The Philippines became the final stop for K-pop idol and boy band SHINee member Minho’s first ever solo concert.
Minho (민호) held his “Mean: of my first” concert in Manila on March 16 at the New Frontier Theater, drawing thousands of fans.
“I really like the word ‘first’ because it has a deep meaning. And, of course, the first moments, the first experiences. This concert is my first as well. I just want to keep the moment and experience in my heart. And, of course, the first experiences do not only stay in my mind but also in my heart. Because of the deep meaning of ‘first,’ that’s the name of my concert ‘Mean: of my first,’” Minho explained during a press conference at Novotel Manila Araneta City hours before the show.
He said, “It’s been a long time since I last visited the Philippines. Filipino Shawols [SHINee fans] have also shown love to me during my last visit as well.”
SHINee's Minho performing at his solo concert in Manila on March 16 (L-Squared Productions)
Manila Bulletin asked him how it felt having his first solo concert since debut, Minho said, “First, I’m so happy and I didn’t expect that I would be able to hold a solo concert here in the Philippines. And because of the big love and support given by Filipino Shawols, it was made possible. I am so happy.”
On challenges he encountered for his first solo concert, he said, “I realized my weaknesses and strengths as an artist as well. I tried to improve when it came to my weaknesses for the best stage performance that I could show my fans. To prepare for the perfect stage performance as well, compared to those times that I prepared for the concert together with the [SHINee] members, I gave my all to improve on my weaknesses as well for the best concert.”
At the concert, Minho opened with “Would You Mind,” followed by “Affection,” “Came And Left Me,” “Fireworks,” “Roundkick,” and “Chase.”
He also performed “Call Back,” “Slow Down,” “I Don't Miss You,” “Runaway,” Prove It,” “I'm Home,” “Stay for a Night,” “Because of You,” “Waterfall,” “HeartBreak,” “Something About U,” “View,” “Body Rhythm,” “You're Right” and “Choice.”
“Did you miss me? I missed you, too. Welcome to my show! I really love the energy in the Philippines,” Minho told the crowd.
Minho debuted in SHINee in 2008. On Nov. 27, 2009, SHINee went to the Philippines for the first time and performed at the Philippines-Korea Friendship Festival held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), becoming the first K-pop group to perform at a show in the country.
The show, attended by then Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Choi Joong Kyung (now Korea’s ambassador for international investment cooperation), also featured Korean rap duo Mighty Mouth, Korean jazz group Winterplay, Filipino dance troupe Teatro Miguel and reggae band Brownman Revival.
SHINee performing at the Philippines-Korea Friendship Festival held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Nov. 27, 2009 (Jonathan Hicap)
“My first concert includes songs that I really, really like, and the music style that I really, really like as well,” said Minho.
During his performance of “Something About U,” Minho surprised the crowd when he took off his top to show his well-chiseled body.
In “Body Rhythm,” Minho took off his soccer uniform (an official merchandise) and threw it to the audience. A lucky fan got it.
At the press conference, he was asked to describe himself as a solo artist and as a member of SHINee.
“I would like to say that there’s not much difference. As a solo artist, he would be doing what he likes and what he is really good at. That’s the music style that he chose as a solo artist. But as a SHINee member, there is the artist called Minho. He is not really different. It’s just that he is choosing the music style that he likes and he’s good at,” he said.
If there’s one thing that he enjoys in the Philippines, it’s the weather.
“I’m not fond of cold weather so I enjoy the weather here in the Philippines. And, of course, the cheers of SHINee World.,” he said.
Minho answering questions from the media during his press conference on March 16 at Novotel Manila Araneta City (Jonathan Hicap)
As Minho wrapped up his final show, he said he felt sad and happy.
“This is the last stop of my concert. I’m also quite sad that I’m very happy tonight. Then when I went out to change my outfit, you sang ‘Stay for a Night’ so thank you. Today is a really, really great day and a wonderful day. So sad to finish the concert,” said Minho.
He added, “I am very, very, very happy tonight. I realize this every time. I received a lot of positive energy from you. From that, I will never let you down. And with the trust that you give me, I’ll be a better member of SHINee, Minho. I promise you (I’ll) come back again. I love you.”
“I’m very, very sure that I will come back here,” Minho said.
Minhos’ “Mean: of my first” concert in Manila was presented by L-Squared Productions.
SHINee's Minho performing at his solo concert in Manila on March 16 (L-Squared Productions)
Minho’s “Mean: of my first” in Manila concert setlist
Would You Mind
Affection
Came And Left Me
Fireworks
Roundkick
Chase
Call Back
Slow Down
I Don't Miss You
Runaway
Prove It
I'm Home
Stay for a Night
Because of You
Waterfall
Heartbreak
Something About U
View
Body Rhythm
You're Right
Choice
Minho answering questions from the media during his press conference on March 16 at Novotel Manila Araneta City (Jonathan Hicap)