By Syakirah Nor
K-POP powerhouse Kim Han-bin, better known by his stage moniker B.I., recently concluded his highly successful The Last Parade Asia Tour with a spectacular final flourish at the Mega Star Arena in Kuala Lumpur.
The Malaysian stop held particular significance as it marked the grand finale of a tour that began in Seoul on July 26.
It was a truly electric night as 2,000 members of his dedicated fandom, dubbed ID or Be Identity, turned up in full force. Their vibrant cheers, fervent chants, and the glowing sea of lightsticks completely illuminated the arena, underscoring the rapper's appeal.
Taking to the stage, the 28-year-old artiste immediately cranked up the energy, launching into a powerful rendition of 'Parade'. It set an electrifying tone for the evening, with the devoted crowd roaring along to every rhythm.
Throughout the concert, B.I., who famously debuted with the South Korean boy band iKon in 2015 before branching out as a solo star in 2021, demonstrated his versatile artistry.
His setlist was a dynamic journey, seamlessly shifting between hard-hitting hip-hop bangers, smooth R&B tracks, and evocative emotional ballads, offering something special for everyone in attendance.
The concert, organised by Lo-Fi Entertainment, featured an over-20-song setlist packed with fan favourites, including hits like 'BTBT', 'MICHELANGELO', 'Tasty', 'Cosmos', 'Free Fall', 'To The Moon', and 'Illa Illa'.
The tour itself was held in conjunction with the release of his third studio album, 'Wonderland'. It's a testament to the Songwriter of the Year award he clinched at the 2018 Melon Music Awards that his solo discography, which now includes three studio albums and four EPs, resonated so deeply.
His reputation has been further cemented by performances at major global showcases, including Lollapalooza and Rolling Loud. The connection between the artiste and his fans reached a peak when B.I. urged fans seated higher up to cast aside their reserve.
He encouraged them to get on their feet and join in the fun, imploring them to dance, jump, and sing along — and the crowd certainly did not disappoint!
The intimacy deepened during the encores. B.I. made his way up into the seating areas, a gesture that allowed fans to greet him up close. This sparked a series of truly emotional moments as thrilled fans reached out to connect with the idol.
Before the final farewell, B.I. paused to express his heartfelt gratitude to the Malaysian audience for their unwavering support since his solo debut, which he undertook in 2021 after leaving iKon in 2019. He movingly noted that their incredible energy gave him strength throughout his career.
For those experiencing his show for the first time, he expressed the sincere hope that the performance would become a "lasting memory to cherish".
He also took a moment to thank the entire team who made the tour possible — from his agency and production crew to the dancers and organisers. Most of all, he dedicated the success of his third tour to the passionate love of his loyal fandom, saying it would not have been possible without them.
As he finally bid adieu, B.I. delivered a simple but resonant promise: "See you again, Malaysia."
The declaration left his adoring fans suspended between sheer joy at the memory of the night and a bittersweet emotion, as they knew this final tour stop precedes his military enlistment next year.