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IU brings much-needed love and comfort to Singaenas at 'HEREH World Tour' concert in Singapore — gig report

IU brings much-needed love and comfort to Singaenas at 'HEREH World Tour' concert in Singapore — gig report

Estimated:  reading

Just over half a year ago, Uaenas gathered in cinemas across Singapore to catch IU's The Golden Hour concert film. As footage of the South Korean superstar's two-day concert at the Seoul Olympic Stadium played on the big screen, there was a sense that those watching were in awe of what was unfolding before them and collectively thinking, "If only I were seeing this live."  

The cinematic experience, as spectacular as it was, was never intended to replace that of seeing the singer-songwriter and actress in the flesh. Instead, it was something that was meant to tide international fans over until they could be reunited with her.

Judging from how quickly tickets to her two-day residency at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 20 and 21 April sold out after they went on sale, it was clear that Singaenas (IU's fans in Singapore) had been eagerly awaiting a reunion with IU, whom they last saw all the way back in 2019.

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Armed with the 'Love wins all' singer's instantly recognisable I-ke lightsticks and proudly showing off tour shirts, tote bags, and ball caps that they had managed to secure, Singaenas showed up in force to welcome IU back to Singapore at her opening HEREH World Tour concert in the city-state.

Minutes after the show's commencement, a jovial IU assured them that their feelings were mutual.

"As we all know, Singapore is truly my beloved place. [When] I'm here, I feel really cosy, like coming back home," she told the crowd in English.

For three hours, the 12,000-seater Singapore Indoor Stadium was transformed into an intimate space where Singaenas learnt more about the woman behind the music and fell in love with her all over again.

The pages of a storybook come to life

A proven storyteller, IU has brought us a variety of songs in her 16-year career, including catchy pop numbers, soul-stirring ballads, and even the occasional cheeky track. At her concert, the 30-year-old showed that she is equally adept at bringing the universes she has created to the stage.

As the sole narrator of 26 tales she had prepared for the audience, she displayed impeccable breath control and stamina throughout her entire first evening with Singapore. Whether she was tackling the high notes of old favourites 'YOU&I' and 'Hold my hand' or tapping on her lower register to rap lines from 'Coin', IU's display was one you would expect from a seasoned vocalist with a deep connection to her voice. 

She, along with her production team, also got creative on the presentation front, offering fans new ways of experiencing and thinking about familiar tracks.

@gudettamma2888 아이유 CELEBRITY IU H.E.R WORLD TOUR IN SINGAPORE #아이유 #이지은 #iu #leejieun #추치문 #kpop #uaena #iuher #singapore #新加坡 #celebrity @아이유(IU) ♬ 原聲 - あかり🐈‍⬛😸

Before opening her second set with 'Celebrity', she introduced her upbeat 2021 pop song in a rather unorthodox fashion — having a sole candle-bearing young actress wander around on a dark stage as eerie sound effects filled the arena. As darkness gave way to light and snippets of 'Celebrity' kicked in, the song's uplifting message became more apparent, and by the time IU returned, all that was left for her to do was unleash the positive energy that had been rapidly building up in the venue. 

@oliviah_cxj STRAWBERRY MOON 🍓🌑 #iu #iuher #leejieun_iu #singapore #iuherconcert #herconcert #fyp #leejieun #strawberrymoon ♬ original sound - Oliviee

While, unlike The Golden Hour, IU's performance of 'strawberry moon' was not done from a hot air balloon (for obvious reasons), Singaenas got an experience that was no less memorable than what they saw in the concert film. Like a song leader at a campfire, the singer took a seat on a raised platform next to guitarist Kim Dong-min and treated fans to a dreamy acoustic rendition of the track with a giant pink moon behind her.  

Then with 'Love wins all', IU took fans back to the post-apocalyptic world of the track's music video, in which she and BTS' V play a pair of lovers on the run from a cube-like alien entity. Combining an emotionally charged vocal performance, a cameo appearance from the aforementioned villain, some clever lighting effects, and a falling wedding gown, IU and her team presented the audience with a stunning live recreation of the music video's devastating finale.  

