IVE’s Summer Takeover: From Sold-Out Japanese Domes to Jang Wonyoung’s MLB First Pitch and North American Tour
It is officially the summer of IVE. If you thought the record-breaking six-member girl group under Starship Entertainment—consisting of Ahn Yu-jin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Won-young, Liz, and Leeseo—was going to rest after an exhausting first half of the year, think again.
Since our last update on June 29th, the “MZ Wannabe Icons” have accelerated their global momentum to unprecedented heights.
From commanding massive stadium-sized crowds in Japan to readying a star-studded crossover in Major League Baseball, IVE is proving that their global dominance is not just a passing trend—it is an era-defining movement.
127,000 DIVEs Strong: Wrapping Up the Historic Japan Dome Tour
To understand the sheer magnitude of IVE’s current momentum, one has to look at their historic achievements in Japan.
The group officially completed the Japanese leg of their highly anticipated second world tour, , with an unforgettable, sold-out two-night stand at the legendary Tokyo Dome on June 24th.
Beginning with their Kyocera Dome Osaka performances back in April, the Japanese dome run mobilized an incredible 127,000 spectators.
Local Japanese media covered the events extensively, marveling at how a foreign group that debuted less than five years ago could effortlessly command such legendary venues.
Following their Tokyo Dome success, IVE didn’t slow down. On July 4th, the group made a prominent appearance on Nippon TV’s “THE MUSIC DAY 2026”, a prestigious, nine-and-a-half-hour live broadcast special featuring top-tier domestic and international artists.
Performing their signature hits, IVE demonstrated why the “IVE Syndrome” remains an active and thriving phenomenon in Japan. Even as recently as today, July 16th, the members were spotted at Gimpo International Airport departing once again for Tokyo, hinting that their activities in the region are far from over.
A Historic Pitch: Jang Wonyoung Takes Citi Field
Just when fans thought the group’s schedule couldn’t get any more exciting, a massive crossover announcement shook both the K-pop and sports worlds.
On July 16th, it was officially revealed that IVE has been invited to attend the highly anticipated New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game on July 26, 2026, at Citi Field in New York.
More excitingly, IVE’s undisputed visual queen and representative “IT-Girl,” Jang Wonyoung, has been selected to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the game.
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This is a monumental milestone for the group’s US promotions. Throwing the first pitch at a major MLB game—especially one featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers, who command a massive global and Asian fanbase—is an honor reserved for the most culturally significant figures.
Fans are already eagerly speculating on Wonyoung’s pitching style, her baseball uniform styling, and the massive international media coverage this crossover will inevitably yield.
The North American Takeover: Tour Dates
The Citi Field appearance serves as a dazzling crown jewel in the middle of IVE’s upcoming North American leg of their World Tour.
Kicking off on July 21st in Toronto, Canada, this eight-date run will bring the group’s stunning stage production, high-energy choreography, and immaculate vocal performances to major arenas across Canada and the United States.
Fans attending these dates can expect to hear a loaded setlist featuring massive hits like “I AM,” “LOVE DIVE,” “Baddie,” and “Off The Record,” alongside highly anticipated solo and unit stages from the members.
Below is the official schedule for the upcoming North American leg of the tour:
| Date | City | Venue |
| July 21, 2026 | Toronto, ON, Canada | Scotiabank Arena |
| July 23, 2026 | Montreal, QC, Canada | Bell Centre |
| July 25, 2026 | Newark, NJ, United States | Prudential Center |
| July 26, 2026 | New York, NY, United States | Citi Field (Special MLB First Pitch) |
| July 29, 2026 | Austin, TX, United States | Moody Center |
| August 1, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA, United States | Kia Forum |
| August 2026 (TBA) | Oakland, CA, United States | Oakland Arena |
| August 2026 (TBA) | Seattle, WA, United States | Climate Pledge Arena |
| August 2026 (TBA) | Vancouver, BC, Canada | Rogers Arena |
With major stops in massive markets, North American DIVEs are securing their tickets in record time, eager to see the six members light up the stage live.
What Lies Beyond: Looking Toward Hong Kong
Even as they prepare to cross the Pacific, IVE’s management team is already booking major events for late summer. It has been confirmed that IVE will perform at the prestigious TMElive International Music Awards in Hong Kong on August 23, 2026.
Please Note: Starship Entertainment has announced that member Gaeul will unfortunately be absent from the TMElive International Music Awards performance due to an unavoidable, pre-existing scheduling conflict.
The remaining five members will perform as scheduled, promising to deliver a stage that does their eldest member proud.
The Verdict: The IVE Syndrome Is Unstoppable
When looking at the sheer volume of high-profile achievements IVE has managed in the short span of a few weeks, it is clear that they are operating at the absolute peak of their powers.
From pulling in 127,000 Japanese fans to capturing the attention of major American sports leagues, IVE is demonstrating a rare brand of cross-continental appeal.
As they gear up to step onto Canadian soil on July 21st, one thing is guaranteed: the summer of 2026 belongs to IVE. Be sure to keep your eyes locked on Kpopfam as we bring you live updates, concert recaps, and exclusive coverage of Wonyoung’s historic MLB pitch!