K-pop star Baekhyun, a member of K-pop boy band EXO, enthralled the sold-out crowd at his first solo concert in Manila.
The K-pop artist held his “Lonsdaleite” Asia Tour in Manila on April 13 at the Araneta Coliseum.
His immense popularity in the country was proven again when the tickets to the concert were sold out on the first day of selling on Feb. 17. Due to demand, promoter Wilbros Live announced the opening of additional seats.
Baekhyun in Manila (X)
Baekhyun poses for a photo with the audience at his first solo concert in Manila on April 13 (X)
Baekhyun opened his show with the songs “Diamond,” “Playboy” and “Stay Up.”
“Kamusta? Ako si Baekhyun. Na-miss ko kayo (How are you? I am Baekhyun. I missed you),” the K-pop star greeted the cheering crowd.
He added, “Even before the first stage [opening], your cheers were loud. That just proves that Philippine Eri [fans] waited for me, right?”
About performing EXO’s song “Diamond,” he said, “Isn’t it great that you heard an EXO song after such a long time?”
Baekhyun was in Manila last year as a performer at a K-pop concert.
“I promised to come back and meet you guys again, right? Thank you very much to those who waited,” he said.
Baekhyun added that when he arrived at the airport and was on his way to the hotel, he saw a huge billboard featuring him. He said he thought there may be another chance to see Filipino fans again.
“Please look forward because I’ll be seeing you guys again and again,” he promised.
During the two-hour concert, Baekhyun also performed “Ice Queen,” “UN Village,” “Love Scene,” “Bungee,” “Love Again, “Cry For Love,” “Ghost,” “Underwater,” “Bambi,” “Poppin,'” “R U Ridin'?,” “Betcha,” “Candy,” “Paranoia,” “Privacy,” “Garden In The Air” and “Amusement Park.”
His “Lonsdaleite” Asia Tour was organized under Baekhyun’s own label INB100, which also has EXO’s Xiumin and Chen as artists.
“This is really a happy day. It’s sad that it’s just a one-day concert. Tomorrow is the 12th anniversary fan meeting of EXO,” said Baekhyun.
He added, “It’s actually been almost one year since I last met you guys and I’m super, super happy. Thank you for not forgetting me. Salamat po (Thank you). Promise I will return. Promise.”
As he wrapped up the show, he said, “As I’ve said all over again, I’m so happy to be back in the Philippines. You know, when I go back to the Philippines the next time, I really want to do it for two days. It’s really sad. I really want to have more fun with you guys.”
“Thank you so much for all your support and cheers. And I just want to say sorry for making you wait for a long time. Moving forward, I will try my best to come even more and meet you guys. I hope this concert for EXO-Ls, EXO members and for me, too, will be an unforgettable memory for all of us,” he said.
As he was about to have a picture with the audience, a video containing messages from Filipino fans was shown during the concert.
“Our most precious light, Baekhyun. Finally! You are here! Philippine Eris waited for this day to come. We are so excited to welcome you back here in Manila. You are here for your first live solo concert and under your own company, INB100,” the video message read.
“Thank you. A lot of people sent video messages. It’s beautiful. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
In his last message, he thanked all those people who were part of the concert from his company INB100, dancers, choreographers, staff, security team and the fans.
“Thank you so much for joining our moment tonight here together that is full of dream and love,” he said.
As he ended the show, Baekhyun said, “I’ll see you next time, okay?”
He shouted “We are” to which the audience replied, “One,” to complete EXO’s slogan “We are one.”
“EXO!” he shouted.
Baekhyun’s “Lonsdaleite” Asia Tour in Manila was presented by Wilbros Live.