Returning to Los Angeles on their second world tour, the four currently active ITZY members performed to an impressively filled Kia Forum this past Tuesday evening. As the tour is titled to BORN TO BE, the LA show illustrated who ITZY is as a group and as individuals, and why they’re born performers. And although the group is currently missing main vocalist Lia due to her extended hiatus, the members covered her parts seamlessly, hitting her high notes and performing her harmonies naturally and with ease.
The concert focused on showcasing group’s latest album, which featured more synth-pop and rock tracks. VCRs showed the members in a post-apocalyptic, TRON-reminiscent world where subways were flying through the air. Playing the part of the superheroes, the ITZY members go up against a mysterious red meteorite that threatens to destroy the planet, while strutting along the deserted streets in style to the tune of EDM beats. The video elements paired with the music immersed fans, known as MIDZY, in something like a VR game, as the members made their way through the “battlefield.” However, these videos were used as fillers between sets, and the storyline was not really explained or described further. Nevertheless, fans were happy to see the overall aesthetics match the show and album, and the show trekked on.
Similar to the group’s first showcase tour and previous Checkmate tour, the BORN TO BE tour’s setlist was made up of a specific arrangement of songs to show off the group’s versatile charms and talents. The night began at 8pm on the dot, and the first song of the night was the tour’s titular track, “BORN TO BE.” This was followed closely by “RACER,” “KIDDING ME!,” “Mr. Vampire,” which Ryujin shared is one of the group’s favorite songs to perform, “SWIPE,” known for its iconic body shaking choreography, and “WANNABE.” Despite “WANNABE” first being released in 2020, the song was refreshed with a live band, individual dance introductions across the extended and main stage, an instrumental remix, and a dance break from the group’s backup dancers. Starting with the remixed version of the song, the explosive dance break led into the original version, creating a unique mashup that suited both new and old MIDZYs’ taste, and creating one of the top highlight performances of the show.
Following the charismatic performance of “WANNABE,” the group returned to the stage to show off individual talents during their solo stages. Chaeryeong was up first, with a performance of her R&B/pop song “Mine” in a simple white dress. She executed smooth choreography under cool blue lighting and among mirrors set up on the stage. “When I wrote this song, I wanted to use it to share my true feelings with MIDZY,” Chaeryeong revealed later. Next to take the stage was Ryujin, with a grungy rock performance of her song “Run Away” that was matched with ripped jeans and a leather jacket, and passionate red and purple lighting. “I wanted to write a song that encompasses [the vibe of a] villain,” Ryujin began. “If you’re so afraid of getting away from me, I’ll be the villain, so you can just try to run away.”
Completely changing up the feel, Yuna’s solo stage was next. As the youngest member of the group, the young singer showed off her cuteness with her song “Yet, but,” a bubblegum pop track in a glittery outfit against cheerful pink lighting and shimmery backdrops. “I wanted to make a song that would give MIDZY happy and bright energy,” Yuna started. “Did you feel it?!” Rounding out the set of solo performances was leader Yeji, with a fierce performance of “Crown On My Head” that was complemented by strong gold and red lighting, fit for royalty. “When I wrote this song, I was inspired by ITZY and MIDZY, and our signature symbolic crown pose. I [wanted to portray that I] just want to give MIDZY my crown!”
While the group’s first outfits were edgier, with lots of black and red leather and ribbons, the next costumes were much more casual, with baggy low-rise jeans and crop tops. This transition led into more of their new music, with “Untouchable,” “Gas Me Up,” and “Dynamite” lighting up the venue with high energy as everyone sang and danced along. Despite being a little less energetic than the previous songs, “Psychic Lover” also had the crowd up on their feet, as ITZY walked around the extended and main stages before coming together on the walkway during the bridge to make a group sprint down to the extended stage together. This small but meaningful moment was just like a youthful Korean drama, as a group of best friends run towards their future smiling and laughing together.
Wrapping up the section with “Don’t Give A What,” “LOCO,” and a dance break from their backup dancers, the group returned once again with a new segment and new stage outfits. This time, the outfits were more futuristic, with sleek and glossy silver crop tops, skirts, and pants. This third portion of the show began with “Not Shy,” which took on a unique rock sound with the live band’s accompaniment, and shifted into more upbeat pop songs, “CAKE” and “SNEAKERS.” Dubbing this the final portion of the show, the group reverted back to the synth-pop and rock vibe once again, closing out this set with “Kill Shot” and “Escalator.”
In response to a call for an encore, ITZY returned to the stage wearing their tour shirts and simple lilac-colored skirts, showing off their youthful charms with their simplicity. The four members performed “Love is,” “Be in Love,” “Boys Like You,” and “DALLA DALLA” to wrap up the show. During their final talking segment before “Boys Like You,” fans also surprised the group with a special video message from U.S. MIDZYs and a banner project. The group was inspired and touched by the video message, and they finished out the evening with promises to return again, with Lia, to create even more memories with MIDZY.
With a loud shout of their signature slogan, “ITZY, MIDZY, Nalja (let’s fly)!” (있지 믿지, 날자!), the group took their final bow as pink heart confetti erupted into the air and the show came to an official close. Constantly showing their growth with new and improved performances at bigger venues each time they’ve come, ITZY left fans with countless new memories and high anticipation for their next visit to the City of Angels.
