From TWICE to KickFlip: JYP doubles down at Lollapalooza Chicago

K-pop girl group TWICE performs during Lollapalooza Chicago at Grant Park, Saturday. Captured from Instagram

CHICAGO — As fireworks exploded above Grant Park and thousands of lightsticks danced below, TWICE closed out Saturday night at Lollapalooza Chicago with a bang — a spectacle that reaffirmed K-pop’s global power. But the spotlight wasn’t theirs alone. Just hours earlier, rookie boy band KickFlip stepped onto the same stage for their U.S. debut, wide-eyed but with enough raw energy to win over a sea of curious festivalgoers.

Together, they turned JYP Entertainment’s presence at the festival into a generational double bill, painting a vivid portrait of both legacy and emergence on a global stage.

TWICE dances night away

Headlining Saturday night, TWICE, arguably one of K-pop's most globally celebrated girl groups, didn't just take the stage; they commanded it, unleashing a performance charged with the full force of K-pop's signature spectacle.

Opening their set on the Bud Light Stage with a thunderous rendition of "The Feels," the nine-member group launched into a tightly choreographed run of fan favorites including "More & More," "Dance the Night Away" and "What is Love?"

Tens of thousands of festivalgoers sang along to every Korean lyric, as TWICE's signature lightsticks turned the grounds into a synchronized pink-and-orange sea.

Delivering a hit-stacked showcase halfway across the world, the group closed their set with a fireworks finale and a stunning drone display that lit up the Chicago sky with phrases like "The Honmoon is sealed," a nod to their role in the viral Netflix animated film hit "KPop Demon Hunters."

More than a celebration of their longevity, TWICE's performance was a bold reaffirmation of their cultural dominance — ever evolving, yet still rooted in the connection with their fans that made them the global stars they are now.

Attendees gather at the Bud Light Stage at Grant Park for K-pop boy band KickFlip during the third day of Lollapalooza Chicago, Saturday. Korea Times photo by Pyo Kyung-min

KickFlip's first-ever Lolla experience

TWICE wasn't the only K-pop act to light up the Lollapalooza Chicago stage.

Earlier in the day, rookie labelmates KickFlip made their Lollapalooza debut on the same stage, delivering a confident, high-energy 40-minute set. Less than a year into their debut, the seven-member boy group stood out with infectious enthusiasm and a natural ease that connected with a steadily growing crowd.

They opened with "Skip It!," a punchy track that captures the group's fresh, rebellious edge, before rolling into lesser-known gems like "FREEZE" and "Mama Said." Whether longtime Lollapalooza regulars or festivalgoers newly curious about K-pop's rising tide, the audience responded in kind.

The group also surprised the crowd with covers of TWICE's iconic hits including "Like OOH-AHH," and "Feel Special," before endearingly introducing themselves as "TWICE's little brother." The audience responded with cheers and warm applause, embracing the rookie act with open arms.

Though the Chicago sun was brutal, the group appeared more determined than ever after delivering their debut set. In a post-show interview, KickFlip reflected on the moment with a mix of awe and gratitude.

"I feel incredibly proud after wrapping up such a major performance," team leader Kyehoon said. "Before going on stage, I was a little worried about the heat, but once we got up there, the energy just took over. I was so hyped, I didn't even notice the weather. I just had a blast performing."

Juwang added, "This was my first time in the U.S., and performing in front of such a massive crowd was amazing ... We're so grateful for the experience and really hope to come back often."

K-pop boy band KickFlip in Chicago / Captured from Instagram

The members shared that they ran through full-length rehearsals multiple times, restarting the entire set whenever even a single moment felt off.

"That kind of repetition really helped us build both stamina and confidence," Dongwha said.

Minje, who was born in New Zealand and speaks fluent English, said he focused on helping the group connect with the crowd in a more personal way.

"We really wanted the audience to feel our sincerity," he said. "This was our first performance in the U.S., but no matter where we are, I just feel so thankful to everyone who watched our stage and listened to our music."

With their Lollapalooza set behind them, KickFlip is now gearing up to release a new EP in September. The seven members hinted that they've been heavily involved in the creative process for the upcoming album.

"We can 'never ever' say too much," Kyehoon teased with a knowing grin, referencing what may be a clue. "But we're really proud of how hands-on we've been with this next project."

"We want to show how much we've grown," added Dongwha. "This is just the beginning."