Frank Sinatra once said (and sang), “Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars.” On Saturday, August 2, 2025, I had the honor and privilege to see and cover for my media outlet, S.L.R. MAGAZINE, a beautiful, wonderful, and super talented artist who did just what Frank Sinatra said. He played among the stars on Hollywood Blvd inside a very intimate music venue and flew to the sky to reach for the moon and the stars.
His name is KUN.
Written by Don Marcelo
KUN, also known as Cai Xukun, is a global pop star sensation and singer who is best known as the former Lead Man of China’s Boy Idol group called NINE PERCENT 百分九少年. Now performing as a solo act, KUN came to us here in Los Angeles for his FIRST HEADLINE SOLD OUT SHOW at the renowned venue, The Henry Fonda Theater, and performed in front of his devoted and loyal fans called IKUN as a way to say Thank You to them. Not only was this an intimate showcase and performance, but it was also a celebration of his 27th birthday with all of his loving fans.
The day started off early with eager IKUN (name of KUN’s fanbase according to several fans I talked to) who lined up in front of the venue as early as 8am. The first 12 people who arrived flew all the way from Australia just to see him perform for one night and were only here for the weekend. Talk about being devoted and loyal. I had the greatest chance to talk to a few of them who gave me a little background about KUN and how he came about and started his musical journey. A BIG SHOUT OUT to all 12 ladies from Australia who came on this day/night especially to the following ladies who kept me company outside while we stood in line to get in and as well as in the photo pit waiting for KUN’s performance: Kiven, YY, Selina, Ashley, Yuqi. Thank you for keeping me company ladies. Xie Xie. “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie…Oi, Oi, Oi!”
Once the light dimmed and the band started playing and KUN strutted his way onto the center stage, the roars and screams and adulations of all the IKUN were deafening. The love they showed to KUN was so electrifying that it literally gave me goosebumps. I have never seen or felt such raw emotions from fans. Some got so emotional that tears fell from their eyes. Each fan was mesmerized and hypnotized by his strong and intense presence on stage. KUN’s fans are truly one of the best fans I have ever encountered in the music world.
Since this was my first time seeing and hearing of KUN (and hopefully won’t be the last) the way I saw him on this night is this: KUN is the amalgamation of legendary musicians of a Frank Sinatra style of singing, with the expressive dance moves of Elvis Presley, the mysterious aura of David Bowie, and the wit and charm of Sammy Davis Jr. all rolled up into one outstanding, brilliant, and iconic artist/musician. His presence on stage was charming, witty, magnetic, and explosive. But his voice delivered with so much RAW and POWERFUL and EMOTIONAL ENERGY where it felt like he was serenading each person in the venue in a one-on-one interaction . No wonder the fans love him so much and want to be part in his musical journey all throughout his career.
His setlist on this night included the following songs:
- What a day
- Ordinary love
- Lover
- Hard to get
- Ride or die
- Remedy
- Washed away
- Jasmine
- Deadman
As the night was about to end, there were 3 special highlights for me this evening: The fans sang Happy Birthday during the break for his encore. A birthday cake was delivered to him on the stage by a staff member. And a rain of confetti poured down as he finally waved and said goodbye to all the IKUN. Overall a SPECTACULAR performance by KUN delivering a powerful musicianship and singing. Thank you for all your hard work, KUN! Thank you to all the loving and loyal fans called IKUN! And Thank you for the beautiful music, KUN! You have made a fan out of me this evening.
KUN links
Title photo: by Don Marcelo exclusively for S.L.R. Magazine
© Don Marcelo Photography 2025
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