As a way of comforting them after the performance, IU gave Singaenas a glimpse at a (happier) alternate ending for her and V's characters through bonus scenes not found in the original music video. 

@tya_uaena #HER_WORLD_TOUR #IU #아이유 #worldtour #singapore #thewinning @아이유(IU) #lovewinsall ♬ suara asli - uaena🍓

A people's superstar

The term "people's superstar" may be oxymoronic, but it is one that perfectly encapsulates who IU is. With a massive global following, numerous hits and awards to her name, and a presence in the K-drama realm and Korean film industry, the EDAM Entertainment act is someone you would expect to be larger than life. But the person Singaenas spent their Saturday evening with was anything but that.

Credit: iMe SG

From the get-go, it was obvious that she did not want any barriers between her and her fans from the sincerity and friendliness with which she spoke to them. When all eyes were on her, IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, did not seem interested in being the centre of attention. Instead, she chose to redirect the audience's attention to others in the venue by checking in on latecomers who missed the opening numbers and teasing an enthusiastic fanboy who had caught her attention with his "beautiful voice". 

During one of the earlier breaks between sets, she chose to swap out the more traditional artist-focused video for a montage that put the spotlight on the show's crew members as well as dedicated fans who patiently waited in lines before the event. Set to 'heart', the inclusion was a lovely gesture of appreciation that revealed IU's others-centred nature. 

@bnrubear too precious @아이유(IU) #herworldtour #iu #iusingapore ♬ original sound - B.

The Broker and Hotel Del Luna star even ensured that her interpreter, April, felt included by calling her by her name and casually asking her for help with the delivery of the Singlish phrase "swee lah". 

While performing, her joy of sharing the spotlight could also be seen from her inclusion of young dancers from Singapore-based performing arts school MADDspace in 'Holssi'.

If you're wondering where IU gets her nature from, you will find your answer by examining the door gift packs her mother prepared for all Singaenas.

Love wins all

"Each of you is a precious [person] who planted a small seed of love in my heart. So today, I also tried to plant a small seed in your heart," IU told the crowd before introducing 'Love wins all'. 

"Until we meet again, I really hope each day for you is filled with love rather than hate," she added. 

Though not officially stated, the overarching theme of IU's Singapore show — and tour — was love, and the reminder of its importance was very much needed.

Credit: iMe SG

Her duet performance of 'Meaning of you' with Singaenas, for instance, was more than just another singalong session. Working together to sing the song's chorus, the thousands of voices within the Singapore Indoor Stadium demonstrated what can be achieved when individuals focus on what they have in common, putting a radiant smile on the face of a proud IU who was egging them on. 

It was also particularly heartening to see Singaenas put to practice what they had learnt when they encountered a hurdle while singing an acapella version of 'Knees' later in the concert. After a brief period of silence, a few brave fans who were more familiar with the number took the lead with their voices, an effort that eventually gave those around them the confidence to join in. 

Aside from encouraging the audience to love each other, IU also emphasised the importance of self-love. While she might have written her songs based on her personal experiences, IU showed that she had also intended for them to help others who are struggling. 

In what will likely be remembered as one of the evening's most inspirational performances, she galvanised the crowd into seizing the day and living fearlessly as she sang an uplifting rendition of 'Shopper' to well-timed bursts of confetti. Such a feat is only possible with the best in the business, and this is a pantheon that IU no doubt belongs to.

IU HEREH World Tour Singapore leg (Day 1) setlist

  1. Holssi
  2. Jam Jam
  3. Ah puh
  4. BBIBBI
  5. Obliviate
  6. Celebrity
  7. Blueming
  8. eight
  9. Hold My Hand
  10. I stan U
  11. Havana
  12. Meaning of You
  13. strawberry moon (acoustic version)
  14. Through the Night
  15. Shopper
  16. Above the Time
  17. YOU&I
  18. Love wins all
  19. Shh..
  20. Twenty-three
  21. Holssi (rock version)
  22. Knees (singalong)
  23. Windflower
  24. Drama
  25. Coin
  26. LILAC
  27. Palette

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