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| ▲ This photo, provided by Cube Entertainment, shows members of K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE perform at the KSPO Dome in Seoul Olympic Park on Aug. 3, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Aug. 5 (Yonhap) -- "We are immensely grateful to meet 'Neverland' (our fandom) in increasingly larger venues. We started at YES24 Live Hall, then moved to Olympic Hall and SK Handball Stadium. Last year, it was Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium, and now, in 2024, we're here at KSPO Dome. This growth is thanks to you all." (Soyeon)
Not even the scorching midday heat exceeding 30 degrees Celsius could halt their 'flight.' About 8,000 fans from around the world gathered at Seoul Olympic Park to see the five members set sail once again from the "holy ground of K-pop," KSPO Dome.
This marks (G)I-DLE's third world tour, titled 'iDOL,' which kicked off on the afternoon of the 3rd.
"We're now in our seventh year, and finally, (G)I-DLE has arrived at KSPO Dome," said Yuqi, expressing her excitement, noting that the venue was so large she could barely see the audience.
Leader Soyeon reflected, "I remember during our concerts last year and the year before, we'd say, 'We want to try this or that,' and were told, 'You can do that at KSPO Dome someday.' Being here with 'Neverland' makes me so happy."
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| ▲ This photo, provided by Cube Entertainment, shows members of K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE perform at the KSPO Dome in Seoul Olympic Park on Aug. 3, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Debuting in 2018 with their mini-album 'I Am,' (G)I-DLE has steadily built their popularity with charismatic music and powerful stage presence. Particularly, songs produced by leader Soyeon have stood out amidst the flood of girl groups, establishing their unique identity.
With hits like 'Hwaa' in 2021, 'TOMBOY' and 'Nxde' in 2022, last year's 'Queencard,' and this year's 'I Feel,' their catchy melodies have propelled them to the top tier of K-pop girl groups. This growth culminated in their milestone entry into KSPO Dome after six years since their debut.
Soyeon explained the tour title 'iDOL': "It's not just a term for us, but today we want to showcase ourselves as the epitome of idols."
(G)I-DLE began their world tour with the title track 'Super Lady' from their second full-length album. The massive LED screen behind them created an overwhelming sense of immersion, and the members appeared from an aerial set, exuding charisma and tension as they faced the packed audience.
The group performed live with handheld mics, matching the powerful live band's sounds. Their synchronized dance routines with backup dancers provided a rich visual spectacle, eliciting gasps of admiration from the crowd.
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| ▲ This photo, provided by Cube Entertainment, shows members of K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE perform at the KSPO Dome in Seoul Olympic Park on Aug. 3, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Solo stages for each member also highlighted the concert. Utilizing the spacious venue, Yuqi attracted attention by riding a shopping cart to the front of the T-shaped stage, while Minnie created a unique atmosphere by singing a ballad from a crescent moon-shaped structure.
Soyeon made a bold statement by appearing in a leopard-print bodysuit, followed by an onstage outfit change and a rapid-fire rap performance that captivated the audience. Particularly surprising was her rap line, "Who's gonna stop me when my contract ends in November." Cube Entertainment clarified, "All members are up for contract renewal next year, and the lyrics are just part of the performance."
Miyeon showcased her refreshing vocals while standing on a trapeze suspended from the KSPO Dome ceiling.
As the concert progressed with hits like 'Wife,' the recent release 'Claxon,' 'I Feel,' 'Queencard,' and 'TOMBOY,' the atmosphere in the venue reached its peak.
Fans enthusiastically joined in singing along to lyrics like "The once calm sky collapses, and the dark front turns red... I hate thinking," and during 'Queencard,' everyone stood up, waving light sticks and enjoying the performance with exuberance. Some fans even danced along, chanting "I'm a Queencard, I'm a Queencard!" at the top of their lungs.
Opening their world tour with a bang, (G)I-DLE will visit 14 cities worldwide, including Hong Kong, Tokyo, Tacoma, Oakland, Anaheim, Houston, Bangkok, Macau, and Sydney, along with their Seoul stop.
"During rehearsal, I felt our entrance was grand enough to feel like we've made it. Now in our seventh year, we're always grateful to 'Neverland' for standing by us." (Yuqi)
"What keeps us energized is definitely the music. We will continue to work hard and have fun with our music in true (G)I-DLE style." (Soyeon)
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