REVIEW Lovelyz steps closer to fans in 'Winter Wonderland' gig
Lovelyz held a four-day concert from Feb. 14-17 at the main auditorium at Yonsei University, Seoul. Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment
By Dong Sun-hwa
Lovelyz, the eight-piece K-pop girl band, has made a rare move to interact closely with fans by staging a four-day gig in a rather small venue.
“Lovelyz in Winter Wonderland 3” held in the main auditorium at Yonsei University in Seoul from Feb. 14-17, drew 1,600 fans each day. Unlike other bands that usually throw concerts for two to three days and invite up to 100,000 people a day, the band took a different approach by shortening the physical and emotional distance between themselves and the audience.
“Lovelyz in Winter Wonderland 3” poster. Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment
“Please do not think of us as 'unreachable' stars,” group member Seo Ji-soo said during the concert on Friday. “We are close enough to share our hearts with you, and want to do more to return what we have received.”
The main vocalist Kei also said, “I hope we can deliver happiness to you every day.”
As they said, when its eight members ― Baby Soul, Yoo Ji-ae, Seo Ji-soo, Lee Mi-joo, Kei, JIN, Ryu Su-jeong and Jeong Ye-in ― performed, they mingled with the audience by coming off stage, holding hands and posing for photos with the followers.
Lee Mi-joo, even “confiscated” a neck pillow from a male fan to let him enjoy the concert to the fullest instead of being sluggish.
The eight stars also enthralled the fans with their sweet voices and pinpoint choreography, starting the gig with one of its latest numbers “Lost N Found” that combines ballad and dance, followed by “Bebe” and “Like U.” The first part of the three-hour show bubbled with happiness.
The mood changed when the singers sang a compilation of four maudlin ballads ― “Floral,” “Wag-zak,” “Rewind” and “First Snow” ― symbolizing spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Vocalist Ryu Su-jeong performed solo during the concert. Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment
Solo performances of three members came next. Vocalist Ryu Su-jeong grabbed particular attention for displaying her unforeseen maturity through a performance of “Twenty-three,” originally sung by K-pop diva IU. Ryu said she chose the song because she turned 23 this year.
“She learned well from me,” said Lee Mi-joo, a member with a knack for dancing.
The group rounded off the concert with members saying how they felt.
“I am so delighted to make unforgettable memories together with all of you,” Kei said. “Thank you for making me smile.”
The eight stars will begin an Asian tour in March, meeting fans in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Lovelyz members enjoying the concert. Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment