Just Me ( )I-dle was the debut concert tour headlined by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. The name was derived from the lyric featured in the song "Tomboy" of their first studio album, I Never Die (2022). The world tour commenced with three shows in Seoul on June 17, 2022, and continued onto several cities in Asia, North America, and South America, comprising 21 shows in 18 countries.[1][2][3] This is the group's first in-person concert tour since their debut in 2018. The tour ended on October 1, in Singapore.[4]
Background
On May 12, Cube shared an official announcement through a poster on social media that the group's 3rd tour will be called 2022 (G)I-dle World Tour "Just Me ( )I-dle" with the first leg kicking off in Seoul.[5] Cube added additional concerts in Seoul not long after due to overwhelming demand.[6] It was reported that all three dates in Seoul including the additional date were sold out in three minutes.[7] Due to huge demand, the group's New York City and Mexico City show has been moved to a larger venue from Webster Hall to Terminal 5 and Auditorio BB to Pepsi Center WTC, respectively.[8][9] The concert in Japan on September 16 and 17, was a 2-day virtual pay-per-view concert through distribution platform, Uliza.[10]
Concert synopsis
The five-themed performance overwhelms the stage with different performances and atmospheres – '[HEROiNE: Cliché] JUST ME (G)I-DLE' filled with the group's trademark visual color, 'a tragic HEROiNE' which was tied traditional Korean folk elements, 'I NEVER DIE' which kicked off the incorporation of a live band, the pop-punk reminiscent 'THiS iS My ATTiTUDE,' and lastly, the encore stage 'iT NEVER ENDS: NEVERLAND'.[11] The show begins with (G)I-dle appearing on the stage in all-black outfits under a red light with swirling smoke effects, haunting Gregorian chant filling the dark venue and the sound of the bell opening into "Oh My God", then continued with "Villain Dies" and debut single "Latata" while the fans coloured the venue with light sticks.[12][11][13] The first theme finished with "Blow Your Mind," "Senorita", and summer songs "Dumdi Dumdi" and "Luv U", which they performed with a tropical backdrop and gold streamers falling over the stage and crowd.[11]
In the second theme of 'a tragic HEROiNE', (G)I-dle appeared in floral dresses that incorporated traditional Korean folk motifs, embroidered with white and red flowers.[14] The stage design centering around dream-like concept with a large moon, which subsequently served as the backdrop to the performance of "Hann (Alone in Winter)", "Hann (Alone)", "Moon", "Already", "Hwaa" accompanied by dancers reflecting the refined mood of these songs' concepts. As they danced, the moon would shift into different colours and shapes, with the members' shadows projected behind them.
The third theme was 'I Never DiE', (G)I-dle performed their 2019 Queendom single "Lion" and "Liar," where they joined by their back-up dancers and a live band, who remained to perform behind them throughout the rest of the concert. The stage was designed to match the original 'regality' of the "Lion" finale performance, with the members performing in front of a royal red backdrop with large golden frames outlining the jumbotron stage video.[11] In addition, from the stage of "Lion", all the members used hand microphones. For the "Liar" stage, the group performed using a standing microphone.[15]
The group proceeded with "Never Stop Me" to start the fourth segment 'I NEVER DIE', during which they performed while running around the stage and interacting with the live band in a way that mimicked a lively rock concert, and subsequently performed "Uh-Oh".[11] After the song ended, Yuqi boasted, "I like band music, I did it with wonderful people while preparing for the concert."[14] Next, (G)I-dle sang "My Bag", which has a catchy hip-hop melody and performs a strong hip-shaking (twerking) choreography. The members battled for the place of 'Twerking Queen, ' making the audience laugh as they set out to determine which one could do the twerk-like "My Bag" point choreography the best.[11][16][12] They then sings a cover of K/DA's "Pop/Stars" and performs an explicit version of "Tomboy". The concert ended with "I'm the Trend", "Polaroid", and "Escape", during which the songs were performed as an encore under the theme 'ENCORE iT NEVER ENDS: NEVERLAND'.[17]
Critical reception
