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Relive the highlights of iKON Flashback Concert D-2, as told through iKONIC's tweets — gig report

ESTIMATED 
Relive the highlights of iKON Flashback Concert D-2, as told through iKONIC's tweets — gig report

For iKONICs, it's always been iKON and for iKON, it's always been iKONICs. Before the band had been iKON and were better known as Team B from Mnet's survival competition, W.I.N (Who Is Next), the iKONIC fandom had already existed before iKON was iKON, ready to support the members in all their endeavours. 

Hence, this made the dynamic group's return to their fans, who have stuck by them through the highest of highs and lowest of lows, on 26th June, at the Olympic Park, Olympic Hall and through a livestream, powered by Kiswe, even more memorable and heartwarming.

In Donghyuk's own words, "It took us three years to get here but here you are, all packed in the audience". Inevitably, the concert was best viewed through the lens of iKONICs for whom the show was brought about through blood, sweat, and tears.

BANDWAGON TV

Bandwagon looks back on the events of FLASHBACK 2022, a gig that is undoubtedly one for the books, as told by their fandom. 

Emerging in slick, black suits, the YG Entertainment six-piece brought the concert to a sensual start with Bobby's low-tone rap from 'Killing Me'. Having been unable to meet their Korean and international fans for a gruelling 3 years, iKON fronted the stage with inexhaustible energy as they transitioned almost immediately to their hits, 'Bling Bling' and 'Sinosijak'.  

Personally, 'Killing Me' was an unexpected opening to the show as they had traditionally been opening their concerts with more upbeat party-esque tracks like 'RHYTHM TA' and 'Bling Bling', even more so because the 2019 hit is comparably, one of their more tepid and nuanced songs. However, in retrospect, the song created an element of unpredictability by going with the songs that were seemingly less likely to play. 

In my opinon, the iconic MIX & MATCH track perfectly set the tone for the next 3 hours of the concert. Recalling the trials and tribulation that the members had to undergo to finally come into fruition as a whole in their survival show history, 'Sinosijak' calls on the "rookie mentality" that the boys had to embrace to reap the fruits of their labour. 

Belting the lyrics saying, "Everyday, we sing of youth...become a new beginning", the performance seemed to have captured the 7-year idols in a snapshot of their youth and to witness the powerful stage that led them to their present fortitude was a treat for all senses. 

Notably, the setlist was an aspect that the 'Love Scenario' hitmakers debated upon heavily during the concert's planning stages, as they mentioned during their first ment. Prioritising iKONICs' song preferences, maknae Chanwoo relayed that it was "just the beginning", urging fans to "stick with [them] till the end". 

Speaking of Chanwoo, the "Maknae On Top" dazzled the crowd with his seldom-spotted rapping skills in a multitude of songs on the tracklist, including 'Just Another Boy', 'Goodbye Road', and 'Beautiful'. Though he's long expressed his hesitance towards venturing into rapping (even on Mnet's Kingdom), we'd say that the talented actor-singer took it bravely into his stride and elicited the thrilled cheers from audiences as a thorough reward for his efforts. 

After an exhilarating performance of their most recent comeback, 'BUT YOU', together with 'Beautiful' and 'Dive', Bobby takes the opportunity to happily cheer in celebration of this being their "first time performing with a live band!" yet, this is not the first time fans are noticing the essential musicality that A354 has injected into FLASHBACK so far. 

Known to be the "rocker" of the six-piece, Ju-ne's voice flourished in the rock renditions of 'At Ease', 'RHYTHM TA', and 'AH YEAH' far above the original versions with the indispensable support of the live band. The stamina of performers is very often placed in the spotlight for live events like these but shoutout to the live band as well for creating such an incredible atmosphere for offline and online fans alike. Powering through the setlist with rapid song transitions, iKON is definitely one of the more energetic performers that I've had the pleasure of watching. 

In addition, special mention to the stunning showcase of their debut song, 'RHYTHM TA', for any iKONIC, the track holds immense nostalgia and the previous overbearing pressure to make it as the juniors of K-pop veterans, BIGBANG and 2NE1, melted into the confident familiarity of every nook and cranny for the emblematic song on the stage. 

