With K-pop taking the world by storm, South Korea’s number 1 all-girl group’s global tour made a stop in the tri-state area, delighting some 15,000 cheering fans. Lewis Dodley has been following this movement for NY1 since the first groups landed in New York City 13 years ago. Here’s his review of TWICELIGHTS.
Your daughter, your sister, your best friend, the straight-A student you thought had no talent — these and more are the strong evocations K-pop girl groups grow with their fans in general and what TWICE has naturally mastered. Their charming embrace of graceful femininity, while at the same time emitting strength and empowerment through their performances, are among the reasons their bond with fans is so tight. Last Sunday at Prudential Center in Newark, casually known as The Rock, that bond was unmistakable as TWICE put on a stunning performance. The dance moves and musical arrangements were impressive within the group’s persona that embodies performing with the audience, not just for it. They were here to have fun — not just for the audience, but with it.
Mission accomplished.
Other American reviewers might disagree, but to do so ignores that, despite appearances, K-pop groups are not of the same mold and direction. Granted, there are categories that are markedly the same, but groups like BTS have a totally different scope and vision than groups like TWICE. I would give two weeks’ pay to hear Jimin belt out “TT” or “Signal” (whichever is funnier, and don’t take me up on the pay).
One could quibble about a flub here and there, but to do so is to miss the point and the magic TWICE brings to the stage. In Korea, a performance gaffe is often met with comforting applause, indicative of the bond the audience has with the artists. You come to a TWICE concert to scream, cry, sing along, dance and feel. If you let it be an experience instead of just a show, it’s one you’ll never forget.
TWICE kicked things off with a powerful rendition of “Stuck in My Head,” that morphed into a spirited performance of “Touchdown” and a special arrangement of “Cheer-Up,” one of their signature hits. The crowd went wild as Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu greeted them in English. Mina’s absence has been well-documented, but the group performed as if they were nine, even leaving her parts on another track.
Knowing just how much Michael Jackson’s music influenced JYP, I couldn’t help but smile as the group performed “I Want You Back”. It reminded me of the days of when Rain, Wonder Girls and a man with a dream that’s unfolded before our very eyes landed in New York City.
Mission accomplished.
Emotions eventually spilled over as Jihyo started crying for Mina when they sang “After Moon.” The arena was a sea of Mina’s signature color mint green thanks to the thousands of light sticks held by fans. The members then emotionally talked about their love for Mina and how much they miss her. If you weren’t moved, you’re not human.
As a bonafide ajoshi with delusional thoughts that I resemble Eric Mun (I’m black), I had the good sense to be accompanied by my 15-year-old daughter, who had these notes about other aspects of the show:
Part 4: “Sana, Dahyun and Tzuyu did a cover of Beyoncé’s ‘Dance for You’ and they pulled it off very well. Tzuyu picked the song, and they all wanted to do it. Then, Momo and Jihyo did a cover of Taemin’s ‘Goodbye’ and it was amazing! Their dancing was so fluid and coordinated, it’s obvious they worked really hard on it. Then, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, and Chaeyoung did Lady Gaga’s ‘Born this Way.’ It was so cute and empowering, it made me really happy watching them and it was nice that the whole audience could sing along.”
Part 5: “The video for ‘Turn it Up’ played and they came back on stage with ‘Likey.’ There was a big diamond thing that carried them on stage, and it was so beautiful I couldn’t keep my eyes off it. The colors were so pretty, and their outfits were so nice, too, since they resembled the name of the tour. There was also a ONCE mission quiz game, and the audience really had a good time doing it.”
The group almost certainly strategically saved “Signal” for the encore, which sent the crowd into a frenzy. Then after an awkward yet light moment involving Nayeon almost tripping (she laughed along with everyone else) our night with TWICE was over — but not soon forgotten. We had fun.
Mission Accomplished.