Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 7) – It was suddenly all red and full of screams as five men in gray and metallic outfits appeared before thousands of fans at the Big Dome on Saturday, August 5.
iKON opened the show with a 90s style hip-hop song “Tantara,” the title track of their latest album “Take Off.” Filipino iKONICs, as they call their fans, did not disappoint to match the energy on stage as they sang along while waving their red light sticks resembling a baseball bat.The K-pop boy group made sure to gain momentum for the rest of the night as they followed up their opening act with “Sinosijak,” one of their classics.After a show-stopping opening, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan greeted their fans to mark the beginning of the “Take Off” concert in Manila. It was the group’s first world tour since leaving K-pop giant YG Entertainment in December 2022 and signing with 143 Entertainment.“Long time no see, guys!” said DK, the group’s main dancer.“We are in the middle of our tour, first time ever world tour. We have already been to places such as Europe, Japan, but we are so excited to finally visit Manila! We really missed you, guys,” he added.The group first met Filipino iKONICs during their “Continue” tour in 2018. iKON returned to the country in September 2022 as part of the lineup of the “K-pop Masterz Ep. 2 in Manila.As they embark on a new journey in their careers, iKON took the opportunity to catch up with their fans.iKON’s hardcore rapper Bobby shared that he will be releasing a new album with four tracks in October. The group also teased fans about two new songs that will be out this August. The night went on as iKON performed a mix of their classic hits and some of their songs from their new album. Of course, an iKON concert will not be complete without the fans seeing live “Love Scenario”, “Rhythm Ta,” and “Goodbye Road.”’ ’10’:
For the solo stages, each member showed their strengths and personalities. DK delivered a sultry performance with “Kiss Me.” Ju-ne, on the other hand, proved why he is the group’s main vocals with “Want You Back.”Meanwhile, Bobby hyped the crowd with a soulful performance of “Heartbroken Playboy.” Song, who is in charge of the group’s funny side, amused the crowd with his trot song “Fighting.”Jay, who studied in the Philippines and also the eldest member, was not able to perform as he recently enlisted in the military. But fans were not disappointed as his performance clips were incorporated with the group’s live performances on stage.“Earlier, we talked to Jinhwan (Jay’s real name). He said: ‘I’m sorry, the ‘Prince of Philippines’ was not able to come. I miss all of you so much. I almost want to hug each one of you,’” DK shared to the fans.To make iKON’s second concert in Manila more memorable, Filipino iKONICs surprised the group with a tribute video message.Among those who caught the group’s attention was a mute fan who expressed his love and support to iKON through sign language, which made Bobby teary eyed while watching the fan project.“We are not the ones who make this show 100%. You guys are like the most important structure of this world tour,” said Bobby.Because of the fans’ enthusiasm, what was supposed to be a two-hour show was extended for 30 more minutes as iKON performed more songs to cap its Manila concert.“Among the countries that we’ve been for our world tour, Manila knows how to party…Are you ready to jump up and down just like earlier?” DK asked the crowd.
