AKMU, MAMAMOO and Sumi Jo in Sydney: Three Concerts to Remember

Blue-lit AKMU concert stage and seated audience in Sydney
Our three weeks of live music in Sydney began with AKMU


Sydney consistently attracts world-class singers and bands, bringing global music right to our doorstep. As a Korean-born Australian, I especially cherish the opportunity to see live performances by Korean artists. There is a quiet warmth in hearing familiar voices and my mother tongue perform in the city I now call home.

Over three unforgettable weeks, our family attended three very different live performances: the indie-pop duo AKMU, the powerhouse vocal group MAMAMOO, and the world-renowned classical soprano Sumi Jo. Each evening offered a distinct atmosphere, lasting memories, and a wonderful connection to music.

AKMU: Songs That Feel Like Stories

Our musical marathon kicked off with AKMU (Akdong Musician), the talented brother-and-sister duo consisting of Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun. Raised in Mongolia by missionary parents before winning Korea's K-pop Star 2, their music has always stood out for its sincerity and originality.

What makes AKMU so special live is how effortlessly their songs tell stories. Chan-hyuk writes much of their discography, turning everyday observations, human emotions, and quirky thoughts into clever lyricism. Listening to them live makes you appreciate the words just as much as the melody.

Seeing them on stage brought a fantastic dynamic:

  • Chan-hyuk's Stage Presence: Packed with boundless energy, witty banter, and theatrical showmanship that had the whole room laughing.

  • Su-hyun's Vocals: Pure, crystal-clear, and effortlessly angelic. Hearing her live tone in person exceeded all expectations.

Audience lights filling the auditorium during AKMU's Sydney concert
A sea of lights added to the atmosphere at AKMU's concert

The audience interaction was equally heartwarming. Cheers and laughter echoed through the venue before the English interpreter could even finish translating Chan-hyuk's remarks. Sharing that immediate cultural connection in a packed Sydney hall made the night feel intimately familiar.

MAMAMOO: High-Energy Vocals and a Real Radish

MAMAMOO performing on a red-lit stage with large video screens
A lively night of music with MAMAMOO in Sydney


The following week brought a shift in genre as we headed out to see MAMAMOO. While I was already a fan of Hwasa—having fallen in love with her soulful busking performances in Europe—I was eager to see all four members (Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa) perform together.

Hwasa's distinctive voice, confidence, and stage charisma were as magnetic as ever, but seeing the group's collective chemistry was the highlight. Their powerhouse vocals, sharp choreography, and hit-filled setlist kept the audience on their feet all evening.

The crowd dynamic here was wonderfully diverse, bringing together fans from all cultural backgrounds. Big cheers erupted right after each translated sentence, reflecting a broad community brought together by a shared love for the music.

Concert screen showing the four MAMAMOO members holding microphones
All four members sharing the stage at MAMAMOO's Sydney concert


The Story Behind the Radish

One of the most hilarious moments of the night happened right in front of us. MAMAMOO's fandom is named MOOMOO—and because "mu" (무) is the Korean word for radish, official light sticks are shaped like green-and-white radishes.

One dedicated fan in front of us took the joke a step further, enthusiastically cheering throughout the night while waving an actual, fresh radish! It was such a lighthearted, memorable moment that perfectly captured the fun spirit of the concert.

Audience member raising their arms in front of MAMAMOO's green-lit stage
Fans cheering during a colourful MAMAMOO performance


Sumi Jo: An Elegant Evening at Sydney Town Hall

Sydney Town Hall organ pipes and Sumi Jo recital screen under pink lighting
Sydney Town Hall glowing with colour for Sumi Jo's recital


Our final concert brought a graceful change of pace: a classical recital by Sumi Jo at the historic Sydney Town Hall. Hearing this legendary, Grammy Award-winning soprano live was an experience I had wanted to check off my bucket list for years.

Sydney Town Hall provided a majestic backdrop. With its towering organ pipes, grand architecture, and warm lighting, the venue added an immediate sense of occasion before the first note was even sung.

Sumi Jo was the definition of elegance. Her vocal control, emotional resonance, and effortless coloratura technique captivated the audience throughout the entire recital. After two high-energy K-pop shows, sitting back to appreciate acoustic classical singing in such a historic hall was deeply refreshing.

Sumi Jo in a light-coloured gown beside a grand piano at Sydney Town Hall
Finally hearing Sumi Jo live at Sydney Town Hall


Tip for Future Concertgoers: We sat on the flat floor in the middle section of the hall, which made sightlines over the audience tricky at times. If you are booking tickets for a performance at Sydney Town Hall, I recommend checking the floor plan carefully and opting for elevated balcony seating where possible.

Three Unique Nights, Lifelong Memories

Each performance brought something distinct to the table:

  1. AKMU delivered storytelling, humor, and breathtaking vocal harmony.

  2. MAMAMOO brought raw stage energy, incredible vocals, and unforgettable fan moments.

  3. Sumi Jo offered timeless classical beauty and world-class artistry in one of Sydney's iconic heritage buildings.

For our family, these three weeks were a reminder of how music bridges cultures, keeping us connected to our heritage while building meaningful new memories in Australia.

For another glimpse into our family life and favorite food rituals, feel free to check out our recipe for Korean-style Vietnamese rice paper rolls for a family dinner.

Have you ever attended a live concert or recital that stayed with you long after the music stopped? What made it so special for you?

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