Xdinary Heroes at O2 Academy Islington: Review and photos as stars 'unleash K-rock fury' in London

The atmosphere was charged ahead of an appearance by K-rock stars Xdinary Heroes at the O2 Academy Islington on Monday (November 13).

The room was packed with fangirls in leg warmers, black eyeliner, Doc Martens, Buffalos, stripey monochrome fingerless gloves, short skirts, and thigh-high socks, armed with merchandised lightsticks.

As anticipation reached its peak, the room echoed with the collective screams of the dedicated 'Villains'. The stage was aglow with pulsating red lights, signaling the imminent performance. Lead singer and guitarist Jun Han took the spotlight first, exuding a magnetic presence. In a synchronized entrance, the remaining band members followed suit, creating an electrifying unity as they kicked off the night with the powerful anthem Freddy.

Xdinary Heroes’ closet epitomised the essence of their grunge-alt aesthetic - leather, ripped jeans, and deconstructed ensembles.

Throughout the night, the setlist took in their discography from 2021 to the latest 2023 release, Livelock. Other treats for the audience included a cover of K-pop girl band ITZY's Wannabe and the mid-2000s American rock band Boys Like Girls’ The Great Escape.

The crescendo of the evening arrived with the performance of Xdinary Heroes’ breakthrough track, Happy Death Day, leaving a lasting impression of a night where the convergence of music and fandom created an unforgettable experience.

Xdinary Heroes, signed under JYP Entertainment’s sub-label, Studio J - a roster that boasts the likes of Day6, Miss A, 2PM, and others - proved their mettle throughout the night.