[Dispatch=Reporter Gu Min-ji] "I waited for 15 years, so I waited half my life." (SIAA fan, age 30)

SIAA debuted in 2006. The group disbanded in 2011. And now, a 15-year hiatus that has continued until today. The ages and lives of the fans have changed. Fans who were teenagers have become people in their 30s, and some fans held babies in their arms.

"We went round and round for so long to get here." (Nam Gyu-ri)

SIAA returned to fans' side marking their 20th anniversary of debut. On the 29th and 30th, they held a 20th anniversary concert "THE FAN" at Kyung Hee University's Hall of Peace in Seoul. Dispatch attended day one of the group's first solo concert.

The long hiatus was overshadowed. They proved their unchanged vocal ability with a hand microphone. From hit songs to new songs presented for the first time in 15 years, the concert was filled with live performances. The audience was moved by dance and DJ stages. They showcased the past and present on one stage.

"The Fan" is a concert prepared solely for the fans. The members said, "After SIAA disbanded, there was a wait with no promise of return. Those who waited 15 years are not simply fans—they are a miracle," and conveyed their sincerity, saying, "We will spend our lives repaying with music and song."

"I didn't think I would be able to perform on stage for 20 years. We were able to reach our 20th anniversary thanks to all of you (fans) here." (Lee Bo-ram)

◆ "Remained Seated in the Audience for 20 Years"

"Thank you for coming back."

Fans welcomed SIAA's return. Many fans had tears in their eyes. SIAA's songs were memories of school days for someone, a voice that accompanied them through their early working years. Though 15 years have passed, the memories spent with the songs remained unchanged.

One fan held a baby and spoke with a trembling voice. "My teens and 20s were spent with the sisters' songs. So whenever I listen to SIAA's songs, tears come from old memories. I waited endlessly for 15 years," she expressed her joy.

A male fan confessed, "I'm 30 years old this year. I waited 15 years, so I waited half my life." He said happily, "It's overwhelming that SIAA is doing well again and we're on stage together. It still feels like a lie and I can't believe it."

Fans said, "It feels like a dream that SIAA is back and I'm moved," emphasizing, "The longer we waited, the more we can love them. I hope they stay healthy and active for a long time and walk only on a path of flowers." Middle-aged fans hoped that now that they're back, they would continue their activities in good health.

Lee Bo-ram said, "It must have been difficult with the long wait, but thanks to your trust, we stood again." Kim Yeon-ji said, "I'm grateful that you haven't forgotten us and have supported us for 20 years." Nam Gyu-ri promised, "Now that we've reunited after all this time, we will bring you good music."

SIAA's songs contained waiting, parting, and the heart to endure again. The lyrics sung again after a long time were oddly similar to the three people now. The fans filling the seats listened carefully to every line from the first song.

◆ "Filled the 15-Year Hiatus on Stage"

The stage held as much time as the 15-year hiatus.

The opening was "Greeting of Love." Followed by SIAA's signature songs including "You're So Wonderful to Me" and "What Never Breaks in the End." From the audience, familiar melodies rang out as songs began.

The members prepared intensely. Lee Bo-ram practiced late into the night even on days with regional schedules. Nam Gyu-ri practiced for 10 hours at a time and added individual practice sessions. Kim Yeon-ji continued practicing even while recovering from throat surgery.

"Working hard to prepare was the way to repay the fans." (Nam Gyu-ri)

"Stay" began with Nam Gyu-ri's acting, completing a stage like a musical performance. Building sweet harmony perfected an ear treat. "The Season Turns Around" and "Lingering Sound" also showcased vocal prowess. The stage was filled with live performances matched to band accompaniment.

The "I Believe" stage was special. Messages written directly by fans filled the stage. Nam Gyu-ri introduced, "It's a song I wrote the lyrics for with the letters I wrote when I was struggling." She smiled, saying, "I will sing and cheer for all of your wishes."

A hit song medley followed. As the prelude to "Scent of a Woman," "Sad Steps," "Shoes," and "Crazy Love Song" played, cheers erupted. "Crazy Love Song" was prepared in a version rearranged by Lee Bo-ram for this concert.

◆ "The End of Waiting Is You"

"Did you get bored because it was a ballad?"

The audience stirred. Nam Gyu-ri appeared in formal wear and shot at the audience. She showed off Michael Jackson dance moves. Lee Bo-ram and Kim Yeon-ji appeared with a DJ. Red psyche lighting and sirens wailed. They opened "SIAA Club" and reversed the mood.

"Everyone, please stand!"

The audience rose from their seats in unison. SIAA selected songs that all ages could enjoy. They sang Clone's "Come Back," Kim Gun-mo's "Wrong Meeting," Park Mi-kyung's "Eve's Warning," Cool's "Before Getting Sad" and "Hot Girl." They boasted live performances without wavering while jumping around.

"Since this is my debut concert, I was very nervous. Even with lots of practice, I felt short and rushed. I tried my best, and I hope you all enjoy and have fun." (Nam Gyu-ri)

They sang "We" sweetly to guitar accompaniment. The time until meeting again, and the heart they wanted to convey to fans, were reflected. "I felt overwhelmed when singing. I wonder if you felt the same heart as us. It was a time I was grateful for," she said.

"That Guy's Voice" (2009) was special for the members and fans alike. The vocalists at that time were Kim Yeon-ji, Lee Bo-ram, and Su-mi. Nam Gyu-ri shared, "It's a song that came out when I wasn't there, and I think the members would have wanted to sing it. It was burdensome, but I said I'd go first."

The members approached the fans closely. They sang "Should We Get Married?" and distributed flowers to fans. They continued emotions with "Can't Do It" and "I Hate You." During "Like Spring, You," fans had a surprise gift. They filled the venue with a placard reading "The End of Waiting Is You."

SIAA celebrated their 20th anniversary of debut with fans. Nam Gyu-ri revealed, "I thought SIAA would eventually meet, but I didn't think it would be this year." Lee Bo-ram was happy, saying, "It's all thanks to everyone here."

Encore after encore. They filled 3 hours and 30 minutes of performance time. They continued singing "Nevertheless, We," "La La La," "It's Art," and more. On this day, they even presented a stage for new singers (sprout stage), earning praise.

"I'm sorry for making you wait so long. Now that we've reunited after all this time, we will bring you good music. Starting with this concert, SIAA will be reborn. Thank you, and we love you." (Nam Gyu-ri)

"Thank you for not forgetting us and supporting us for 20 years. We will work hard so that the 20 years of long waiting will not be in vain. Now we can't escape!" (Kim Yeon-ji)

"Fans, I know it must have been difficult with the long wait. (To the end) Because there were fans who believed in us, we stand before you again. I will be grateful and remember for a long time." (Lee Bo-ram)

<Photos provided by SIAA Entertainment>