Blackpink in your area - Kuala Lumpur (Stadium Malawati Shah Alam) - 24 Feb 2019

To me, the most parodied K-pop song of 2018 has got to be Blackpink’s “Ddu Ddu Ddu”. The catchy chorus and infectious tempo really grow on you after repeated listening. Blankpink popularity soars to even greater heights with the release of their “Square Up” mini album.  Even kids are uploading their “Ddu Ddu Ddu” covers onto youtube. On Feb 25^th, I can officially scream out loud with fellow  Blinks that “Blackpink is in my area !”.  Quartet Blackpink is embarking on their inaugural world tour, as we speak. Due to massive demand, the organizer added another show after tickets for the first show were snapped up within seconds. In the black market, their ticket is worth a whopping RM11K ! Blackpink phenomenon is no joke, folks ! This being Lisa, Jennie, Ji Soo and Rose’s first ever trip to Malaysia, fans are even more desperado to catch YG’s latest darlings in action. I had anticipated more fanboys to turn up but apparently, female supporters outnumbered the guys. Plus, many children actually attended the show with their parents in tow.

Living up to their widespread appeal, the girls didn’t disappoint with their debut world tour.  Yes, the repertoire maybe limited (probably only 9 or10 ori BP songs) but honestly, I don’t think anyone gives a damn because they gave such a remarkable and passionate performance that it is quite impossible not to show them love. Well, I am officially sold!  Blackpink sets the mood when they burst on stage with the crowd favourite opening number, “Ddu Ddu Ddu” and has our hearts racing for the next two solid hours.  Fans hardly have time to calm down coz the girls were belting out one chart toppers after another, “Forever Young”, “Kiss and Make Up”, “Whistle”, “Bombayah”, “See You Later”, “Really”, “Playing with Fire” , “As If It’s Your Last’ and did a cover of Wondergirl’s “So Hot”.  The members greeted the audience in Malay “Saya Lisa”, “Saya Jennie” after performing their second number, “Forever Young”.

The girls also shines when showcasing their individual talent.  Rose belted Bettle’s classic, “Let It Be”, Park Bom’s “You and I” and label mate, Taeyang’s “Only Look At Me”. Jisoo woo the crowd with “Clarity”. Lisa, the reigning queen of Instagram (also happens to be the k-pop female artiste with the most following) showed off her swag dance style.  The most anticipated solo act is definitely Jennie.  “Solo..lolololo…” the  chorus has fans chanting along enthusiastically. The encore portion consists of two tracks. During the live band version of “Ddu Ddu Ddu”, the girls pranced around the stage like goofballs. Fans threw plushies on the stage for the fab four. The sweet sentimental number, “Stay” brings the concert to an end.  Aside from their stellar showmanship, each member radiates charm, beauty and talent. No wonder in a short span of less than 3 years since their debut, they have achieved such a staggering success. They are not just in your area, they are everywhere !!  In short, they have all the necessary x-factors to dominate the k-pop scene. Plus, with famed producer, Teddy Park’s brilliant composing skills, every Blackpink song is bound to be  runaway hit. I also very pleased with the local organizer. The venue is just the right size and has ample parking space.

Rundown :-

1. Ddu Ddu Ddu
2. Forever Young
3. Stay - remix version
4. Whistle
5. Clarity - Jisoo
6. Intro + Take Me+ Swalla - Lisa
7. Let It Be +You & I + Just Look At Me - Rose
8. Solo - Jennie
9. Kiss and Make Up
10. So Hot
11. Playing With Fire
12. Really (Reggae version).
13. See U Later
14. 16 Shots
15. Boombayah
16. As If It's Your Last
17. Ddu Ddu Ddu - Encore
18. Stay - original version - Encore

Seventeen at The Saem fan sign - Pavilion KL (February 16, 2019)

Reminiscent of “Train To Busan” movie, as soon as the store opens, scores of Seventeen’s fans rushed to Pavilion’s center court in a frenzy speed, as if they are being chased by zombies.  I was totally blown away by Seventeen’s drawing power. By 10.30 am, Carats (Seventeen’s fans) have fully occupied the concourse. Some arrived as early as 4 am at the mall, just so to secure the best spot to catch the 13-member boy-band at “Seventeen X The Saem fan sign” event. The Saem has always utilized the influence of k-pop artistes to sell their products, where G Dragon, Shinee, Red Velvet were all past spokesperson. However, the ambience sure doesn’t feel like a brand launch function.  If I hadn’t known better, I would have envisioned myself at Seventeen’s concert. Carats came armed with freebies to distribute to fellow supporters, placards, banners, towels.. a few were even holding edible carrots (carrot rhymes with carat, get it ?). They sang in unison when Seventeen’s songs blasted in the background…”gomabda…gomabda”(Thanks) or “cha cha cha” (Clap). The fan chant “Seventeen…Seventeen” during Thanks’ music break really turns up the heat at the venue. I may not be a Carat but I do like SVT’s songs and their very synchronized dance moves.

The event was supposed to kick-off at 3 pm but was pushed back till almost 2 hours later ! A very long wait, considering some have been standing since 10 am but I guess we shouldn’t be whining since it’s a free k-pop meet & greet session. When the lads (minus 2 members – one was stuck at the Msian immigration due to travel documents issues, while another was shooting a reality show in China) finally made their way to the stage, they were clearly impressed with the staggering turnout. The guys took turn to say hello to everyone and shared their fave Saem products. Seventeen is definitely no stranger to Malaysia, having been to our shores for two full-fledged concerts for two consecutive years -2017 & 2018 and not forgetting the k-wave show.  I was quite surprised with the height of two members. They sure don’t look that short in their M.V…..LOL.  The organizer also prepared a surprise birthday celebration for Feb birthday boys, Vernon (Leonardo Di Caprio look-a-look) and DK.  As expected, Seventeen performed the adorable Harakeke dance (which looks a lot like the Gwiyomi dance gestures) before signing posters for more than 100 lucky winners.