K-pop girl group IVE made their successful debut performance in the Philippines through a fan concert held on June 17.
The six-member group, composed of Yujin, Wonyoung, Gaeul, Rei, Liz and Leeseo, held their “The Prom Queens: IVE: The First Fan Concert” at the Araneta Coliseum.
IVE members holding a press conference on June 16 at Novotel Manila Araneta City (Jonathan Hicap)
This was their first ever visit to the Philippines since debuting as a group in December 2021 and the members said they were excited.
“The very first moment that we arrived in the Philippines, we noticed that the welcome of the Filipinos is so great and we are very excited and we're really looking forward to what's in store for tomorrow too,” said Wonyoung during IVE’s press conference held on June 16 at the Novotel Manila Araneta City.
Gaeul added, “And since this is our first time in the Philippines, we are very nervous and excited at the same time. But we are looking forward to what we can show tomorrow [June 17].”
IVE (아이브) have achieved success since debut. They have won an impressive four grand prizes (daesang) in award shows through their hit song ”Love Dive.”
IVE at their "The Prom Queens" fan concert in Manila on June 17 at Araneta Coliseum (Jonathan Hicap)
Last April, they released their first studio album “I’ve IVE,” which sold 1.1 million copies in the first week of release.
According to leader Yujin, “‘I’ve IVE’ is our first album that has been released in April and this revolves around the theme of self love. The special thing about this album is that each of the members took part in the process of making the song and writing songs so that's why this is such a wonderful album.”
“I really remember our time when we were shooting the music video ‘Kitsch’ [pre-release single included in ‘I’ve IVE], especially that this is a very good song, that is, if you can say, the first time as a group since this is the first time we’ve done this type of song, music. It was very memorable for us during the shoot too,” said Wonyoung.
IVE at their "The Prom Queens" fan concert in Manila on June 17 at Araneta Coliseum (Jonathan Hicap)
Fan concert
IVE opened their fan concert in Manila with “After Like” followed by “Take It,” “My Satisfaction,” “Royal” and “Kitsch.”
“We really waited for this day as this is our first fan concert here in Manila,” said Wonyoung.
The girls also showed different performances. Wonyoung and Rei performed Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too” while Yujin and Liz did a cover of Jessie J’s “Flashlight.” Gaeul and Leeseo covered BLACKPINK’s “Kill This Love.”
IVE also sang “Blue Blood,” “I AM,” “Love Dive” and “Eleven.” For the encore, they performed “Love Dive,” “After Like” and “Not Your Girl.”
IVE at their "The Prom Queens" fan concert in Manila on June 17 at Araneta Coliseum (Jonathan Hicap)
Towards the end of the show, a fan-made video was shown, congratulating IVE for their achievements and expressing their love for the group.
“Thank you so much for being IVE. We are very lucky. Thank you so much for your existence. We will support, love and cheer for you from the beginning, until forever,” according to the video, which made Leeseo cry.
“This is how much we are thankful to you all. We really love you. Thank you, Manila,” said Wonyoung.
Liz said, “I almost teared up due to the unexpected surprise. I’m really thankful and I can’t imagine how long Filipino Dives [fans] have waited for us to arrive here. Knowing how much we are far away from here, we missed you that much. I know everyone waited for this day and for every Dive who has been cheering for us and motivated us, we are very thankful to each and everyone of you.”
“Finally, I hope we can have more opportunities to come back more often here in Manila,” she added.
“I’m very thankful that you guys gave us this wonderful surprise gift. It’s been so long since I felt this much excitement on stage. From the intro itself, I heard your cheers. you guys were so great reacting to our performances,” said Leeseo.
Yujin said, “Today is actually our first day for our ‘Prom Queens’ Asia tour. And today’s performance has been so hot. I’m not sure if this is because of the weather or the Dives. And I hope in the future, we get to see each other more. I hope we can see each other very soon. Mahal ko kayo (I love you).”
“I really appreciate the special video tonight and I will never forget this video. Thank you. And this is our first time in the Philippines today. We will never forget this. I really hope to come to see you soon so please stay tuned for us,” said Wonyoung.
Gaeul said, “Ever since we were in Korea, I waited for this day to come to the Philippines. Thank you so much for giving us warm greetings through the video and our hearts were also warmed because of this.”
IVE at their "The Prom Queens" fan concert in Manila on June 17 at Araneta Coliseum (Jonathan Hicap)
Rei also cried as she thanked Filipino fans for coming to the show. Yujin was also crying on stage.
“Every time I see the faces of the Dives, I get positive energy and so much love. And I’m very that we get to start this Asia tour here with six members all together. Thank you so much for waiting for IVE. I love you so much,” said Rei.
The “The Prom Queens: IVE: The First Fan Concert” was presented by DNM Entertainment and N2UNE Entertainment.
'