[SINGAPORE] PLAVE Goes Manic in Singapore With ‘KEEP IT MANIC’

K-pop’s biggest virtual idol group, PLAVE, consisting of Yejun, Noah, Bamby, Eunho and Hamin, held their first-ever concert in Singapore on October 17, 2026, at the newly opened Apex @ EXPO, a venue with a maximum capacity of 9,000 attendees.

Play Hard, Dream Hard

Since their debut in 2023, PLAVE has been redefining the K-pop scene by blurring the lines between the virtual and real world. Their name, a combination of “Play” and “rêve” (meaning “dream” in French), reflects their ambition to create a new world through music while chasing their dreams.

Behind PLAVE’s virtual avatars are real performers brought to life through motion capture technology. Wearing specialised suits equipped with sensors and facial tracking devices, their movements and expressions are captured and translated onto their avatars in real time using Unreal Engine, allowing them to sing, dance, and interact with fans seamlessly.

5th Generation Chart Monster

Despite their virtual identities, PLAVE’s artistry shines through their performances, songwriting, and music production. Their song Dash topped MelOn’s TOP100 in just five hours, the fastest for a fifth-generation K-pop group. In 2026, they joined BTS, CORTIS and BIGBANG in topping the chart, while also joining BTS and BIGBANG at No. 1 on Spotify’s Weekly Top Artists chart in South Korea.

Beyond their digital success, PLAVE continues to make waves with sold-out concerts at KSPO Dome and Gocheok Sky Dome, alongside an impressive 1.32 million first-week album sales. With milestone after milestone, the group continues to break barriers and redefine what virtual idols can achieve in the K-pop industry.

Setlist With a Twist

PLAVE brought their 2026 WORLD TOUR [KEEP IT MANIC] to Singapore, treating fans to an electrifying setlist filled with fan favourites and dynamic performances. Opening with The 6th Summer, Hide & Seek, and WAY 4 LUV, the group kept the energy high with hits such as Dash (Rock Ver.), Pump Up The Volume!, Virtual Idol + BUT YOUR IDOL, BORN SAVAGE, and Chroma Drift (Jazz Ver.), showcasing their impressive vocals, synchronised choreography, and captivating stage presence.

Adding a unique twist to the concert, PLAVE presented a special version of Watch Me Woo! and RIZZ featuring Korean traditional music, bringing a fresh sound to their performances. Their musical versatility also shone through during the beautiful a cappella harmonies of Blossom Parade and the members’ honey-like vocals in Hmph!. In a special moment for fans, the group even treated PLLIs to an impromptu a cappella rendition of Sweet Rain following their request.

The concert also featured special solo stages that highlighted each member’s individual charm and artistry. Yejun captivated the audience with Close To You (Carpenters), Eunho delivered Taste (JUNNY), Hamin showcased Spider (SEVENTEEN Hoshi), Noah took the spotlight with Good Boy Gone Bad (TOMORROW X TOGETHER) and Bamby impressed with Sherlock (SHINee). From powerful choreography to soulful vocals, each member brought their own flair to the stage, leaving a lasting impression on fans.

As the night drew to a close, PLAVE continued the excitement with Our Movie, Star Trace, Lunar Hearts and Wait For You. Heartwarming fan projects, including a sing-along, flashlight display and coordinated light boxes and banners, made the evening even more special. Together with the members’ playful interactions and emotional moments, the concert became an unforgettable celebration of the special bond between PLAVE and their beloved fans, PLLI.

Virtual RIZZ Done Right

The PLAVE members also charmed Singaporean PLLIs with their witty, locally inspired pick-up lines. Bamby kicked things off with “Want to BTO together? (Do you want to make a family with me?)”, referencing Singapore’s unique Build-To-Order (BTO) housing culture, where couples apply for a home together. Eunho followed with a sweet line, “Let me treat you to a cup of kopi, because you’re my cup of tea.”, while Yejun playfully asked, “PLLI, ai stead mai? (Do you want a relationship?)”

Hamin got hearts racing with “Do you stay in the East? When I see you, my heart goes Bedok-Bedok.”, cleverly referencing Bedok, a neighbourhood in eastern Singapore, while playing on the sound of a thumping heartbeat. Noah wrapped things up with a food-inspired confession, “You are the egg to my prata, because without you I’m kosong.”, referring to the difference between egg prata and plain prata, locally known as prata kosong.

Returning the Love From Terra

PLAVE’s 2026 WORLD TOUR [KEEP IT MANIC] in Singapore was more than just a concert, showcasing the group’s remarkable artistry, innovative performances, and heartfelt connection with their fans. From jaw-dropping stages to touching interactions, the night left PLLIs with unforgettable memories, proving that PLAVE’s charm and musical talent transcend the boundaries between Terra (the real world) and Asterum (the virtual world).

The Seoul Story would like to thank FriedRice Entertainment for the media invite.

Written by: Nur Hidayati

Photos by: FriedRice Entertainment

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