The “K-Verse: The Ultimate Pop Universe” show in Manila showcased the debut performance and return of K-pop stars.
K-pop artists Aespa, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and The Boyz mesmerized the audience in their two-hour show held on April 11 at the Araneta Coliseum.
(Clockwise from top left) Taeyeon, Aespa and The Boyz (Jonathan Hicap)
Aespa’s debut performance in the Philippines
“K-Verse” marked the first performance in the Philippines of Aespa, the four-member girl group composed of Giselle, Karina, Winter and Ningning which debuted during the pandemic in November 2020 with the song “Black Mamba.”
“It is our first time and we really wanted to come to the Philippines,” said Karina.
Aespa at "K-Verse" in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)
Winter said, “We really wanted to see Filipino MYs [fans]. We hope that Filipino MYs here today will enjoy.”
Aespa opened the show and started their setlist with “Black Mamba” and “Illusion,” a track from their 2022 album “Girls.”
They were asked what Filipino food they wanted to try and Giselle said her Filipino friend told her about adobo.
“My Filipino friend…She told me a lot about adobo. I used to have some at her house when I was in high school. Now it is really exciting to try adobo in the Philippines like authentically,” said Giselle.
Aespa also performed “Life’s Too Short,” which they performed at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April last year, and “Lingo,” “Savage” and “Next Level.”
Aespa at "K-Verse" in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)
During the show, the audience sang “Happy Birthday” to Karina who turned 23 on April 11.
“This is such a memorable birthday for me. Thank you so much,” said Karina.
Before performing their last song, Aespa thanked the crowd.
“You guys are my gift,” said Karina. “I’m very thankful that you guys have given me a moment that is such a precious present and gift for me.”
Ningning said, “First of all, all the members are here. I’m very happy. And all of you, the Philippines itself, like the weather, you guys are so passionate and we loved it. I really had a wonderful time here in the Philippines. We enjoyed the food here [like] mango. So delicious. And we really had a precious time together.”
“First of all, I’m excited to come to the Philippines for the first time. We really, really enjoyed the food like Ningning said. The mango is so good. I just wanna say, thank you, thank you so much for coming here tonight to be with us. We hope we can come back soon, hopefully for our concert. I had fun tonight,” said Giselle.
Winter said, “We actually arrived yesterday and we have to leave for Korea tonight, and I think it’s such a shame that we’re having such a short time here in the Philippines. We thank you all for spending your time with us and we’ll make sure that Aespa will come back.”
The Boyz are back
After nearly four years, K-pop group The Boyz returned to the Philippines.
The Boyz’s members are Hyunjae, Juyeon, Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Kevin, Eric, Sunwoo, New, Q and Ju Haknyeon.
In June 2019, The Boyz wrapped up their Asia Fan-Con Tour “The Castle” in Manila. They returned to Manila this time for “K-Verse.
The Boyz at "K-Verse" in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)
The Boyz started their performance with “Roar,” a cut from their February 2023 mini-album “Be Awake.”
“Magandang gabi po. Masaya ako na makita kayong muli (Good evening. I am happy to see you all again),” said Kevin.
“I missed you guys so much. It’s been four years since the last time in the Philippines. Mahal kita (I love you),” said Eric.
Sunwoo said, “I am back after four years.”
The Boyz at "K-Verse" in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)
“Thank you so much for coming. We are so happy to be back,” said Jacob. “Like Eric said, it has been four years since the last time we saw you guys. We missed you guys so much.”
The Boyz completed their set with “Maverick,” “Salty,” “The Stealer,” “Dancing Till We Drop” and “Thrill Ride.”
Fans also greeted and sang “Happy Birthday” to Sunwoo, who turned 23 on April 12.
Taeyeon’s return to Manila
It has been more than four years since Taeyeon’s last visit to Manila. In December 2018, Taeyeon held her first solo concert “‘s…Taeyeon Concert” in the country.
Taeyeon became the final act at “K-Verse.” She started with her performance of “I” and “Toddler.” She followed this with “Set Myself on Fire,” “Four Seasons” and “What Do I Call You.”
Taeyeon at "K-Verse" in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)
She debuted in Girls’ Generation in 2007 and has branched out to become a solo artist.
“The biggest reason why I can continue is because of the love of my fans for me. And as how you guys are loving me, I’m receiving wholeheartedly so I am very thankful to you all. And I am very happy,” she said.
During the talk segment, fans began chanting “solo con” or solo concert, prompting Taeyeon to say, “Your reaction is so hot that it seems that I need to come back for a solo con.”
Taeyeon revealed that she is preparing for a concert.
“So I guess not only Filipino fans but fans around the world are curious on what is next for me. And I want to tell you guys I am preparing for a concert. So if you guys will wait for me just a little bit,” she said.
Taeyeon at "K-Verse" in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)
As she bid goodbye, Taeyeon said, “It’s been so long since I have experienced and felt the love and passionate cheers from you all. And tonight I think I really heated up and I’m enjoying tonight really much.
Taeyeon closed the show with her performance of “INVU.”
The “K-Verse: The Ultimate Pop Universe” was presented by Make It Live Asia.