Moreover, mirroring the online audience's comments, I'm in full belief that the live rock versions have to be released in some way and it'd be too much of a pity for it to only reside in the memories of the concert-goers.

The King of Youth transformed into the man of the hour (more like 15 minutes but you get it) as he flaunted his stage presence and charisma with 'HeartBROKEN PlaYBoY', 'DeViL', and 'Deep Night' where he shared the stage with bandmate Ju-ne.

As biased as I might be as a loyal stan of the SMTM3 champion, the song choice for his solo stages was indeed applause-worthy. Allowing both the cheery upbeat Kim Jiwon and the fatal hip-hopper Bobby to surface in a mere two songs, the Lucky Man populated the stadium with awe for his duality and once again, proved that the chops of a champion is innate and still holds it own as fans erupted into screams for Kim Jiwon as he took a seat beside Ju-ne. 

A personal favourite of the night was definitely the BOBJUNE duo's on-stage collaboration. As the sultry vocalist's silky and tranquil voice juxtaposed the rapper's rough and passionate one, the performance was favourably received, especially due to the ever-welcome cameo of guitarist Ju-ne. 

"Babies, oppa is here!" Part-time Youtuber, Yunhyeong flamboyantly announces his solo stage and debut one as a trot star. Much to fans' surprise, the initiative to perform a trot song was sparked by BIGBANG's Daesung who helmed his own memorable trot song, 'Look at Me, Gwisoon!' and furthermore, the iKON vocalist had pleaded with YG producers to give him his own solo trot track. 

Playfully flirting and teasing iKONICs in the crowd, the characteristic member gives the established K-trot industry, with his stable vibratos and charmingly old-school vocal techniques, a run for their money. Fans can stay tuned to the official drop of the unreleased song and ensures that this is not the last of "rookie trot singer", SONG. 

Steadily transitioning into the idols' ballad and slow-tempo hits, the fervent performers flipped the switch easily to turning into heartfelt and mournful singers that filled each melody with remarkable emotional depth. Donned in a glowing and uniform white, they sang their hearts out to hits like 'Flower', 'Goodbye Road', and 'Apology'. 

'Apology' made an exceptional impression with its ever-recognisable tune that seemed to evoke more precious memories and sentiment from a time closer to the band's debut in 2015. Bringing back thoughts of how far the group has travelled in a span of 7 years together (not counting their pre-debut acts), the song reminds artists and iKONICs alike how music truly is the everlasting companion of the soul - Tastes evolve and time passes inevitably but the songs that brought us through the different seasons of our lives will always hold a special place in our hearts. 

Following their (first) encore, the members gathered with a melancholy air as they reviewed their journey as iKON thus far. Where some decided to keep things lighthearted and upbeat ("I really missed the sea of konbats!" - Bobby), members like Jinhwan and Yunhyeong were overwhelmed with mixed emotions and struggled to express their gratitude in a way they were satisfied with. 

"We'll continue to move forward and do better." said the oldest member, eyes glossed over with tears. Tugging at heartstrings, Yunhyeong got vulnerable about his concerns after making a live return after so long. "We wondered how many of you would come and if you had forgotten about us... Thank you for remaining our fans."

As much as time and memories fade, the explosive cheers of the fandom reassured the enthusiastic performers' anxieties; That the traction of life and growing pains won't ever cloud over the companionship of music. 

Slipping quickly back into their bubbly selfs, the team of six made their way into the crowds for some extreme fan service. Singing the B-sides of their latest release, 'FOR REAL?' and 'GOLD', they boldly parted ways to hit every corner of the almost 2,500 seater stadium. 

In an atmosphere that was cosy and homely, the experienced idols took videos, photos, sang with, and even, doused fans with water, in the spirit of a good time. 

As the concert rolls to a close after two lively encores, reluctance from both fans and idols fills the stadium. Somehow, after the open and emotional final ments given by the members, a bittersweet feeling lingers in the air as the majority of the crowds stay put, even after the show. 

Though there is uncertainty on when the "soon" that the members say they'll be back will be, the last song seems to last forever regardless. Just as iKON had captured theirs and iKONICs' experiences at youth in the songs and eras of their discography and journey as a group, FLASHBACK will be held close to their hearts and will most definitely, remain one of the most precious memories for the fandom 'till they meet again. 

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