Korean actor and singer Lee Seung-gi showed a magnificent performance when he held his first concert in Manila over the weekend.
The star, known for the dramas “Vagabond,” ‘Mouse,” “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho” and “Brilliant Legacy,” held his “2023 Lee Seung-gi Asia Tour Concert in Manila: The Dreamer’s Dream - Chapter 2” on May 27 at the New Frontier Theater.
Korean actor-singer Lee Seung-gi performing at his Manila concert on May 27 at the New Frontier Theater (Jonathan Hicap)
Accompanied by a live band, Lee Seung-gi proved that he was not only a good actor but also an excellent singer, belting high notes with ease and enchanting the audience with his voice.
His setlist included “The Dreamers Dream,” “Wind,” “Return,” “The Ordinary Man,” “I Got to Know It That Way,” “Forest,” “Circle, “Like A Flower,” “Losing My Mind,” “Desire and Resent,” “Delete” and “Because You're My Woman.”
“I Got to Know It That Way” is an unreleased song that will come out next year in his new album.
The concert marked his return to the Philippines after holding his “Vagabond Voyage” Asian Fan Meeting in October 2019 in the same venue.
This year marked major changes in Lee Seung-gi from his personal life to career, signaling a new start for him.
He debuted as a singer in 2004 and also starred in the sitcom “Nonstop 5” in the same year. In the last 19 years, Lee Seung-gi has shone as a singer, actor and TV entertainer.
From the start of the concert, Filipino fans showered Lee Seung-gi with their unique brand of screams and cheers that elicited a comment from him.
“So I had a tour in Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Taiwan and now the Philippines, and I think Manila is the best,” said Lee Seung-gi.
Press conference
Before the concert, Lee Seung-gi held a press conference at Market! Market! in Taguig where he discussed his visit to the Philippines and career.
He recalled his 2019 fan meeting in Manila and remembered that “Filipino fans were giving me the warmest welcome.”
Hallyu, or Korean Wave, or the popularity of Korean pop culture, has spread to many countries including the Philippines.
“I think it’s nice to see a culture of communication between Korea and the Philippines through K-pop, movies and the music industry. Thank you so much for loving Korean culture and I’m also expecting to have my music, activities here in the Philippines as well in the future,” he said.
Lee Seung-gi at his press conference on May 27 at Market! Market! in Taguig (Jonathan Hicap)
Next year marks Lee Seung-gi’s 20th anniversary since debuting in 2004 and he revealed that he will release an album in collaboration with other artists.
Next year is my 20th anniversary. Next year I’ll be releasing an album, which will be a collaboration with famous senior pop singers and producers.
About the defining moments of his career, he said, “After many things, I am now in a new company. I’m having a new start. (Now), international fans have a look at the concerts that we make in Korea. But now we plan to go abroad and meet Asian fans directly and visit other countries to show what we have prepared for them.”
Lee Seung-gi has acted in many roles in Korean dramas and said he wanted to play a doctor in the future, and hoped that he could film a romantic comedy in the Philippines.
“Personally, maybe I can be a doctor. One of the famous genres in Korea is romantic comedy. Maybe I could try filming a romantic comedy-drama here in the Philippines,” he said.
One of his projects this year is the variety show “Bromarble,” which will premiere in July. It is based on the Blue Marble game, Korea’s version of Monopoly. He said if given the chance, he will recommend the Philippines for the show.
“Of course, the landmark should be Manila. And I also went to Ilocos last time and it’s really a great spot to have a tour. If ever I have the chance to recommend a spot, I’ll definitely work on visiting here in the Philippines,” he said.
When asked what he would say to his younger self, Lee Seung-gi said, “Don’t be afraid. When I was young, I was really afraid of challenging or trying new things. I would like to say ‘Don’t be afraid.’”
Lee Seung-gi promised to visit the Philippines more often.
“I’ll try my best to come here often so please wait for me patiently,” he said.
During the concert, Lee Seung-gi said in a video, “I will continue to do my best for you. I will sing.”
The “2023 Lee Seung-gi Asia Tour Concert in Manila: The Dreamer’s Dream - Chapter 2” was presented by HumanMade, TG Entertainment, Faith & D Entertainment, and CDM Entertainment.
