Taiwanese boy band F4 delighted fans with an unexpected reunion during a concert by rock band Mayday at the Taipei Arena on March 16, 2024. The quartet performed their iconic ballad “Meteor Rain,” captivating an audience of approximately 40,000 attendees who joined in singing along. This song, originally featured in the 2001 hit TV drama “Meteor Garden,” played a pivotal role in propelling F4 members Jerry Yan, Vanness Wu, Vic Chou, and Ken Chu to fame.
“Meteor Garden,” which was based on the Japanese manga series “Boys Over Flowers,” resonated with millions across Asia and helped popularize the “idol drama” genre. The series also starred Barbie Hsu, who passed away from pneumonia in February 2024. Its plot revolves around a girl from a modest background who navigates school life alongside four wealthy and arrogant boys known as F4, short for “Flower 4.”
The success of “Meteor Garden” inspired various adaptations throughout Asia, including Japan’s “Hana Yori Dango” in 2005, South Korea’s “Boys Over Flowers” in 2009, China’s “Meteor Garden” in 2008, and Thailand’s “F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers” in 2021. F4, which formed around the time the Taiwanese series premiered, disbanded in 2009 but reunited for a special performance during Jiangsu TV’s Spring Festival Gala in 2013.
In a heartfelt moment, Mayday’s frontman Ashin, whose real name is Chen Hsin-hung, shared the challenges the band faced in bringing all four F4 members together again. “Everyone overcame a lot of obstacles to make this picture a reality,” he stated during the concert.
The reunion also included a performance of Mayday’s “The Song of Laughter and Forgetting,” showcasing the collaborative spirit of the event. Jerry Yan expressed gratitude to Mayday for facilitating the reunion, remarking, “This is something I could not have imagined would happen again in my lifetime. It’s also made us reminisce about our youth.” The sentiment was echoed by Vanness Wu, who thanked attendees for sharing the memorable experience, adding, “I am very grateful to everyone who are here to share a beautiful evening with us.”
All four members of F4 are now in their 40s and remain active in the entertainment industry. The audience’s enthusiasm during the concert was palpable, with many expressing their desire for F4 to host their own concert. Comments on social media reflected this excitement, with one fan writing, “OMG!! Thank you Mayday!! My childhood is alive. It’s crazy seeing [F4] perform again.” Another fan expressed similar sentiments, stating, “Are you crying already… because we are! Hello to the inner child in you jumping up and down because #F4 just reunited! Tour soon? We hope!”
Earlier reports from Taiwan’s Mirror Media indicated that F4 might hold a concert next year, marking 25 years since their debut. However, this information has yet to be confirmed by the artists or their representatives.
The reunion not only rekindled nostalgia but also highlighted the enduring impact of F4 on their fans and the broader entertainment landscape across Asia. As the evening concluded, it was clear that F4’s legacy continues to resonate, leaving many eager for what the future may hold for this beloved boy band.
