MALAYSIA – Korean girl group TWICE held their much-awaited world tour “TWICELIGHTS IN KUALA LUMPUR” today (17 August) at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. The group only came with 8 members as vocalist Mina was not present.
The group’s agency, JYP Entertainment made a statement last month that she will drop out of the world tour due to extreme anxiety.
But Mina’s absence did not cause the fans to falter in their support, instead many fans changed the colour of their lightsticks to lime green, the colour that represented Mina. On TWICE’s end, the performance by the 8 members also acknowledged Mina’s parts with the backtrack choreography to emphasise their strong bond as a nonet.
The approximately 150-minute set consisted of bright and colorful audiovisual concepts which spoiled the audience.
That’s what we call girl crush right from the beginning. TWICE started their performance with Stuck In My Head (2019) topped with pyrotechnics effects as they seamlessly weaved in a remixed version of Cheer Up (2016).
They went on to greet local fans. “We wanted to make it up for our Malaysia ONCEs because we were not able to hold our concert last year, so we’ll try our very best to bring to you the best performance we can deliver,” says leader Ji-hyo.
Yes, you heard it right. It’s not TWICE’s first visit to Malaysia, but it is, however, their first time performing for local fans. Unfortunately, their concert last year was abruptly called off because of safety concerns over stage props.
We got splashed with red, which signalled the group’s first unit stage where Sana, Dahyun and Tzuyu covered Beyonce’s sexy single titled Dance for You. Momo also teamed up with Ji-hyo for a dynamic performance of Taemin’s Goodbye.
Don’t be a drag, just be a queen they said. Nayeon, Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung joined forces too for their much awaited cover of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way.
Members came back on stage in fancy outfits, literally. They stood at their positions inside an ajar crystal to perform hits like Likey (2017), What Is Love? (2018) and more. The girls are so eveready and spontaneous, doing a live rendition of the fans’ request, Stuck (2018).
“Last year, we were not able to perform here but finally we are here and I hope it is going to be memorable to all of us” says the dancer of Japanese descent, Momo.
It was definitely an emotional moment for all. Dahyun tried to hold back her tears when she mentioned that Mina could not be with them to complete the TWICELIGHTS World Tour.
One of the best highlights was that the only Taiwanese member in the group, Tzuyu, spoke in Mandarin. “Do you love me?”, asked the 20 year-old singer in a cute manner.Fans felt special and warm with speaking in her native language.
Seems like our favourite dancing machine had also prepared something to say for fans beforehand. “Saya akan balik sini!”she exclaimed, which loosely translates to saying that they will be back here again.
Fans were definitely blessed by the performances and stages from TWICE, and we are hopeful, and certain that the girls will come back better, and stronger. That’s one thing for sure.
