My Ultimate IVE Concert Experience, Barricade, Soundcheck & Send-Off
I got to experience my first-ever barricade, soundcheck, AND send-off with IVE, and I genuinely don’t think anything will top this night for a long time.
First of all, getting to the venue was a struggle 😭. Hard Summer was happening across the street at SoFi Stadium, so traffic was absolutely insane. A lot of DIVEs ended up arriving just on time or late because of it, and the VIP check-in line was super long. Thankfully, once we got through, we received our send-off wristbands, barricade wristbands, and VIP merch. The merch was honestly really cute, it included a pencil/makeup pouch, masking tape, all 10 photocards, a heart keychain, and a travel document holder.
Photo Credits to Andy Keilen
Soundcheck was honestly one of my favorite parts of the entire experience. The members were SO interactive. They were constantly waving, making hearts, looking around at everyone, and even doing requests from fans’ signs (like the scuba pose 😂). They talked about what they’ve been doing in LA, and Yujin mentioned they’ve mostly been shopping while they’re here. The biggest surprise was that they performed FOUR songs. Usually, soundchecks are only about 2-3 songs, so getting four felt like such a treat. After soundcheck ended, I walked around, took pictures, and bought some merch before the concert started.
The intro was INSANE. It was so cinematic and eye-catching, and each member came out one by one before jumping straight into the opening songs. Something that surprised me was that they performed a lot of songs before introducing themselves. Most concerts I’ve been to usually have introductions near the beginning, so this felt a little different.
The solo stages came next. I do wish they were a little longer because each member’s stage was amazing, but every member still had their own moment to shine.
Photo Credits to Andy Keilen
Then came my FAVORITE outfits, the angel outfits. 🪽 They looked absolutely stunning, and this was also the section where the concert became softer and more dreamy with songs like “Off The Record.” The best part? I was matching them! My outfit was inspired by their actual tour outfit, and they noticed me multiple times throughout the night. That honestly made my entire experience and is something I’ll never forget.
After that, they dramatically ripped away the angel outfits to reveal shiny metallic silver tops, and the energy immediately picked back up for the rest of the show.
One thing no one prepared me for THE AMOUNT OF CONFETTI.
Photo Credits to Andy Keilen
I’m not exaggerating when I say the confetti cannons probably went off at least five times throughout the concert. They weren’t tiny pieces either, they were these super long streamers that wrapped around literally everyone on the floor. By the end of the show, people were covered in confetti like little burritos. It was honestly hilarious.
The encore was so much fun because the members spent so much time interacting with everyone. They walked around the stage, waved, made hearts, and tried to look at as many fans as possible.
Then, just when everyone thought it was over…
SECOND ENCORE!!
Photo Credits to Andy Keilen
It started with Wonyoung being a DJ for “Supernova Love,” and the timing couldn’t have been funnier since Hard Summer was literally happening right next door. It honestly felt like the Kia Forum turned into its own K-pop rave for a few minutes 😂. They ended the night with “After LIKE,” which couldn’t have been a more perfect closing song.
The send-off was such a wholesome experience. The members looked even prettier up close (seriously, pictures do NOT do them justice), and they were incredibly kind. They were smiling, waving, taking pictures with fans, and trying to interact with everyone as they walked by.
I even got to ask them if they liked my outfit since it was inspired by one of their actual tour outfits. Getting to have that little interaction made all the planning worth it, and it’s definitely a memory I’ll hold onto forever.
Photo Credits to Andy Keilen
Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IVE absolutely exceeded every expectation I had. Between my first barricade, an amazing soundcheck, a super interactive concert, the endless confetti, the surprise second encore, and such a memorable send-off, this was easily one of the best concert experiences I’ve ever had.
They’re incredible performers, their stage presence is unreal, they’re so sweet with fans, and every part of the experience felt worth it.
One of the best nights everrrrrr. 💖
Lastly, a huge thank you to everyone behind the scenes at 42West who helped make this experience possible and for giving us the opportunity to cover IVE. We truly appreciate the trust and support, and we're grateful to have been part of such an unforgettable night. We hope to cover IVE again in the future and can't wait to see what they do next. 💖
