TWICE held their TWICELIGHTS concert in Singapore on Saturday, where member and audience emotions ran high with it being the first since JYPE's announcement of Mina's withdrawal from the 2019 World Tour.

The sold-out concert is their fourth and last stop in Asia before the Americas, where they will make their first solo concert appearance in Los Angeles, Newark, Chicago and Mexico City.

Arriving in Singapore early afternoon on Friday, TWICE were swiftly whizzed through Changi Airport security and customs

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which services VVIPs and private jet travellers. That meant no arrival hall rope-line. Nor were any pre-concert press events scheduled.

The girls then spent the entire day rehearsing behind closed doors at the Singapore Indoor Stadium

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. No doubt trying to perfect an 8-member routine, the first time they had to do so for a full concert.

The concert was therefore the first chance fans had to meet TWICE.

Anticipation and excitement in the air was palpable, and the show got off to an explosive start with "STUCK IN MY HEAD", followed by a high-tempo rock medley of "Cheer Up" then "Touchdown".

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TWICE brought their A-game stage presence now honed over three dozen tour concert performances.

Mina's vocals were played on the background track and was a consolation to many who were happy to hear her voice even if she could not be present.

When it came to "YES or YES", fans had wondered who might sing the all-important opening line for Mina. It was Jeongyeon, who did so to loud cheers of support.

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Mina's absence though weighing in the back of members' and audiences' minds, did not spill into the open, until when the concert shifted down-gear to ballads, and a fan-initiated plan was put into action.

ONCE had spread messages via social platforms, encouraging attendees to switch their Candy Bong Zs to Mint Green - Mina's official color - in support of Mina, when TWICE performed "After Moon".

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The plan worked and TWICE was greeted with a sea of Mint Green lights waving in solidarity with Mina.

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The touching sight moved Jihyo and Tzuyu amongst others to tears.

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The emotional roller coaster took a tear-inducing dive when a touching ONCE-made fan video was shown during encore.

(Credit: @vsh23inluv03 / Periscope)

Sana bowed over in tears at past interview footage of Mina where she said:

"It wasn't an easy decision, but being a singer was my dream. So I have to try really hard while I can."

Mina had also said in the same interview: "It may take a while but since there are ONCE around the world, I would like to tour in different countries. Let's go together!" It is therefore heartbreaking for her to be faced with debilitating personal challenges on the cusp on realizing that dream.

By the end of the video, TWICE were all in tears.

Jihyo being leader did admirably composing herself to start the closing thank-you speeches. Her's in particular - made to fanchants of "God Jihyo" and "Don't Cry" as she fought backher tears - was perhaps the most intimate reflection of TWICE's state of mind.

Here are excerpts of TWICE's speeches as conveyed by the live concert translator:

Jihyo:

" I must say, before we debut as TWICE, I really wanted to become singer and perform on stage.
But I didn't realize there would be so many challenges along the way.

I feel that as time goes, I need to be even stronger than I thought I need to be.

Right now I am 23, 24 years old, but I feel in order to stay as TWICE, as a member of this group, I need to be even more mature than what my parents expect me to be.

There are a lot of things we need to take into consideration to make sure that I stay in this band, and perform for my fans.

But as I perform for all of you on stage, it really gives me a lot of energy because it touches me, it touches my heart deeply and it really makes me happy. "

Sana:

" As I perform on stage, there is one thing that hit me
And that thought is how valuable the person is who is always by your side.

The reason that I am still in TWICE, and the reason that kept me going is for ONCE, ONCE all over the world, and for my 8 members.

To us all ONCE and TWICE, we still have a long way ahead of us.
And as the journey continues, we don't know what is going to come along the way.
But remember that us TWICE, will always be by your side.

And of course, I would always be on the side of my 8 members.
And also, I will always be TWICE for you.

I wish all of us stay happy, always.

Of course there will be challenges, and we cannot be happy every minute.
But as long as there is someone standing by you, I believe you will always be happy. "

Dahyun:

" It feels like every Singapore ONCE is telling us 'thank you for being our light'.
But I must say, the same line goes to you.

Thank you Singapore ONCE, for being our shining light.

It is really unfortunate, and I felt really sad, when I realized not all 9 of us can come and meet you.
But please wait for us, we promise we will be back as one again.

Singapore ONCE you must stay healthy, alright?
There is nothing you can do if you fall sick.
Let's make a promise to stay healthy, till we come back, so we can all have fun again. "

Momo, TWICE's resident foodie, tried to lighten the mood by joking that of her favorite things in Singapore, the local delicacy Chilli Crab came #1, and Singapore ONCE, a close #2, before cheekily reversing the ranking. But even Ms Goofy-Happy-Go-Lucky had some heartfelt words to say:
" I think tonight's show, really make me realize how important and how valuable it is to have every single member of us together. "

Nayeon pleased the crowd bravely delivering her speech with an adorable mix of English, Korean and Chinese Mandarin, ending with these reassuring words:
"And of course don't forget that TWICE will always be nine of us. We will be back and we will be stronger, so please wait for us. "

Tzuyu spoke in Chinese Mandarin, relishing the opportunity to speak in her native tongue:
" Thank you for giving us strength. I hope to be able to continue to bring happiness to you. Promise me no matter what challenges that might come our way, that we will overcome them together. "

Chaeyoung and Jeongyeon rounded off the speeches confessing TWICE misses Mina as much as ONCE do, again assuring everyone:
" We will make sure to come back as nine of us. "

When the moment came for a concert wefie portrait, Sana was seen asking the staff for an additional concert banner - for Mina - which she then held together with Dahyun.

The concert for all its climaxes and bittersweet moments was a blast and thoroughly enjoyable.

The camaraderie between TWICE members was on its finest display.

#GetWellSoonMina

#TWICELIGHTS

#TWICEWorldTour2019