Filipino fans–and some foreigners too–filled the New Frontier Theater on Feb. 26 to see K-pop idol and actor Park Jinyoung, a member of boy band GOT7, at his fan concert in Manila.
It’s been more than three years since Jinyoung’s last visit to Manila after GOT7 held their “Keep Spinning” world tour in October 2019.
Jinyoung was the latest member of GOT7 to visit Manila. In July last year, Youngjae had his “Sugar in Manila” mini-concert .
In the same month BamBam went to Cebu and Manila for his fan signing events. In July, BamBam and Jackson Wang performed at the “2022 K-pop Masterz in Manila” show. Yugyeom held his “Yugyeom: Live in Manila” show in August. Last October, Jay B had his “Jay B Tape: Press Pause In Manila” concert.
“Honestly, it has been too long since I have touched base with the fans in the Philippines and communicated with them. And as I performed in many different countries recently, I was so moved by the fact that there are fans still waiting for us even after a long time of not being able to come,” Jinyoung said during a press conference held at Novotel Manila Araneta City just hours before his “Rendezvous: 2023 Park Jin-young Fan Concert in Manila.”
He added, “So, I was like ‘I really want to come back.’ (Though I am actually here today) and I really want to show my gratitude towards the fans who are always waiting, and I really wish to have a concert again together with my GOT7 members in the Philippines and have a fun performance.”
Before debuting in GOT7 in 2014, Jinyoung started acting, appearing in “Dream High 2.” He played the leading role in “Yumi’s Cells” season 2, which aired from June to July last year.
Fan concert
The fan concert showed Jinyoung performing, talking about his career, and being up close and personal with fans.
“I am so happy that you guys are coming today. And I missed you so much. I think the other members too,” Jinyoung said as he saw the large crowd in the venue.
Jinyoung opened the fan concert with his performances of “Coming Home,” a cut from the 2017 “Verse 2” album of JJ Project (Jay B and Jinyoung), and “Cotton Candy,” a track from his mini-album “Chapter 0: With,” which came out in January.
Jinyoung did not disappoint fans as he took extra efforts to be up close and personal with them. Five lucky fans chosen through a raffle draw had a Polaroid photo with Jinyoung (and hugs too) on stage.
He also chose and read messages written by fans before the start of the fan concert.
“THank you so much for everything. Never forget to take a rest and sleep well. Take care always. I love you,” wrote fan Isabel Mendoza.
“Welcome back to the Philippines. Thank you for spending time with us and I hope you always take care of yourself. We will always love and support you in whatever you do,” another fan wrote.
Those whose messages were read received signed photos and hugs from Jinyoung.
“I really want to thank you because as if you enjoyed my hugs and gifts. Actually it’s the other way around. I’ve been touched with all your responses,” said Jinyoung.
In another segment, the fans whose birthday fell on Feb. 26 were chosen. Three of them received personalized messages written by Jinyoung.
“Happy birthday. Be happy always,” wrote Jinyoung for fan Ely. Two other chosen fans received hoodies from him and one got to have a Polaroid photo with Jinyoung.
During the fan concert, Jinyoung also performed "Na Na Na," "Our Miracle," "Sleep Well," "Home Run," "Last Piece," "Animal," "Dive" and GOT7 medley.
A video from Jinyoung’s fans was shown during the event.
“Thank you so much and I love you so much Philippines. It is sad that we only got to spend only one day together. But I promise you that I will come back and I hope that you will be healthy until then,” he said.
Press conference
During the press conference, Jinyoung answered questions about his careers as a singer and actor.
Besides being a K-pop idol, Jinyoung has appeared in dramas such as “ He Is Psychometric,” “The Devil Judge” and “Yumi’s Cells.”
He said among the characters he has portrayed, “I cannot just specify which role was the most challenging. Because some of them looked simple in the beginning but they became challenging as I was building the character, so I find all roles difficult.”
“And ‘Witch,’ the drama I am currently shooting, I am playing as the character Dong-Jin. It is challenging as I have to put a lot of thought into it,” he said.
Last January, he released his first solo album "Chapter 0: With.” He said the best thing about having a solo music career is that the “preparation time is short.”
“Just 40 minutes. With the team, two hours and half. Too short. That is all (That is the only best thing). It is surely more enjoyable to be with the rest of the members but I feel lonely at times. Official Answer. (This is the ‘correct’ answer that I should give.) Just kidding,” he said.
As an actor, Jinyoung said, “To be frank, I want to play all the roles. Because although all characters look similar, as an actor who actually acts out the characters, they all have their own charm so I want to try all roles, and I also want to play a character that is around my age.”
About his “Rendezvous” fan concert, he said performing before fans is one encounter that he will never forget in his life.
“I have not been performing in concerts for the past two years. Well, I did perform last year (in Korea) when GOT7 released a new album, but as I performed after a long break, that memory hit me really big. Performing right in front of the fans,” he said.
Among the personalities he has met, Jinyoung he was happy to meet Korean actor Lee Byung-hun whose acting credits include “Squid Game,” “Mr. Sunshine” and “Our Blues.”
“To be honest, juniors like us have a lot of seniors that we look up to, and we slowly have more opportunities to meet them. And every time I meet them, I feel happy and recently I’ve met Lee Byung-Hun, whom I totally respect. So I was just really delighted.,” he said.
About his plans for the rest of 2023, he said, “First is the Fancon in the Philippines today. Then the concert in Taiwan after 2 days. For now, I would like to complete the two events successfully. Also, I want to do my best for the drama that I am shooting right now, until the end. Those are my plans.”
“I want to thank the Philippine Ahgase for waiting for me for such a long time although I was not able to come here for a long time. To make up for the years that we have not met, I want to communicate with the fans by always showing new aspects of me. And thank you always, and I will most definitely come back,” said Jinyoung.
The “Rendezvous: 2023 Park Jin-young Fan Concert in Manila” was presented by Pulp Live World.