IU Celebrates 100th Solo Concert with Historic Encore Performance at Seoul World Cup Stadium

Sep 23, 2024

IU not only successfully completed her encore concert but also spent a meaningful weekend celebrating the milestone of her 100th solo concert.

She hosted the "2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT ENCORE: THE WINNING" at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 21st and 22nd, marking the grand finale of a world tour that spanned about six months.

Starting with a spectacular opening at KSPO DOME in Jamsil, Seoul, in March, IU performed in 18 cities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, connecting closely with UAENA through her music. After completing the extensive tour schedule, she returned to Seoul to perform on a larger stage at Seoul World Cup Stadium. The encore concert, titled "The Winning," symbolized the final chapter of her triumphant journey, raising expectations for her future after completing this global tour.

During the encore performance, IU delivered a setlist packed with hits, including ‘Holssi’, ‘Jam Jam’, ‘Ah puh’, ‘Bbibbi’, ‘Celebrity’, ‘Blueming’, ‘Lilac’, ‘Palette’, and fan favorites like ‘Last Fantasy’, ‘Secret’, and ‘Unlucky’. She also captivated the audience by performing ‘Bye Summer’ on the guitar—a song performed for the first time exclusively for this concert in Sangam. The song, composed by Seo Dong-hwan, who also composed ‘Love Wins All’, features lyrics co-written by IU. Reflecting on the summer tour, she shared, “This summer felt exceptionally long during the tour. But I want to say that this summer was the best I've ever had with you, so I'm playing this song for you. I wanted to perform it because the summer was especially long and I loved every moment of it.”

A significant moment unfolded during the concert on the 22nd, as it marked IU's 100th solo concert. She celebrated this extraordinary achievement with a surprise appearance of a large cake and heartfelt congratulations from the audience, staff, and fans. The concert, showcasing IU's long-standing success as a solo artist, created an unforgettable scene filled with emotions and milestones.

The concert also featured impressive stage production effects, including a breathtaking show of 1,000 drones lighting up the sky over Seoul World Cup Stadium and spectacular moments where IU appeared to soar through space. As part of a tribute during the concert, photos of several inspiring female musicians—including Patti Kim, Joe Won-sun, and NewJeans member Hye-in—were displayed on the electronic screen. IU revealed that she had received permission to use their portraits for the performance, expressing her deep respect and gratitude for these women who inspired her throughout her career.

In addition to the concert itself, IU showed her thoughtfulness by setting up a ‘Holssi Zeon’, a relaxation space for the audience waiting to enter, complete with cushions and telescopes. Fans reciprocated IU’s attention to detail by singing along to every song, and they surprised her with a slogan event, warming the atmosphere. IU concluded the night with a sincere expression of gratitude, bidding a heartfelt farewell to the audience.

This encore concert also made history, as IU became the first female artist to perform at Seoul World Cup Stadium. She previously became the first female musician to perform at the Olympic Main Stadium in Jamsil with her "2022 IU CONCERT: The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun", making her the first female artist to perform in all the largest stadiums in Korea.

With each performance, IU continues to impress both visually and musically, and her future endeavors are eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike.

jyn2011@sportschosun.com