Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles, CA — October 17, 2026

I had the pleasure of catching Hongjoin for his concluding run of CLOCKWORK shows at the Moroccan Lounge. His dreamy lyrics and buttery smooth voice can serenade even the obtusest of ears, and his lyrics are capable of cutting straight through the chest and tugging ever so delicately on the heartstrings. But what stood out most throughout the show was how much fun hongjoin and his band were having on stage. Their indelible chemistry was infectious and resonated with the crowd during the swooning “Stranger’s Kiss,” and kept the electric energy through his penultimate hit, “Serotonin” before ending off with “Universe.” Between songs, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of a boy from Singapore and his friends living out their dreams of being musicians. Headliner shows are special and hongjoin shared that moment endlessly throughout the night with his fellow bandmates, friends, and fans in the crowd. What is art, if not to be shared and indulged in together as humans? Amidst the chaos and division in today’s world, hongjoin’s music and live shows serve as a reminder of how joyful it is to share our humanity with our communities and loved ones.

Words & Photography: Ethan Vovan