Lee Seung-rok of My Daily praised the team's professionalism in the fifth year of debut and their comfortable performance on stage, being this their first offline concert. He wrote: "(G)I-dle's abilities reached their peak when they performed "Hwaa" that was released last year after going through the songs of the same name, "Hann (Alone)", "Hann (Alone in Winter)". This is because, with leader Soyeon, Miyeon, Minnie, Yuqi, and Shuhua in the lead, the members' mixed songs, gestures, eyes and expressions felt as if they were looking at a work of art. Last year, the remaining members filled the vacancy left by a member, and the synergy of the whole (G)I-dle has matured."[18] Kim Hee-seo from Celev acknowledged "(G)I-dle's colourful set list that contains their unique personality was pleasing to the eyes and ears - from rock music to bands and hip-hop" and added that she enjoyed the stage regardless of whether it was their first offline concert and world tour.[14] Kim Soo-jung from No Cut News commenced that the performance shown by (G)I-dle shows "why [they] are recognized as 'stage-type' and 'performance-type' singers."[15] Reviewing the same show, Lee Mi-young of Joynews24 wrote: For over two hours, they showed unshakable singing ability on stage and added perfection to the stage with their splendid performance. Through various stages ranging from 21 songs, they exuded various charms, exuding their unique charisma, sexy, and girl crush, as well as cute and lovely. Costumes such as black hot pants, crop tops, and dresses with flower decorations delighted the eyes of the fans, and the live band lit up on the stage to show off the sound.[19]
After San Francisco's show, in a review from This Is Hype!, Duey Guison commended the (G)I-dle's vocals stating they were "singing live–and it's very evident especially with Minnie, Yuqi, Miyeon, and Shuhua singing their respective lines and Soyeon simply standing out with her killer rap lines" while also praised their "impressive" stage interaction with the audience as they were "very lively" without the need for translators and praised the costume production "that were fit for every arc of the concert". He concluded in his review that they "set a good barometer on what to expect in a live KPop concert".[20] Evi from The Seoul Story, who reviewed the Kasablanka concert in Jakarta, wrote that the group "proved they are multi-talented in presenting diverse sides of themselves on stage while blending them all into one cohesive storyline", and concluded that "(G)I-DLE successfully pulled off a memorable night ... with their authentic selves and amazing performances".[21]
A reviewer from Selective Hearing was mixed in his review during the Seattle concert, saying it "(G)I-dle was still fantastic from far away" and "It was not the fault of (G)I-dle". He was critical towards the external things outside the stage – dead crowd, cramped space, heat exhaustion, dehydration, cell phone cameras blocking the view, fast-paced hi-touch event feeling like "slapping random gloved hands attached to pretty women".[22]
Set list
This set list is from the shows in Seoul, South Korea. It is not intended to represent all shows from the tour.
During the encore stage of the second show in Seoul, "Polaroid" was replaced by a performance of "Escape".
During the encore stage of the third show in Seoul, "Polaroid" was again performed before being followed by "Escape".
Starting from the Los Angeles show, "Polaroid" and "Escape" were removed and replaced by the English Version of "Latata" at the encore stage, for the duration of the North and South America legs.
During the show in Mexico City, Shuhua left the stage during "My Bag" due to fatigue, but returned at "I'm the Trend". "Latata (English version)" and "Tomboy" were swapped on the set list with "Latata (English version)" being performed before "Tomboy".[23]
During the encore stage at the Bangkok show, "Polaroid" and "Escape" were re-added to the setlist, replacing the English Version of "Latata". A fan project was organized to celebrate Soyeon's birthday in advance by holding up a birthday banner in during her rap.[24]
During the encore stage of the Jakarta show, "Polaroid" was re-added to the setlist.[21]
During the encore stage of the Kuala Lumpur show, "Polaroid" was replaced by a performance of "Escape". A fan project was organized to celebrate Yuqi's birthday according to the Lunar calendar by holding up a birthday banner before the encore.[25]
During the encore stage of the Manila show, "Polaroid" was re-added to the setlist.
During the encore stage of the Tokyo shows, "Polaroid" and "Escape" were re-added to the setlist.
During the encore stage of the Singapore show, "Polaroid" was replaced by a performance of "Escape".
Tour dates
List of concerts, showing date, city, country, venue, and attendance
(G)I-dle performing "I'm the Trend" at their Seoul, South Korea concert on June 17.
(G)I-dle in all-black outfits for the theme HEROiNE: Cliché.
(G)I-dle in floral dresses incorporated with traditional Korean folk motif outfits for the theme a tragic HEROiNE.
(G)I-dle performing "Latata" at their Seoul, South Korea concert on June 18.
(G)I-dle performing "Senorita" during soundcheck at their San Francisco, U.S. concert on July 24.
(G)I-dle performing "Dumdi Dumdi" at their San Francisco, U.S. concert on July 24.
A large moon served as the backdrop during a tragic HEROiNE segment.
Minnie and Yuqi performed using a standing microphone during "Liar".
(G)I-dle performing "Tomboy" at their San Francisco, U.S. concert on July 24
Miyeon holding fan gifts and banners during encore.
Notes
^The concert on August 5, 2022, was originally set to take place at Webster Hall due to high demand.
^The concert on August 12, 2022, was originally set to take place at Auditorio BB due to high demand.
