IVE marked their third consecutive year at the famed Lollapalooza music festival, held in major global cities including Berlin, Germany, and Paris, France. They delivered a polished setlist of 15 hit songs such as Love Dive, After Like, I AM, Kitsch, Eleven, and Heya. Their vocal performance showed notable improvement, with all six members exhibiting better breath control and consistent energy throughout the concert.
Among the members, Jang Wonyoung stood out by smoothly executing musically and technically challenging vocals coupled with energetic choreography. She earned praise from fans and netizens alike for her dedication to enhancing her skills despite earlier criticism.
Despite these successes on stage, the audience’s response was surprisingly apathetic and subdued. Numerous fan-shot videos revealed tens of thousands of attendees who were often disengaged—either standing still or chatting among themselves rather than focusing on IVE’s performance. Only small clusters of fans enthusiastically sang along or shouted fan chants; the majority appeared indifferent or confused by the spectacle.
This lukewarm reception sparked online debate. Some viewers suggested that since many attendees were unfamiliar with parts of IVE’s repertoire, their lack of engagement was understandable. Others noted that IVE remains relatively less popular in the US and European markets, where musical tastes differ and Kpop groups beyond globally renowned icons struggle to capture mainstream interest.
The similar reaction at the Paris Lollapalooza reaffirmed this narrative. Despite delivering professional, impactful performances with top-charting Kpop hits, IVE’s stage presence failed to forge strong emotional connections with the predominantly Western audience.
This situation emphasizes a broader reality: while Kpop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have successfully globalized, most Kpop acts—including well-established names like IVE—have yet to deeply penetrate or resonate with the diverse, eclectic musical preferences of Western audiences. Fanbases in Asia do not necessarily translate to mass appeal abroad without strategic marketing, hit singles that cross cultural boundaries, and authenticity that appeals beyond fandom.
Moreover, the multi-genre environment of festivals like Lollapalooza tends to favor rock, indie, EDM, and hip-hop, genres with deep roots in Western culture, making it challenging for Kpop acts to gain traction merely through synchronized dance routines and striking visuals.
In summary, the chilly audience reactions are not failures but critical reminders. For Kpop’s sustained growth in Europe and the US, groups like IVE must enhance their global strategies—offering more than catchy music and perfect choreography. They need to cultivate unique artistic identities and bridge cultural gaps to connect beyond their existing fan communities.
Sources: Netizenbuzz