IRENE transformed The Theatre at Mediacorp into a living storybook on 4 July, bringing fans through a carefully crafted journey of self-discovery during the Singapore stop of her first solo concert tour, I-WILL.
Opening the evening amidst bright pastel visuals and whimsical fairytale-inspired imagery, the Red Velvet leader welcomed fans with a series of performances that reflected the gentle and elegant charm showcased throughout her solo career.
Enhancing the experience was the concert’s dynamic use of live camera work. Borrowing techniques often seen on popular Korean music shows, camera operators moved freely across the stage, circling IRENE and capturing intimate close-ups that were projected onto the venue’s screens in real time. The result was a viewing experience that felt at times like stepping into a live music broadcast, bringing audiences closer to the artist while amplifying the theatrical nature of the production.
As the concert unfolded, the atmosphere gradually shifted. Dreamlike landscapes drenched in pitter patters gave way to darker, more mysterious imagery, revealing a different side of IRENE. The stage transformed into an abandoned house shrouded in cold winds and icy hues, where doll-like visuals and the recurring appearance of a black rabbit introduced an unsettling yet captivating chapter of the story.
Accompanied by haunting narration, including the line, “Say it’s okay, they won’t hurt you,” IRENE leaned into the darker themes of the production, emerging in a striking black outfit as she delivered some of the evening’s most powerful performances. The imagery culminated with the symbolic closing of a gate, marking the end of one chapter before the beginning of another.
Following “SPIT IT OUT”, a visually rich VCR expanded on the concert’s overarching narrative. Appearing as a rabbit travelling through space aboard a small spacecraft, IRENE journeyed across worlds in search of a place to belong. Along the way, she encountered fellow rabbits and explored unfamiliar planets, before finally arriving at a destination where, for the first time, she found herself wanting to stay.
The transition into “Don’t Wanna Get Up” brought a noticeable change in mood. The darker, colder atmosphere gave way to a lighter and more comforting stage, reflecting the sense of warmth and belonging introduced in the VCR sequence.
While the production elements impressed throughout the evening, some of the night’s most memorable moments came during the encore. Returning to the stage to thunderous cheers, IRENE spent an extended amount of time interacting with fans, engaging in playful conversations and heartfelt exchanges that drew laughter and applause from the audience.
The lengthy interactions allowed fans to see a more relaxed and candid side of the artist, with many remarking that the Singapore stop featured some of the most extensive fan engagement seen on the tour so far.
By the time the final notes rang out across the venue, it was evident that I-WILL was more than just a showcase of IRENE’s solo discography. Through its fairytale beginnings, darker introspective chapters and ultimately hopeful conclusion, the concert served as a reflection of an artist continuing to carve out her own identity while bringing fans along for the journey.
For one evening in Singapore, IRENE invited fans into her universe — and judging by the response from the crowd, many were more than happy to stay.
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