References
^Moon, Wan-sik (May 12, 2022). "(여자)아이들, 첫 월드투어..서울→싱가포르 16개 지역 공연" [(G)I-DLE, first world tour..Seoul→Singapore 16 regional performances] (in Korean). Star News. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
^Woo-bin (June 29, 2022). "(여자)아이들, 월드투어 방콕·쿠알라룸푸르 추가 공연 결정" [(G)I-DLE, World Tour Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur additional performances decided] (in Korean). TenAsia. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
^Cheon, Seol-hwa (October 2, 2022). "(여자)아이들, 서울 → 싱가포르 18개 지역 돌며 글로벌 팬 열광시켰다" [(G)I-DLE, Seoul → Singapore 18 regions, enthusiastic global fans] (in Korean). Star Daily News. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
^Song, Su-min (October 2, 2022). ""꿈과 열정의, 네.버.랜.드"…(여자)아이들, 성장 보고서 (싱가포르)" ["Dreams and passions, yes Ver. Land"... (G)I-DLE, Growth Report (Singapore)] (in Korean). Dispatch. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
^Lee, Mi-young (May 17, 2022). (여자)아이들, 첫 월드투어 서울 공연 선예매 매진 '티켓파워' [(G)I-DLE, first world tour Seoul concert sold out 'Ticket Power']. JoyNews24. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
^Ko, Seung-ah (May 31, 2022). (여자)아이들, 첫 월드투어 서울 추가 공연도 전석 매진 [(G)I-DLE, first world tour Seoul additional performances sold out]. News1. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
^ abJeong, Tae-yoon (June 18, 2022). "오늘 우린, 꿈을 이뤘다"…(여자)아이들, 180분의 마법 (콘서트) ["Today, we achieved our dream"... (G)I-DLE, 180 Minutes of Magic (Concert)] (in Korean). Dispatch. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
^Lee, Mi-young (June 17, 2022). (여자)아이들 "첫 오프라인+첫 월드투어, 5년 기다렸다" 감격 [(G)I-DLE "First offline + first world tour, I waited 5 years" moved] (in Korean). JoyNews24. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
^ abcKim, Hee-seo (June 19, 2022). [무대 SHOUT] (여자)아이들, 4년 만에 네버랜드와 함께…월드투어 첫 걸음(종합) [[Stage SHOUT] (G)I-DLE, together with Neverland after 4 years... World Tour First Step (Comprehensive)] (in Korean). Celuv. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
^ abKim, Soo-jung (June 18, 2022). [노컷 리뷰]칼 간 (여자)아이들, 첫 '월드투어'…"이제부터 꽃길만" [[No Cut Review] Karl Gan (G)I-DLE, first 'world tour'... "From now on, only flower paths"] (in Korean). No Cut News. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
^Kim, Ye-na (June 17, 2022). (여자)아이들 슈화, 트월킹 수위 조절 실패…"막내 많이 커" [(G)I-DLE’s Shuhua, failed to control the twerking water level… "The youngest is very big"] (in Korean). XSportsNews. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
^Nam, Sang-baek (June 20, 2022). (여자)아이들 월드투어 포문...서울 공연 성료→소연 "3일이 하루같았다" [(G)I-dle World tour kick-off... Seoul performance completed → Soyeon "3 days felt like a day"] (in Korean). Single List. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
^Lee, Seung-rok (June 17, 2022). 예술이었다…(여자)아이들, 첫 오프라인 콘서트 [MD현장](종합) [It was art… (G)I-DLE, First Offline Concert [MD Field] (General)] (in Korean). My Daily. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
^Lee, Mi-young (June 18, 2022). [종합] (여자)아이들, 눈물로 약속한 '꽃길'…월드투어 서막 [[General] (G)I-DLE, the 'flower road' promised with tears... World tour prelude] (in Korean). JoyNews24. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
^Huang Peijuan (September 10, 2022). "(GI-DLE用中文送中秋祝福 宋雨琦惊喜庆生" [(G)I-DLE sends Mid-Autumn Festival blessings in Chinese to Song Yuqi's surprise birthday]. Sin Chew Daily. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
^Kim, Jin-seok (August 9, 2022). "(여자)아이들, 美 8개 도시 월드투어로 입증한 '글로벌 스타'" [(G)I-DLE, a 'global star' proven through their world tour in 8 US cities]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved October 11, 2022 – via Naver.
^Ji, Min-kyung (August 16, 2022). "(여자)아이들, 월드 투어 남미 공연 성황리 마무리..글로벌 대세 입증" [(G)I-DLE successfully wraps up their world tour in South America ... proving the global trend]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved October 11, 2022 – via Naver.