Written by Princess Baltazar
Photos courtesy of PULP Live World and EDAM Entertainment

It was a lovely and euphoric reunion for South Korean singer-songwriter and actress IU and her Filipino UAENAs  (IU’s official fandom) during her “H.E.R.E.H” World Tour at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on June 1, making her the first Korean soloist to headline a concert at what is touted as the world’s largest indoor arena.

The excitement was palpable as the fans finally glimpsed their beloved celebrity after five years. 

Deafening cheers and lightsticks that were perfectly in sync with the music filled the 55,000-seating capacity indoor arena the moment IU stepped onto the stage, basking in the energy and love of the Filipino crowd. 

She opened the show with “Holssi” from her sixth mini album “The Winning.”

The concert was divided into four parts, Hypnotic, Energetic, Romantic, and Ecstatic, showcasing IU’s varied discography and as a total performer. 

Just like IU’s last tour in Manila back in 2019, MAAENAs displayed once again their loud screams and unwavering passion, expressing their adoration for the singer. IU praised the all-out cheers and unmatchable energy of the Filipino crowd and even gave them 300 points. 

“Ang mga sigaw ninyo, it really goes beyond my expectations,” she told the audience in Korean. 

IU greeted her fans with some Filipino phrases like “mabuhay” and “na-miss ko kayong lahat.” She also learned other phrases such as “ang galing,” “ang ganda,” “masaya ako,” at “walang uuwi.”

For the rest of the first part, she performed some of her old songs including “Jam jam,” “Ah Puh,” “Bbibbi,” and “Obliviate.”

The crowd joined in a chorus of sing-alongs when IU performed her hit singles like “Celebrity,” “Blueming,” and “Eight.”

Proving her versatility across various genres, the South Korean singer flawlessly transitioned from Latin pop like “Havana to a ballad “Through the Night.”

Bringing a wave of nostalgia in the next set, IU sang her hit song “You and I,” bringing the fans back to cherished memories.

The chart-topping singer also performed tracks from her latest extended play “The Winning,” including “Shopper,” “Shh,” and “Love Wins All” which sent fans into a frenzy when an alternate ending of the music video featuring BTS member V was shown on the VCR. 

One of the highlights of the show was when IU surprised her supporters with her rendition of “Pasilyo” by OPM band SunKissed Lola. 

To make the night more meaningful, dedicated MAAENAs had also prepared a special fan project for IU. Fans raised the banners with the message “IU, who stan UAENAs, we’re stanning you too!” during her “I Stan U” performance.

Right before the encore, the Filipino crowd showed their vocal prowess as everyone sang along to the classic hit “Good Day.” They even tried to reach the famous three-octave high note of IU!

Known for her en-encore, IU granted song requests from the audience, treating them to a medley of eight songs, “Someday,” “Give You My Heart,” one of the original soundtracks (OST) from the hit K-drama “Crash Landing on You,” “My Sea,” “Lilac,” “Strawberry Moon,” “Well,” and “Palette.”

As the show came to a close, IU promised to be back, saying it would not take another five years of waiting. 

From grand stages to remarkable production, IU and her fans come together in perfect harmony