IU: HEREH

This summer, South Korean singer-songwriter and pop sensation Lee Ji-eun, better known by her stage name IU, embarked on her long-awaited and first-ever world tour. Despite topping charts for years since her debut sixteen years ago, this tour was her first time playing shows in North America. In the Bay Area, Oakland Arena was transformed into a realm of enchantment, hosting IU on her “HEREH” tour. The tour name is an abbreviation of the themes IU showcased during each section of her concert: Hypnotic, Energetic, Romantic, Ecstatic, and Heroic (to be elaborated further later.) From the moment fans reached their seat in the arena, it was clear this was no ordinary concert. Each seat had a special gift, a pink-lidded metal box containing a photocard, keychain, and magnet – a thoughtful gesture that set the tone for a night filled with connection and surprise.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd’s anticipation reached its peak, IU made her grand entrance rising up from a lift under the raised platform on the stage to kick off the night with a song from her newest E.P., The Winning, entitled “Holssi.” Accompanied by a group of local kids dancing with her, IU created a heartwarming and joyful atmosphere that immediately drew the audience in. This first section of the concert, aptly titled “Hypnotic,” had the crowd immediately spellbound by her presence and performance. During “Bbibbi,” one of her most popular songs, the crowd delivered on the iconic fanchant for the song (fanchants being a staple of K-pop concerts in South Korea, but often missing in shows in the States) with the ad libs thunderous in the room. For the final song of the “Hypnotic” section, she fittingly performed jazzy song “Obliviate,” and it was clear that the entire room had been captivated and she had achieved her goal of hypnotizing the crowd as she sang.

The stage itself was a spectacle, a circular design with a massive screen embedded in the floor, offering visuals that shifted with each song for those seated in the upper sections of the arena. The live band – comprising a drummer, bassist, electric guitarist, two keyboardists, and a percussionist – provided a dynamic and rich sound that elevated IU’s performance to new heights. The arena pulsated with energy as she seamlessly transitioned from one hit to another.

Part two was “Energetic,” where IU performed five upbeat songs that placed her fans at the front and center and got everyone dancing. “Blueming,” a song from her 2019 E.P., Love Poem, which is a classic hit among IU’s immense discography, was a crowd favorite. IU’s production did not hold back either, with laser, confetti, streamers, and so on present all night. “Blueming” was accentuated by an explosion of blue confetti, followed by IU gifting a rose to a fan. The energetic and fun “Coin” had an electrifying laser show, followed by IU gifting a coin to a fan. IU hand-picked who the gifts would go to and was a gesture that encapsulated the evening’s spirit of warmth and connection, one that those two particular fans will remember for sure. The vibrant light show during each song, synchronized with the lightsticks in the audience, turned the entire venue into a sea of blinking light and color. Each song was meticulously crafted, not just as a performance, but as an experience – with the visuals, lights, and music perfectly synchronized to create an immersive world. During this section, IU took the time to take a photo with the crowd on all three sides (with the left side, right side, and down the center) so that everyone could be included. To end the “Energetic” part, she performed “I Stan U,” the ultimate fan song; the large screen behind IU live streamed the fans in the crowd overlaid with IU herself, bringing IU and Uaena together.

As the show progressed, IU continued to engage with her fans in ways that felt deeply personal. During the interlude before the next part of the show, a video of fans lined up outside, getting merch, the crew setting up during the day, rehearsal, sound check, then currently in the venue played. It was clear how much appreciation IU had for each person on the crew involved in the production, just as much as appreciation she had for her fans. It was very clear that the fans were meant to be part of the show as well, with the combination of the well-thought-out coordination of their lightsticks to the color and beats of the show, which added an additional layer of ambiance to the night, as well as their singing and inclusion on the big screens. The next part of the show was “Romantic,” when the show slowed down for some sweet love songs and sentimental ballads. “Meaning Of You,” a duet from her 2014 E.P., A flower bookmark, was turned into a duet with the audience as the fans sang the lyrics each time IU turned her mic towards the crowd. During “Through the Night,” one which she expressed was a personal favorite, the crowd was filled with blue light from the lightsticks as the lyrics appeared on the screen, inviting the audience to sing along. The result was a beautiful, collective voice that filled the arena, with IU smiling, visibly moved by the harmony.

The “Ecstatic” portion of the concert started when IU returned to the stage, in a purple tulle dress which she revealed she was saving for a special show and chose to wear for the Bay Area. Throughout the evening, IU expressed her love for the Bay Area, delighting in the unique barking that she hadn’t encountered before, repeatedly saying, “The Bay Area is legendary,” and telling the audience, “I can’t help but say this, but I love you so much.” The show continued with “Shopper” (The Winning), “Above the time” (Love Poem), and “YOU&I” (2011 E.P. Last Fantasy), upbeat songs performed with a stage full of dancers that brought the dancing back in the crowd. These songs led into the hit from The Winning, “Love Wins All,” where IU performed the song underneath a single spotlight. The emotional swells of the song, heightened by the live band and her passionate singing, had everyone enraptured until the lights went dark.

The chanting (and barking) from the crowd brought IU back to the stage for the “Heroic” encore, which featured a few songs, ending with a rock-version of “Holssi,” bringing the show full circle from the first song. Funnily, before her final song, she told the crowd that it was officially the last song, then continued to say that she has “done 30 shows on this tour… everyone knows what will happen after the last song,” referring to the “en-encore” of the show, an unofficial part of the show when IU is dressed down and ends the night with relaxed after-party vibes. This was done in true IU fashion, as she is known in South Korea to hold “never-ending” concerts, where her concerts would often go until the early morning of the following day as she just jams and sings with the audience. During this part of the show, she got requests from fans in the crowd, and fans came prepared with banners and cards with song titles. The spontaneity of the en-encore, coupled with the band frantically flipping through sheet music, added a touch of authenticity and charm that made the performance feel even more intimate.

During the en-encore, she sang eight songs off the cuff based on fan requests with her band, some in full, like “Lilac,” the title track of her 2021 album of the same name, just a verse for some like for her 2010 hit “Good Day,” and some acapella like “Wallpaper Pattern,” a song she mused that she hadn’t sung in about 10 years. There was minimal stage production during this part of the show, truly making it feel like a laid-back hangout with IU. Whether with a full production or with the stripped back stage, it was clear that she loves to perform onstage and for her fans. She came off as humble and grounded but exuded confidence and joy. Her presence along with her music, her band, the lights, the cheering fans, and the happiness all around translated to an unforgettable show. The three hours flew by, and the night ended with an acoustic rendition of “Palette,” leaving the crowd in a state of blissful satisfaction. As the final notes faded and IU bid her farewell, there was a sense of collective fulfillment, a recognition that what had just transpired was something extraordinary. IU’s performance was a testament to her talent, her passion, and her ability to create a night that will undoubtedly be remembered as legendary.