Korea’s beloved nation’s little sister, IU returned to Singapore for her third solo concert, “2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN SINGAPORE” on April 20th and 21st. After successfully holding 2 sold-out concerts here at The Star Theatre previously (which was definitely too small for a top artist like her), IU’s concert finally moved to a bigger venue – the Singapore Indoor Stadium, where both shows were unsurprisingly sold out instantly the day of ticketing. With a bigger venue, meant a bigger stage and audience, this concert was definitely taken to another level compared to the concert in 2019.
As per the concert title “HEREH”, the concert was split into 5 acts – Hypnotic, Energetic, Romantic, Ecstatic and Heroic.
(Note that our concert coverage is for Day 1)
Hypnotic
Appearing on an elevated platform in an off-white assemble with a long flowy train, IU’s concert started off with already loud fanchants for ‘Holssi’. She was joined by young dancers from local performing arts studio Maddspace, before continuing with ‘Jam Jam’. Singaena (Singapore Uaena) held up the first fan project banner for IU, which read “We are the answer to the opposite of loneliness that you have been searching for”.
IU mentioned that the gift (a keyring and photocard in a photocard holder) that fans received upon entering the venue was actually prepared by her mother. Usually for her Korea concerts, her mother would prepare cushions. Due to its bulkiness and how expensive they are to ship over, it was changed for the Singapore stop.
IU assured fans, “it’s not any cheaper than the cushion!”
Fans sang along to ‘BBIBBI’ loudly, prompting IU to comment on Singaena really liking the song as “in Korea, my fans didn’t cheer as loud for ‘BBIBBI’!”
During her talking ment, IU could see fans still making their way into the concert venue. She felt that it was such a pity that they missed the opening but still greeted them warmly.
“Let’s have the best day today!”
There was a heavy downpour right before the concert and IU thanked everyone for coming to see her despite the rain.
“I want it to be love at first sight every time you see me.”
– IU asking fans to greet her with excitement and joy, as in seeing her for the first time, when she appears on stage for Act 2
Energetic
“I’m on my way to protect your heart, from all the prejudice of the world.”
These meaningful words flashed on the screens leading up to Part 2 of the concert, themed ‘Energetic’.
A young girl opened act 2 of the concert, running around the stage while holding a candle waving to fans, who enthusiastically waved back to her. The scene then transitioned to IU who appeared under a spotlight to perform ‘Celebrity’. The fanchants were so impressive for ‘Blueming’, IU got the fans to singalong with her.
“I can definitely tell the ‘sing’ in Singapore stands for singing!”, she quipped.
“There are so many reasons I like you, but the main reason is your voices. I really miss them, keep up the great job!”
Throughout the concert, IU consistently hyped up and praised her fans for their singing, asking how it was possible they did an even better job from 5 years ago.
“Steady lah!”
For ‘Energetic’, IU also performed ‘eight’ in an orange sunset. She also passed the mic to Singaena to sing ‘Hold My Hand’, before ending off her second part with ‘I stan U’. (IU, you’re so stunning!)
Romantic
Appearing in a summer-y floral dress for her 3rd act, IU started off with ‘Havana’, and also surprising Singaena with ‘Meaning of You’ which was usually only included in her Korean setlists.
Just like how IU described, watching IU perform ‘strawberry moon’ felt like a cool summer night campfire, as she sang the acoustic version with a guitarist beside her.
A really passionate fanboy’s loud, “IU, I like you!” was heard by the entire venue that IU was so impressed by him. She actually asked him to lead the next song, ‘Through the Night’.
Ecstatic
Let’s go haul!
By the 4th act, fans were literally “drowning” under the non-stop confetti shower during ‘Shopper’. IU even joked that the fans at the floor seats were “having a party”. In case you’ve missed it–amongst the confetti, there was also special Tweety-print confetti!
Cheers from the crowd became deafening when fan favourites ‘YOU&I’ and ‘Love wins all’ were performed.
“Each one of you is a precious person who has planted a small seed of love in my heart. So today, I’ll also try to plant a small seed in your hearts. Until we meet again, I really hope that each day for you is filled with love rather than hate.”
Heroic (Encore) + En-encore
For her last act, IU returned in a chic black getup, exuding charismatic rocker vibes. Her first series of encore stages, started with ‘Shh..’, ‘Twenty-three’ and rounded off with a rock version of ‘Holssi’.
As for her en-encore segment, there was a sing-along fan project for ‘Knees’, where IU surprised everyone when her voice was suddenly heard through the speakers, guiding fans to finish the song.
“Actually I heard you guys almost give up after the first verse, but the most important attitude is not to give up. Good job!”
For those familiar with IU’s en-encore, it’s the chance for fans to put in requests for songs not included in HEREH’s tour setlist. Naturally, Singaena came well prepared! Some held up banners with their song requests, ranging from ‘Leon’ to ‘Good Day’.
Through her voting system – cheering – these titles emerged as the winners for Day 1: ‘Windflower’, ‘Drama’, ‘Coin’, ‘LILAC’, ‘Palette’
A lucky male fan was blessed with the coin she used for her ‘Coin’ stage, where she sealed with a kiss before giving it to him. Lucky fan!
“I will be grateful if you guys can be my Singaena till the end!”
The encore and en-encore for Day 1 lasted almost an hour. IU concluded the first night of her concert perfectly with ‘Palette’ against a beautiful backdrop of falling confetti. We were thoroughly impressed by the production for this concert, ranging from the storytelling when transitioning to each part (we were particularly mesmerized by Energetic’s introduction with the little girl!), to the synergy between IU and her live band and her team of dancers. Throughout the concert, IU continuously praised and was in awe of Singaena’s singing abilities. We definitely hope that Singaena will continue to impress her when she returns to perform in the near future.
Official Photos: iMeSG, EDAM Entertainment