On the 24th of April, JYP Entertainment girl group ITZY finally made it to the OVO Arena Wembley to perform in front of UK crowds for the first time since debuting in 2019. Even before the concert started, the energy in the arena was off the charts, as netizens sang along and even got ready by watching a compilation of JYP Entertainment artists. The “BORN TO BE” set also had fans on the edge of their seats, anticipating the moment the members would appear.
At eight o’clock the lights finally went down, and the stage came to life with the sounds of over 10,000 fans adding to the excitement. With the words “BORN TO BE” flashing on the screen, the members entered and went straight into the song of the same name, making the tour's message clear. From the minute they stepped onto the stage, the energy from the four members could be felt across the whole arena. They continued with well-loved songs, including “Racer” and “Mr Vampire,” while serving live vocals and powerful choreography.
While four members (member Lia is currently on hiatus due to health concerns) is a small number for a K-Pop group, they filled the stage with their talent and made it into a true show. In particular, the use of the LED screens added to the performances and created a visual spectacle that combined graphics and shots of the members to ensure everyone in the arena could see the members perform. This was on show in songs like "Swipe," where the members' faces appeared in the letters to spell out the song's title. Following it with the classic "WANNABE," it felt like watching a movie with the most perfect transitions, and even a dance break.
From the very beginning, there was an element that concert-goers couldn't ignore: the live band accompanying ITZY. The members mentioned how they wanted it to add a new level to the show, and it did exactly that. There was something extremely special about seeing and feeling the band playing in the background, and it undoubtedly gave the members extra energy and cemented that they were singing live and slaying in every way.
After the first part of the show, ITZY showcased another different side to themselves through the solo stages. Via four individual songs that all appear on their latest album, Born To Be, the members showed off their distinctive personalities through their performances. Chaeryeong was the first member on stage, and she started with her song "Mine," which focused on the idol’s amazing dancing. Dressed like an angel in white, she made use of the dancers and props to portray a beautiful story. In contrast, Ryujin's "Run Away" was dark and focused on the edgier style of the song.
Maknae (a term used to refer to the youngest member of a group) Yuna channelled her inner actress with her performance of "Yet, but," which wouldn't have looked out of place on a West End show, with big props and sparkles. Yeji finished the solo stages with a full-on performance of "Crown on My Head," which showed power, strength, and determination.
With VTs breaking up sections of the concert, the next part of the show saw the perfect mix of popular title tracks with unreal B-Sides. Although some fans knew every song, it was clear that some casual fans were attending, so the addition of “LOCO,” “Sneakers,” and “Cake” meant that everyone could sing and dance along at some point. It didn’t stop the other songs from making an impact, and it saw the members owning the stage and also interacting with fans. The addition of a walkway into the centre of the arena made the show even more interactive and allowed fans around the entire arena to get a closer look at the members. Even during the unofficial “final song” that was “Elevator,” the energy stayed at 110%.
The members knew that fans expected an encore, so as they went to change, it was time for the fans to take the spotlight by having a chance to showcase their dance skills and even some karaoke. MIDZYs definitely take after their idols when it comes to talent, style, and visuals.
When ITZY eventually came back on stage after fans had filled the “cheer meter,” they got straight back into performing. Like all concerts, the encore had ending comments from the members. However, before that, MIDZYs had a special surprise for the members. As the four sat on the stage, they watched a compilation of best bits and messages from fans. In particular, cheers from the crowd whenever Lia appeared on stage made many emotional and while the members did their best to fill the space, her presence was undoubtedly missed. It showcased the strong bond between ITZY and MIDZY, cementing their global fanbase.
Even after a touching video from MIDZYs and the emotional closing comments from the members, the show continued at full energy. In particular, choosing to end the concert with their debut track, "DALLA DALLA," made sure that fans left the venue full of adrenaline, their ears ringing, and still humming along to the songs all the way home.
It took four years, but ITZY finally made it to London and put on an unforgettable show. Whether you’re an ITZY fan or have only listened to their comebacks and albums sporadically, attending a concert of the group is an experience you can’t and shouldn’t miss if you get the opportunity to catch it.
Tickets for more stops for ITZY's Born To Be World Tour can be found here. ITZY can be found on Instagram, and on all major music platforms.
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