iKON D-Day: The Take Off Tour Recap

By Bea Rollo

Pinoy iKONics were thrilled to have a core-memory concert experience as iKON’s 2023 Take Off Tour in Manila hyped up the Araneta Coliseum last August 5.

The big dome glowed with an ocean of vibrant red ‘Konbats’ (iKON’s lightsticks) synced to an energetic opening performance of the group’s classic song “Sinosijak” queued after “Tantara” from their latest album “Take Off”.

Following Jay’s absence in fulfillment of his military enlistment, BOBBY, JU-NE, SONG, DK, and CHAN charmed the crowd with their mesmerizing stage presence as they were warmly welcomed by excited Filipino iKONics.

Now as iKON ventures into another era of music through their recent career breakthrough by joining 143 Entertainment, the show started with the group mentioning releasing new music this August. The group’s charismatic rapper BOBBY also teased fans about his upcoming album by October.

The night was filled with loud cheers and chants as the K-Pop group performed their chart-topping songs such as “Freedom” and “U ” back-to-back.

Solo stages became the highlight of the show as the crowd went wild when their biases performed; starting with DK who went for an alluring performance of “Kiss Me”, while JU-NE went for a calming rendition of “Want You Back”.

On the other hand, BOBBY delivered a powerful performance of “Heartbroken Playboy” and Song showed his quirky side and made everyone jump off their seats to dance with him as he performed “Fighting.”

There was never a dull moment In between the show as the boys showed their love for their fans as they did a little chit-chat with them—sharing their newfound love for enjoying Filipino food and learning Tagalog phrases.

In return, the fans prepared a video tribute fan project which got the boys emotional. 

The show’s finale left everyone at the edge of their seats as the crowd’s favorites “Love Scenario” and “Rhythm Ta” amongst other songs were performed for a 30-minute encore extending the supposedly two-hour concert.

Special Thanks to Pulp Live World and Happee Hour 🙂