Yves’ ‘Cosmic Crispy’ tour rightfully showcases what makes her a standout K-pop soloist

MANILA, Philippines — “Welcome to my [Cosmic Crispy] tour in Manila!” Yves greeted a booming Samsung Hall at SM Aura in Taguig City on Tuesday night, September 2. 

“I’m so happy to be here, and it feels like a dream because I’m here for the first time,” she said. 

Fans were quick to fact-check the K-pop artist, though. It actually was her second time to perform in the country (albeit her first time as a soloist). In October 2022, Yves joined her fellow members in K-pop group LOONA in performing at Popstival at the CCP Open Grounds in Pasay City. 

“Oh twice now?” Yves replied after the reminder from fans, then added in Korean, “Well I’m the happiest today so I consider this my first time.”

The year 2022 was a particularly bad time for LOONA. Issues of unfair contract stipulations and unhealthy work schedules led to the removal of Chuu, who was first to voice out the group’s concerns, the rest of the members filing court petitions to suspend their contracts afterwards, and the fans boycotting their then-agency BlockBerry Creative. 

LOONA has since branched out to different paths, which has allowed the members to further showcase the talent and artistry that they are known for. And Yves — who took the path of a soloist — is no exemption. 

I will admit — it was her that first drew my attention to LOONA since I started following the group’s journey in 2019. She is a perfect case of what makes a K-pop artist: breathtaking singing chops, the ability to wipe out a dance floor, and a charming personality that endears a following. Not only that, she displays a unique taste that shows in her work thus far. Most fans online had even called her music “beyond K-pop.”

And she proved all that in the Manila leg of the Cosmic Crispy tour, making her an artist in her own right. 

Yves opened the night with an arresting dance number of “Hashtag,” which was already enough to send fans reeling. Intent to engage with them, Yves then invited the fans to sing along to her next song “Aiboo.” 

What followed is also what makes Yves stand out as an artist — a great command of the stage. In dance numbers, she moved in flawless coordination with her backup dancers. In song numbers when she stood alone onstage, her siren-like voice was enough to captivate the audience. In breaks between performances, she answered questions from fans and made us laugh with her antics — like playfully attempting to mouth out the English translations from her Korean interpreter. 

And in what is personally the highlight of the night, she made a dance floor out of the whole Samsung Hall. She brought all her fans standing when she performed her dance pop hits “LOOP,” “Viola,” and “White Cat.” The concert also included interludes that featured Yves’ club banger “Study” and the TikTok-viral “DIM,” which still sent the audience to hype mode. 

Yves consistently took note of the energy of the Filipino crowd throughout the night. 

“This is my first time to do a Philippine concert as a solo artist. I felt a little bit of pressure and I felt a little bit burdened. But because I see you guys just sing along and enjoy the show with me, I think I can put my heart a bit at rest now,” she shared in Korean at the end of the night. 

“And because Philippine Engdus (the name for Yves’ fanbase) have really good energy and sing really really well, I can’t help but think about how much I really want to be back…. I’m actually sharing the last stop of the CC tour with you guys, and I would like to thank you guys for making this the best version,” she added.  

Yves’ first solo concert in Manila did reflect a happier time for the K-pop artist, as she joyfully sang, danced, and interacted with us fans through the night. To borrow a lyric from “White Cat,” it indeed can’t be better than that night. — Rappler.com