J.Y. Park holds 30th-anniversary concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles and it wasn’t just a celebration—it was a testament to his legacy. The final stop of his Still JYP tour brought fans through three decades of music, blending nostalgia with pure energy.
J.Y. Park Legacy
He opened the night with “Don’t Leave Me,” “Proposal Song,” and “She Was Pretty”—three of his earliest hits. A live band featuring bass, guitar, keyboards, piano, brass, percussion, and backing vocals warmed the room. Before diving in, J.Y. Park took a moment to thank the crowd, reflecting on how these songs, all top hits, marked the start of his journey. His love for music had pushed him to create JYP Entertainment, shaping the future of K-pop in ways even he hadn’t imagined with groups like Wonder Girls, Miss A, 2PM, Twice, and Stray Kids.
He honored the first artists he’s produced with performances of “I Will Survive” (Jinju), “Coming of Age Ceremony” (Park Jiyoon), “How to Run From the Sun” (RAIN), “Again & Again” (2PM), and “Love And Memory” (g.o.d). The crowd erupted into a “JYP” chant—one of many that night.
What’s Next In His Career?
Then, the tone shifted. He spoke about the next stage of his career—the success and personal struggles—and how they shaped his songwriting. This led to “I Have a Lover” and “Your House,” songs for those who know the weight of forbidden love.
Before “Say Hello,” he chuckled, admitting, “Looking back, some of my lyrics weren’t great.” He described the song’s inspiration—two people who always find their way back to each other after a few drinks. Lyrics appeared on the screen and had a duet with the crowd, where by the end he had the room split singing back to each other, sending chills through the room.
“The real fans know the ballads,” he teased before sitting at the piano. He thought he would be testing the audience, but he was met with a crowd singing even louder than him. He played “Behind You,” “This Song” (2AM), “Love Has Left Again” (Lee Ki Chan), and “Lies” (g.o.d). When he got to Dream High, he reflected on how writing the drama’s first draft led to a turning point in his career.
His Road To The USA
The openly candid J.Y. Park opened up about his struggles in the U.S. market. In 2008, he took a huge risk trying to introduce K-pop internationally. JYP Entertainment was barely staying afloat, and he had one shot to write a hit. The result? Wonder Girls’ “Tell Me” and that now-legendary choreography video. The second he launched into “Tell Me,” the crowd went wild. The energy carried through “So Hot,” “Nobody,” “When We Disco,” and “Switch to Me.”
For “Easy Lover,” he pulled a fan rocking his infamous clear pants on stage, for an unforgettable performance. “You’re the One,” “FEVER,” and “Swing Baby,” followed, each performed with the same passion that’s kept him going for 30 years. Before closing, he paid homage to the artists who inspired him during his time living in New York, covering Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” and Stevie Wonder’s “Part-Time Lover.”
Then came the real question: Why does he still do this? He nearly teared up as he answered. “I didn’t dance to make money. I made money so I could keep dancing.” He promised that in six years—when he turns 60—he’ll give his best performance yet. And with that, he ended with “Still Alive,” “Honey,” and “Who’s Your Mama?” before thanking the fans one last time.
For the encore, he returned for “Even After 10 Years,” “One Candle” (g.o.d), and a final reprise of “Don’t Leave Me.” Thirty years in, J.Y. Park isn’t slowing down. If anything, he’s just getting started.
Article by: Aaron Velarde | Photo credit: @followjyp on X
