IVE Deliver An Astounding Display Of Talent For Their ‘SHOW WHAT I HAVE’ Tour – Review

The K-pop scene is filled with a plethora of performers who are ready to prove themselves. Whether it’s through unique artistry, varying degrees of conceptual imagery, or their astounding talents, many gifted musicians are within that elite sphere of the music industry.

IVE have already made quite a strong mark with their astounding debut “ELEVEN” in 2021, while their follow-ups “LOVE DIVE” and “After LIKE” became global hits that solidified the trajectory of their relatively young careers. Their hook-filled, dance-oriented tracks have found a home within the hearts and playlists of audiences around the world, expanding their reach beyond the realm of Korea. Since then, they’ve cultivated a strong following that has only grown over time, making them one of the most promising K-pop acts of this generation.

When news of their impending return to Manila was announced, their loyal fanbase, the DIVEs, were no less than pleased since this concert marked IVE’s return to the Philippine stage after more than a year. Building on the success of their fan concert in June 2023, which featured a blend of song-and-dance numbers and entertaining segments like games, their ‘SHOW WHAT I HAVE’ World Tour focused purely on their performances.

Living up to the tour’s title, the six-member act unveiled fresh performances and showcased new facets of their talent, captivating the crowd with each number. It was clear that IVE have returned to demonstrate the full breadth of their artistry.

The opening set encapsulated IVE’s identity perfectly. Clad in regal white outfits, they began with the anthemic “I Am” — their hit song that blends messages of self-love and empowerment. This was followed by a surprising rock rendition of their club-ready “Royal” and the bold “Blue Blood,” where the girls declare their noble origins, embodying their “chaebol crush” concept.

“We have prepared this world tour to give back our thanks to Dives. Just like the title, ‘SHOW WHAT I HAVE,’ we will show you what we have through this world tour,” said Wonyoung during the early part of the show.

For nearly three hours, IVE delivered a 24-track repertoire that captured a wide array of sounds. They seamlessly transitioned from the hushed tones of “Blue Heart” to the cool, confident charm of “Cherish.” The infectious energy of their debut hit “Eleven” had the crowd singing along to its catchy lyrics and percussive pulse.

The mood shifted dramatically with the heartfelt ballad “Shine With Me,” where the members gave an emotionally charged delivery while seated. The concert’s atmosphere lightened with the breezy, bossa nova-sounding “Lips,” and the groove of “Off the Record” evoked the intimacy of late-night conversations.

During a lighthearted moment between songs, the members shared their favorite Filipino foods. Gaeul, Rei, and Wonyoung affectionately dubbed themselves “banana girls” after indulging in turon (deep-fried banana spring rolls). Yujin opted for the classic Filipino dish, chicken adobo, while Leeseo mentioned how she developed a sweet tooth for ube (purple yam) ice cream. Liz raved about halo-halo, saying, “I tried halo-halo. There were a lot of jellies in it. You know, I love jellies so I liked it. Perfect.”

The concert also featured solo and unit numbers, highlighting the members’ individual talents. Fans were surprised by Gaeul’s twerking during her cover of Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings,” while Rei enchanted the audience with her rendition of Niki’s “Every Summertime.” The two then joined forces for the Spice Girls’ iconic “Wannabe.”

Wonyoung and Liz’s dreamy vocals shone as they sang Richard Sanderson’s “Reality,” while Yujin and Leeseo exuded confidence and charisma with their powerful performance of Little Mix and Nicki Minaj’s “Woman Like Me.” After a chilling horror video featuring the members played on the screens, the girls reemerged on stage in striking black leather outfits, casting a spell over the crowd with “Hypnosis” and “Accendio.”

The concert reached its fever pitch as IVE unleashed a barrage of hits. From “LOVE DIVE” to “Heya” (with stellar crowd-favorite displays of “Kitsch,” “Baddie,” and “After LIKE” spread out in between), the crowd cheered, sang along, and ardently recited the fan chants. Their efforts were not lost on the girls. As Yujin expressed, “I was really, really happy to feel the passion of Manila DIVEs once again.” Rei added, “I was so glad that many of you guys are singing along.”

Near the end of the concert, Rei mentioned the group’s extra effort for “SHOW WHAT I HAVE,” as it was both their first solo concert and world tour. “It was a very happy time for us because Manila DIVEs were more passionate than us,” she said. For Yujin, “Compared to last year, I think it was more meaningful tonight because there are more DIVEs and your cheers are much louder.” Leeseo told fans, “If ever we go back to Korea, I think this moment will be very unforgettable for me. We’ll make sure to come back very soon so please wait for us, okay?”

As the concert drew to a close, the connection between IVE and their fans was palpable. The members expressed their heartfelt gratitude, and the audience’s enthusiasm never waned. Yujin’s words resonated with many: “I can’t wait to visit here again, so always stay tuned and be healthy.”

IVE’s performances throughout the evening showcased their versatility and growth as artists. From the high-energy numbers that got everyone dancing to the soulful ballads that tugged at heartstrings, the concert was a testament to their dedication and talent. Each song highlighted a different aspect of their artistry, proving that IVE is much more than just a typical K-pop group.

In reflecting on the evening, it was clear that the Manila stop of the ‘SHOW WHAT I HAVE’ tour was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of the bond between IVE and their DIVEs. As the lights dimmed and the final notes played, fans left the venue with memories of an unforgettable night, eagerly anticipating the group’s next visit.

As Rei put it, the concert was more than just a performance; it was a demonstration of love and gratitude to their fans. “If ever we go back to Korea, I think this moment will be very unforgettable for me. We’ll make sure to come back very soon so please wait for us, okay?” Leeseo echoed this sentiment, ensuring fans that IVE’s journey with their Manila DIVEs was far from over.

The night ended on a high note, with IVE performing an encore that left the audience cheering for more. The members returned to the stage, dressed in casual outfits, radiating warmth and sincerity. They performed a few more songs, including fan favorites and a special acoustic version of “After Like,” which had the crowd singing along in harmony.

As the final notes of the encore faded, IVE gathered at the center of the stage to address their fans one last time. Wonyoung, visibly moved, said, “Thank you so much for coming tonight and for all your love and support. This tour is our way of showing you what we have, and we’re so happy to share it with you.”

Yujin added, “Your energy and cheers tonight made this concert so special for us. We promise to come back with even better performances next time.” The group then took a moment to take a group photo with the audience, capturing the night’s memories in a single frame.

In just one night, IVE have proven themselves as one of Korea’s brightest musical acts out there — showcasing their immense talent, versatility, and a full-on display of the strong bond between the group and their fans. With what transpired, it’s evident that IVE’s Manila stop on the ‘SHOW WHAT I HAVE’ tour was a resounding success, with the night filled with unforgettable performances, heartfelt interactions, and a promise of more to come.

As IVE continues their tour,  they leave behind a trail of inspired and devoted DIVEs — all of whom eagerly await their next chapter.

Listen to IVE’s latest EP, IVE SWITCH, below: