MIRROR member Ian Chan opened his nine-show concert series, IAN CHAN: GROWTH LIVE 2026, at the Kai Tak Sports Art House on July 23, 2026.
The timing of the opening was a deliberate callback to the “23 Agreement,” a six-month project where Chan released a new song on the 23rd of every month starting in January 2026. As the clock hit 8:23 p.m., a digital countdown projection led the audience, known as Hellosss, into the start of the show.
The Kai Tak Opening: Visuals and Setlist
Chan first appeared in a Prince Charming
aesthetic, performing the song Whale Fall accompanied by a 50-person orchestra. According to Sing Tao Headline, the performance featured a massive whale balloon that circled the venue, bringing the visual element within reach of the audience.
The production shifted gears with a sequined suit ensemble, where a female dancer acted as a butterfly resting on his shoulder. During the performance of Chisel, Chan utilized high notes paired with pyrotechnic fireballs to heighten the intensity of the set.
Chan addressed the choice of a summer schedule during a break, explaining that he chose this season because it is when he was born. He joked that since the date coincided with the “Great Heat” solar term, the audience should dance until they were hot enough to justify the venue’s heavy air conditioning.
Nine Themes and a 50-Person Orchestra
The Growth series is structured as a purely personal work that Chan spent half a year developing. To ensure the musicality matched the ambition, the production increased the orchestral size to 50 members, an expansion from the 40-person orchestra used during his 2024 “Tears” concert.
Each of the nine nights is assigned a specific theme and corresponding color.
- Ocean
- Gloomy
- Miracle
- Party
- Star
- Wedding
- Dreams
- Winter
- Summer Night
Chan composed all the songs for the concert, including the theme song Growth!
. He wrote various styles of music specifically for this event to showcase different facets of his artistry to the crowd.
Physical Preparation and Fan Engagement
To prepare for the demanding choreography and “muscle-showing” segments of the show, Chan returned to a daily gym regimen. Despite dealing with a previous leg injury, he expressed confidence in his physical ability to handle nine performances, noting that wearing a tank top is a basic requirement for the show’s wardrobe.
The engagement extended to social media, where Chan and dance director Beeplok swapped roles on Instagram. Chan acted as the teacher, instructing fans on a specific dance move for the chorus of Growth!
, urging them to move your hands to prepare for a 200% immersive experience.
Outside the venue, the Ian Chan International Fan Club (Hong Kong) coordinated extensive support. This included a group photo of approximately 500 fans and the installation of over 20 “check-in” spots across the Kai Tak Retail Mall and the Diamond Hill Station transfer corridor. The fan club also set up digital screens, hanging signs, and QR codes linking to Chan’s previous works in the Food Gala & Food Muse food court to help attendees revisit his discography before entering the hall.
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