By Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

KOREAN Pop girl group ITZY opened their 2023 world tour in Manila with a two-day sold out concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Who is ITZY?

ITZY is a South Korean girl group composed of Hwang Yeji, its leader; Choi Jisu, popularly known as Lia, main vocal; center Shin Ryujin; main dancer Lee Chaeryeong; and their youngest or maknae Shin Yuna.

The 4th gen K-pop girl group has e a decent fan base in the Philippines who are called Midzys.

Manila is the first stop of the Asian-leg of “<Checkmate>,” Itzy’s World Tour Concert in 2023.

Concert scene

Yeji led the group in pumping up their Filipino Midzys over the weekend with fiery performances of title tracks from their released albums.

With a fire-burning performance of “Mafia in the Morning,” the group set the mood inside the jampacked arena.

The crowd went loco and bopped to ITZY’s balance of swag and charm as they performed their hit songs “Dalla Dalla,” “Wannabe”, ”Not Shy”, “Icy,” “Sneakers” and “Cheshire.”

The solo performance of their members also showcased the uniqueness of their talents as individuals. The Midzys loved them more as they cheered for their respective idol in the group.

Ryujin, Yeji thank Filipino Midzys

During break, Ryujin said they really love the energy of the Filipino fans that they felt the need to put their best foot forward.

The cheers, she said, energized and inspired them to give more than their best on stage.

“We are so happy to be on stage, thanks to Midzy’s cheering and energy,” she said.

The group’s center admitted to the fans that some of their songs have complicated choreography particularly “Dalla,” “Wannabe” and “Sneakers.”

The dance steps, she said, were tiring, but the fans’ chant kept them electrified.

On her part, Yeji said she is very thankful for the memorable concert in the Philippines as their first stop.

The group’s leader said their team will be working hard so that they could come back to the country for another performance.

In 2019, ITZY first came to the Philippines months after their debut, for a fan meeting.