[Concert Review] TWICE Brings Pure Magic to the KIA Forum with TWICELIGHTS – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Night
The night of July 17, 2019, at the KIA Forum wasn’t just any concert night—it was TWICELIGHTS in LA, a moment I had waited years for as a ONCE. And this time, not only was I seeing TWICE live, but I had barricade—front and center, where every smile, every move, every beat would feel within reach.
Yet, as much as my heart raced with excitement, there was one bittersweet piece of news hanging over the night—Mina, my bias, wouldn’t be attending due to health reasons. I had bought VIP for the Hi-Touch just to see her, and finding out she wouldn’t be there was heartbreaking. But if there’s anything I’ve learned from being a ONCE, it’s that TWICE’s music isn’t just about fun performances—it’s about comfort, love, and support. And that night, I was ready to cheer for the girls louder than ever, for Mina and for all of TWICE.
✨ A Grand Entrance and an Emotional Start
The moment the lights dimmed, the ocean of candy bongs began to glow, illuminating the venue with TWICE’s signature colors. A deafening roar filled the KIA Forum as the VCR intro played, hyping up the crowd. And then, as if time had stopped, TWICE stepped onto the stage, looking absolutely radiant in their opening outfits.
They launched into "Stuck in My Head," setting the energy ablaze with sharp choreography and a powerful presence that was undeniable. But when the opening notes of "Cheer Up" started, the weight of Mina’s absence truly hit. There was an emotional shift—ONCEs sang even louder, as if trying to fill the space she left behind. And when the members called out Mina’s name, the crowd erupted into chants of "We love you, Mina!", a heartfelt moment that reminded me why being part of this fandom is so special.
💖 VIP Barricade – A ONCE’s Dream Come True
Standing at barricade, every interaction felt surreal. I could see Nayeon’s playful winks, Jeongyeon’s effortless coolness, and Momo’s unreal stage presence up close. There were moments where Sana’s eye contact made my heart stop, and Dahyun’s endless energy felt contagious.
Jihyo, as always, was an absolute powerhouse, commanding the stage like the queen she is. Chaeyoung and Tzuyu, despite being on the more reserved side, had moments where they spotted fans and flashed the sweetest smiles. But one of the most memorable moments was during "What is Love?", when TWICE pointed their microphones toward us, and the entire crowd screamed the lyrics back at them—a true connection between artist and fans.
🎶 A Setlist of Pure Joy and Nostalgia
The TWICELIGHTS setlist was a rollercoaster of emotions, blending classic TWICE anthems with B-side gems that hit just as hard live. Some of my personal highlights:
"Fancy" – Seeing the iconic choreography live was next-level electrifying.
"TT" – Even after years, the energy of this song never fades—the crowd went wild.
"After Moon" – A truly emotional moment, as fans waved "We miss you, Mina" banners.
"Dance the Night Away" – The moment the entire venue turned into a beach party, and we all jumped in sync.
Even though Mina wasn’t physically there, her presence was felt throughout the entire night. Every time a part where she normally sings came up, the fans sang even louder, making sure she knew we were thinking of her.
🤝 Hi-Touch: A Dream and a What-If
If there was one part of the night that was the hardest for me, it was the Hi-Touch experience. I had bought VIP just to meet Mina, to tell her how much her music means to me, and suddenly, that moment wasn’t going to happen. But even without her, the Hi-Touch with the rest of TWICE was unforgettable.
Seeing them up close, even for just a few seconds, was overwhelming. Jeongyeon had such a cool and collected aura, Dahyun was all smiles, and Jihyo’s presence was just as powerful up close as it was on stage. Tzuyu was breathtakingly gorgeous, Momo was so sweet, and Sana’s bubbly personality was enough to melt my heart. I may not have gotten to see Mina, but in that moment, I knew she would have been proud of how much love filled the room that night.
🌟 A Night I’ll Never Forget
Despite the bittersweet absence of Mina, TWICELIGHTS at the KIA Forum was a night of pure joy, love, and connection. It was a reminder of why TWICE isn’t just a group—they’re a family, and so are we, the ONCEs who support them.
Leaving the venue that night, my heart was full of gratitude. I had experienced TWICE at barricade, I had witnessed their magic up close, and I had been part of something so much bigger than just a concert—a community that sings, cheers, and stands together, no matter what.
TWICE always says they’ll always be with ONCE, and on that night, at TWICELIGHTS in LA, that promise felt more real than ever.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
