Chinese pop icon Jackson Wang recently launched his Magic Man 2 World Tour with two dazzling concerts in Thailand, where he also opened a nearly month-long Halloween-themed event to showcase his creative ideas.

"I feel great," Wang told China.org.cn in an exclusive interview. "Art is such a subjective and personal thing. But after all these years, this is my purest project yet. It's a concert I'm putting on for myself."

The opening of Jackson Wang's Magic Man 2 concert in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Oct. 3, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Records]

The sold-out concerts built upon the concept and narratives of his critically acclaimed new album "Magic Man 2," with Wang pouring his energy into soul-stirring singing and electrifying dance moves. Captivating, immersive set designs, lighting and large-screen visuals helped create a Gothic aesthetic that felt like a dark fantasy film. The show became both a fantastical and philosophical journey through Wang's once-troubled inner world.

"I don't know when I'm gonna perform again. This might be my last tour. But since I have this platform here, I want to share with you. I hope this message can help you in your darkest days when you're alone, when you're lost. I want to tell you that it's OK. Give more time, give more effort, give more love to yourself," Wang told the audience, who roared in response.

The artist spent a year finding his true self — feeling too busy and lost — and figuring out how to cope with a world that overwhelmed him with loneliness, exploitation, manipulation, betrayal and inner demons, all of which are embodied in his new album and concert tour.

An emotional moment from Jackson Wang's Magic Man 2 concert in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Oct. 4, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Records]

The concerts on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 presented a mix of high-adrenaline performances and deep personal dialogue, including many emotional moments from songs about his despair and redemption, to a retro video looking back on his career and life, as well as a touching tribute to his parents. The packed crowds at Impact Arena included fans from Thailand and across Asia as well as many who traveled from China during the National Day holiday.

After the end of his second show, as the audience started to exit the arena, Wang suddenly returned to the stage, prompting exhausted fans to rush back to listen. "I forgot one thing: My 'Under the Castle' will open on Oct. 7, and I hope you will be there," he said.

Three days later, at Bangkok's landmark EmSphere mall, that invitation came to life. Jackson Wang joined hands with Em District to celebrate the grand opening of the event. Making its debut in Thailand, the original fantasy IP transformed the venue into a thrilling, imaginative world that blended a haunted house, bumper car ride and lively night market into one immersive experience from Oct. 7 to Nov. 2, coinciding with the run-up to the Halloween season.

Jackson Wang (right) and Henry Cheung pose with a comic book at the "Under the Castle" event in Bangkok, Oct. 7, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Design]

"Under the Castle" is an original immersive cultural IP inspired by Halloween and Eastern fantasy, co-created by Jackson Wang and his friend and longtime collaborator Henry Cheung. Centered on the characters Pumpkie and Spookie, it creates a fantasy universe that has hosted immersive and interactive events in Shanghai and Singapore, and continues to expand across Asia.

On Oct. 7, Wang shared his vision with friends, family and Thai celebrities, engaging with the attractions amid cheers and screams from fans and celebrities. He said he chose Thailand for UTC because he had held concerts there, noting that concerts represent one type of experience while UTC offers another, allowing him to give fans combined yet varied experiences of his creations.

Jackson Wang speaks to China.org.cn reporter Zhang Rui during an interview ahead of the "Under the Castle" event in Bangkok, Oct. 7, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Wang explained to China.org.cn that he has loved cartoons since childhood and had long thought of creating something of his own. One day, when he was with Henry Cheung in the basement of his Shanghai home, the idea for UTC popped into his mind. He wanted to create an IP centered on two ghoulish characters, while crafting stories that explore the theme of loyalty. A comic book was also created this year and became a hot commodity at its merchandise store.

"I think as the story develops further, you'll discover it has many layers," Wang said. "Our goal is not to showcase the culture of a specific field or region, but rather, in its purest form, to tell the 'Under the Castle' story well."

For Wang, the overlap of his tour and UTC in Thailand is a testament to a principle he lives by: persistence. "Actually, I believe that no matter what you create, whether it's stage performances, music or anything, persistence is what matters. No matter the field, what I'm doing is essentially the same — I'm just creating," he said.

Jackson Wang gestures to fans on the second floor as he arrives at the "Under the Castle" event in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 7, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Design]

The singer departed Bangkok on Oct. 8. While making his way through the crowded Suvarnabhumi Airport, he paused to offer his fans a heartfelt thank you with a deep bow. He then traveled to Macao for three sold-out concerts before continuing to other international cities on his world tour, bringing his unique sound from China to the global stage.