue restaurant in Gangnam. Kanye reportedly consumed around 800,000 won worth of premium Korean beef, indulging in a variety of dishes like yuk sashimi, seasoned ribs, and sirloin. The restaurant's owner, a big Kanye fan, insisted on covering the bill despite Kanye’s attempt to pay.

 

 

 

Kanye’s visit to Korea was more than just a Listening Party—it became a cultural moment that resonated far beyond the stadium walls. Fans watching the live stream on YouTube were left in awe, questioning, "Why in Korea?" and "If this is the type of performance he’s giving, he should only perform in Korea." The combination of Korean fans’ sing-along chants and Kanye’s stage mastery led to widespread praise, with many declaring it the best concert of his career.

 

 

His surprise live performance, where he delivered a medley of songs spanning his entire discography, marked a historic first for Kanye. This legendary night not only left an indelible mark on fans but also brought Kanye closer to his global audience through both his music and personal interactions. Many Korean hip-hop fans had reactions after Ye's listening party such as "YOU SAID IT WAS A LISTENING PARTY!!!! ARRGHH! PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY WENT ARE SO LUCKY!!", "If I see any other Korean hip-hop artist pricing their concerts over $70, I'm boycotting."

 

 

The reason behind Kanye West's unexpected full performance in Korea remains unclear, but local fans speculate that two factors may have played a role.

First, upon his arrival at Incheon Airport, Kanye initially appeared to ignore fans calling out to him. However, one fan boldly shouted, "Christian Billionaire Ye!" and "FUCK ADIDAS!" (Video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/Wh5jVNNSNvI?si=5-aDSbJGRvyExc5F)

This caught Kanye's attention, and he turned back, smiling, to give the fan an autograph. During the Listening Party, Kanye even had the audience chant "Fuck Adidas!" with him, leading fans to believe that this passionate fan played a crucial role in boosting Kanye's spirit.

 

 

 

The second reason revolves around Kanye’s peaceful experience in Seoul. Unlike in the U.S. or other countries, Kanye roamed around the city without facing any significant invasion of privacy. Due to his relative anonymity among the general Korean public, Kanye was able to visit places like McDonald's, malls, and Starbucks without being swarmed by paparazzi or filmed by fans. Social media posts emerged, with many reporting random sightings of Kanye in various spots around Seoul. This newfound freedom may have put Kanye in a good mood, contributing to his decision to deliver a surprise performance.