For the last stop of her first-ever world tour, IU performed to a completely sold-out audience of nearly 17,000 attendees at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on August 2.
Lee Jieun, known as IU, is one of South Korea’s most iconic and treasured singers, often called “Korea’s little sister” for her charming sound and personality. The singer has been in the spotlight since the age of 15, debuting with ‘Lost and Found’ in 2008 as her first EP. Besides her highly successful music career, IU has ventured into acting, developing a respected presence in the film industry through her roles in works like ‘Broker’ and ‘My Mister.’
IU’s world tour kicked off in Seoul in March and stopped in five U.S. cities before ending in Los Angeles. Unlike other K-Pop artists, IU doesn’t often perform around the world, so understandably many UAENAs have been waiting patiently for years to see her perform, making this tour all the more monumental.
To open the show, IU performed “Holssi” from her most recent album “The Winning,” followed by “Jam Jam,” “Ah Puh,” and “BBIBBI.” It was endearing to see a group of children dancing with her during “Holssi,” which IU later shared featured child backup dancers who were LA natives. Heading into another set, she performed some of her greatest hits like “Celebrity,” “Blueming,” and “Eight,” with the audience lighting up as confetti shot out during the upbeat moments.
In several talking segments, IU expressed her gratitude and honest appreciation for the fans. At one point, she playfully described her fans as the “GOAT,” to which the audience laughed, enjoying this endearing side of her. To further show appreciation in song, IU encouraged the audience to sing along with her to the touching lyrics of songs like “Meaning of You,” “Through the Night,” and “Love Wins All.”
After hours of beautiful performances, the most exciting portion of the concert was when IU treated the audience to a generous encore of seven songs: “Friday,” “Lullaby,” “Good Day,” “Ending Scene,” “Hold My Hand,” “Lilac,” and “Palette.” All performances were song requests, which IU picked from various audience members’ signs. “Lullaby” took the singer by surprise; she explained that while the song isn’t popular, she decided to sing it because it was what the fans wanted, showing IU’s sincerity and deep love for her fans.
In a segment, IU expressed that she was doubtful and afraid behind the scenes before the start of the tour, but throughout each show, she was met with overwhelming love and a feeling of happiness upon connecting with UAENAs. It’s clear that IU enjoyed every minute of singing along with her fans just as much as they did with her.
IU is set to have an encore of HEREH in Seoul on September 21 and 22 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.