Photo Cr. Megan Kan // KpopWise
The next generation of K-pop groups is on the rise, and FNC Entertainment’s AMPERS&ONE has steadily been making waves in North America since their debut. Consisting of Kamden, Brian, Jiho, Siyun, Mackiah, Kyrell, and Seungmo, the seven-member group debuted in 2023 and has quickly begun establishing a distinct identity among their labelmates, many of whom have already built strong domestic and international reputations.
Their 2026 “Born to Define” Tour serves as a fitting title for the group’s second North American tour, showcasing who they are as artists and performers. In 2025, AMPERS&ONE joined their senior labelmates, P1Harmony, as the opening act for the “Most Wanted” Tour, exposing them to an even wider audience. I happened to see them perform at Oakland Arena during that tour, and it was immediately clear that they possessed both the confidence and stage presence needed to command even a large venue.
Going into this concert, my initial impression of AMPERS&ONE came primarily from viral livestream clips and social media content showcasing the group’s playful, Gen Z-style humor with a few catchy songs I was introduced to online. That image created the expectation of a fun and approachable group, particularly given the members’ diverse international backgrounds and strong English-speaking presence. Music wise, one’s opinion and impression can change once seeing it in real life for themselves, so I held my curiosity and anticipation.
On June 2, the group arrived in San Jose, California, to conclude their tour with a finale performance at the Hammer Theatre. Even before the show began, fans buzzed with excitement. Having attended many performances at the venue, I immediately noticed the extra effort put into the stage design. A spotlight projection displayed “Born to Define,” while illuminated hearts and letters spelling “Welcome Andears” decorated the stage. Additional light panels embedded throughout the stage floor added another thoughtful touch. It was a level of production detail I had not previously seen at the venue, leaving me curious about what kind of show awaited.
Now let’s talk about the music.
The concert opened dramatically with a spotlight illuminating one member moving through the shadows as the group launched into “God,” the title track from their EP Definition. Dressed in black hanbok-inspired robes/clothes and carrying fans, the members immediately commanded attention with striking visuals and sharp choreography. After a couple songs, they traded the traditional-inspired styling for leather jackets, ripped shirts, and fitted pants, embracing a contrasting rockstar aesthetic.
Songs such as “That That“ and “Hit Me Up“ highlighted one of AMPERS&ONE’s greatest strengths: their chemistry as performers. While some groups stand out primarily for choreography or vocal prowess, AMPERS&ONE excels at creating a sense of cohesion on stage. Their performances felt energetic and connected, and the enthusiasm radiating from the members was consistently reflected by the audience.
“That That” featured particularly memorable choreography, while “Hit Me Up” leaned into a more hip-hop-oriented performance style that emphasized the group’s natural stage presence and teamwork.
When evaluating unit stages, I often pay close attention to song selection. A cover song should complement an artist’s strengths rather than simply follow current trends but also be a song that the audience can connect with. Fortunately, AMPERS&ONE chose several songs that effectively showcased their individual talents and fans enjoyed.
Kamden and Jiho delivered a captivating performance of Fever by ENHYPEN. Their duet combined elegance and intensity, highlighting precise technique, charisma, and strong dance ability. The audience’s reaction alone demonstrated how successful the performance was.
Kyrell and Brian took a different approach with their cover of Love Story by Taylor Swift. The performance placed their vocals front and center, allowing both singers to shine. Kyrell’s clean, polished tone blended beautifully with Brian’s distinct vocal color, creating harmonies that immediately stood out. A nearby fan even commented on how much they appreciated the duo preserving the storytelling of the song from the original perspective. Combined with their audience interaction, the stage created a genuinely charming moment that had fans swooning.
Mackiah, Siyun, and Seungmo covered Drag Me Down by One Direction. In contrast to the previous performances, the trio embraced a more energetic rock-pop style that felt perfectly suited to their strengths. Their gritty vocals, high energy, and willingness to leave the microphone standing behind and engage directly with fans made for another entertaining stage.
The concert also showcased the group’s brighter and more playful side. Songs such as “My Mistake” explored themes of unrequited love despite looming heartbreak, while “Over the Moon” became one of my personal discoveries of the evening thanks to its uplifting charm and catchy melodies. Fan-favorite “He + She = We“ generated one of the loudest reactions of the night, with audience members immediately screaming when the intro began. The song’s fast tempo fueled constant energy throughout the venue as fans enthusiastically sang along and joined the chants.
During the talking segments, the members asked fans which songs they enjoyed most and eventually held an informal popularity vote. To the group’s delight, “He + She = We” emerged as the clear winner based on audience response.
For anyone unfamiliar with AMPERS&ONE, this tour provided a clear picture of the group’s artistic identity. Their setlist moved comfortably between hip-hop, EDM, rock, and pop, reflecting the same versatility they displayed on stage. Whether it was the fast-paced energy of “Kick Start,” the EDM-infused hip-hop of “Broken Heart,” or the catchy appeal of “Seesaw,” the group offered something for listeners with a variety of musical tastes.
“I just want to say thank you to every single one of you guys who came out tonight. I know because I heard from some of you guys that you drove hours to get here, some of you guys flew here, and some of you guys didn’t tell your moms that you came here…”
Mackiah said, prompting laughter and cheers from the audience.
“But thank you to every single one of you who came here tonight. Because of you guys, you made tonight so special, and I had so much fun. I hope you guys did too.”
The members concluded the evening by expressing their gratitude to fans and reflecting on how quickly the month-long tour had passed. While they could hardly believe it was already over, they hoped fans had enjoyed the experience as much as they had.
And if you thought the show was over, AMPERS&ONE had other plans. Rather than ending with a traditional encore, the group repeatedly returned to perform “My Way,” three times and each rendition growing louder and more energetic as both the members and fans jumped and sang together. By the final performance, it was clear that the “Born to Define” Tour had ended with far more than a bang—it ended with lasting memories for Andears (their fandom).
Special thanks to FNC Entertainment and Leo Presents for having us on this tour. Stay tuned to see what AMPERS&ONE does next, and be sure to check out their latest EP, Definition.
