REVIEW IVE delights young fans with 'SHOW WHAT i HAVE' concert

K-pop girl group IVE performs during a concert at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in southeastern Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Starship Entertainment

By Pyo Kyung-min

• Published Oct 9, 2023 4:05 PM KST
• Updated Oct 10, 2023 4:05 PM KST

K-pop girl group IVE lit up the stage at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in southeastern Seoul on Sunday afternoon performing its"SHOW WHAT i HAVE" concert, which marked the dazzling launch of the K-pop sextet's world tour.

The members showcased the fruits of the two-year journey since their debut, leaving unforgettable memories in the minds of young fans.

As the concert hall began to be filled up by elementary school students and their accompanying parents, the atmosphere inside IVE's performance arena mirrored the group's moniker, "kids' president." When the stage's electronic display lit up to announce the start of the show, a collective wave of emotion swept through the audience, followed by ear-splitting cheers.

In response to the calls, all six members of IVE ― An Yu-jin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Won-young, Liz and Leeseo ― made a stunning entrance, bedecked in shimmering white costumes, to kickstart the performance with "I AM." Right from the very first moment, the stage lit up with a dazzling display of firecrackers and lasers, instantly transporting the audience to an alternate fantasy realm.

In addition to the megahits that had propelled their reputation, IVE also performed a sequence of hidden gems from their album, including "Blue Blood" and the rock version of "ROYAL."

"Today and yesterday, our dream of holding a world tour solo concert has become a reality," Jang said, greeting the fans in a refined manner.

Member Leeseo explained the show's title, saying, "We chose the name 'SHOW WHAT i HAVE' for this concert to proudly showcase everything we have to offer."

The pinnacle of the show came to life during IVE's performance of "Shine With Me," a heartfelt ode to its beloved fans. The group made a dramatic entrance, appearing on swings suspended from the ceiling of the concert hall, adorned in gleaming sky-blue dresses.

During the performance, Liz was visibly moved, wiping tears off her cheeks as she sang. An also had tears glistening in her eyes.

An shared her emotions, saying, "Seeing Liz on stage overwhelmed me with emotions." In response, Liz said, "I was moved to tears when I looked into An's eyes while performing."

What sets IVE apart is its distinct emphasis on individual narratives, placing the subjective "I" at the center of their artistic expression. Their upcoming EP album, "I'VE MINE," slated for release on Oct. 13, continues to delve into introspective themes.

During this concert, the audience was treated to a preview of the group's new song, "Off The Record," and a captivating performance of "Either Way,"the first single from its new album.

The individual unit cover performances added a unique touch to the show. Notably, An and Leeseo performed Little Mix's "Woman Like Me" stage. Adding to the excitement, rapper Lee Young-ji, who had previously collaborated with An on tvN's entertainment show, "Earth Arcade," made a surprise appearance, sparking a frenzy of excitement from the audience.

Gaeul, showcasing her versatile appeal with a solo rendition of "7 rings," pleasantly surprised fans by sharing, "The process of selecting songs and forming the units was filled with our collective input and ideas, making it an enriching experience for all of us."

As the cocnert reached its climax, IVE truly hit its stride, delivering an exhilarating repertoire including crowd-pleasing megahits like "LOVE DIVE," "Kitsch" and "After LIKE."

As the curtains fell on the two-day performance, IVE's members took a moment to sit on the stage and engage in a sincere conversation with fans, sharing their emotions about concluding the Seoul leg of their tour.

Rei seized the opportunity to read a handwritten letter addressed to their dedicated fans.

"DIVE, our official fandom, has always been my companion through both happy and sad times, and I truly sense that there's an enduring love between us," Rei read. "The members have also consistently supported me, holding my hand every step of the way. My physical and mental well-being has flourished, and I credit everything to my fellow members and DIVE."

The two-day Seoul concert attracted an audience of 10,000, setting the stage for IVE to embark on a global journey. Their world tour will encompass 27 cities in 19 countries, spanning across Asia, North America, South America and Europe, promising a sensational international journey for their fans worldwide.