2026 WeConfe Tribute Artist ‘Rain’
“A show like a ‘complete gift set’ that mobilizes the music, performances, and stage production that symbolize Rain”
Singer Rain (RAIN) revealed the direction of his Tribute Stage performance through the ‘2026 Weverse Con Festival’ (hereafter WeConfe). He stated, “I want to share the joy of music.” In this performance, Rain is expected to distill and showcase his musical world centered on his signature songs.
Selected as the WeConfe Tribute Artist, Rain (RAIN) will newly reinterpret and present his long-beloved signature stages with the sensibility of 2026.
Ahead of his appearance at WeConfe, to be held June 6~7 at the KSPO DOME and 88 Lawn Field in Olympic Park, Rain disclosed this performance direction in a written interview conducted with WeConfe, the festival organizer.
The ‘Tribute Stage’ is a platform that re-examines the musical worlds of artists who have had a profound impact on the history of Korean popular music, consisting of a solo performance by the tribute artist and a tribute segment by junior artists. Past tribute artists have included Shin Hae-chul, Seo Taiji, Uhm Jung-hwa, Park Jin-young, and BoA.
On being named the tribute artist, Rain shared his thoughts: “As this is a role that follows in the footsteps of seniors who have left remarkable legacies, I want to enrich the festival with my own colors.” WeConfe explained the background of the selection: “Rain set a new benchmark for K–pop solo artists and helped spread the stature of K–pop widely, including becoming the first solo artist to succeed with a world tour.”
On the Tribute Stage, Rain will reinterpret his signature songs and performances with a contemporary sensibility to deliver a distinctive concert experience. Marking the 27th anniversary of his debut, he has consistently cited “ceaseless effort to present new content and stages” as his driving force, and this stage likewise will greet the audience with a fresh configuration and production different from before.
Rain said, “For the generation that has shared my musical world, I want to offer deep nostalgia, and for teenagers to whom that music is unfamiliar, I want to deliver a fresh jolt like an ‘old future’,” adding, “Because I believe in the power of good music that transcends eras, I am preparing a stage that all generations can enjoy together.”
He also raised expectations for the stage production. Rain hinted, “We will actively leverage symbolic stage elements,” and “Simply by watching the show, you will be able to feel the musical world of the artist called ‘Rain’.”
Through this performance, Rain chose as the message he wants to convey to the audience, “The one who will fully enjoy this very moment, that is FEEL IT (It is You).” ‘FEEL IT (It is You)’ is the new song by Rain released on May 11, carrying both the meaning of “Fill it up,” which fills life with delight, and “Feel It,” which invites you to fully sense the feeling and energy of the present moment. He previewed a heated communion with the audience, saying, “As with the meaning contained in ‘FEEL IT (It is You),’ I want to share together the joy of enjoying music I love.”
He also expressed anticipation for the tribute stage being prepared by junior artists. On that stage, junior artists will present performances that reinterpret the signature songs of Rain in their own sensibilities and styles. Rain added, “I am happy that my music seems to keep living and moving through the next generation,” and “Through a beautiful stage where the past and future of K-pop coexist in harmony, I hope the audience feels the message that ‘music does not divide generations’.”
He did not forget to cheer on his juniors. He said, “I hope to create a stage where the juniors can shine,” adding, “If the feeling of genuinely enjoying the song is conveyed, that alone will be more than enough to make a wonderful stage.”
Regarding WeConfe, Rain underscored the significance of appearing there: “As many diverse artists gather, it is a stage to look back on oneself and to gain new energy, and a precious opportunity where seniors and juniors blend without boundaries.” He then pointed to a distinguishing feature of WeConfe as “the fact that one can feel ‘respect‘ for artists,” evaluating that “there is a delicacy that treats the history of music with care.”
Finally, Rain addressed the audience: “Thank you for coming together with nothing but a heart that loves music,” and “I hope you set aside all worries for a moment and be as happy as you want within the music.”
WeConfe is a music festival that connects music fans around the world as one, transcending genres and generations. Launched in 2023 and now in its fourth year, WeConfe will operate the outdoor concert ‘Weverse Park’ and the indoor concert ‘Weverse Con’ simultaneously this year. With the largest lineup ever, featuring a total of 30 acts, it is set to offer a wealth of attractions.
