K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR successfully held their first ever concert in Manila in a fun-filled night that drew loud cheers.
BOYNEXTDOOR, composed of Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak, charmed the crowd with their music–and Filipino phrases–at their tour “Knock on Vol. 1” in Manila held on March 22 at the Araneta Coliseum.
They debuted in May 2023 as the first boy band under KOZ Entertainment, a subsidiary of Korean entertainment company HYBE Corporation.
BOYNEXTDOOR performing at their first concert in Manila on March 22 (KOZ Entertainment)
“Manila, are you ready?” Sungho asked the crowd.
“Nice to meet you, guys. There’s a saying for this that’s trending in Korea–gibun-i johda–which means ‘it feels good.’ And in Manila, I heard that I can say, ‘e di wow!” said Woohak.
“If anyone remembers this, but we have been to Manila before,” said Leehan. Jaehyun remembered when BOYNEXTDOOR attended the Asia Artist Awards on Dec. 14, 2023 held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
“We won two awards and I’m happy to be back,” said Jaehyun. BOYNEXTDOOR won Best Emotive and Best Choice awards.
Since their debut, BOYNEXTDOOR have won awards. These include the Global Rising Artist and Best Performance (Male) at the 2023 and 2024 Melon Music Awards, Favorite Dance Performance (Male Group) at the 2024 MAMA Awards, and Global Hottest Award at 2023 The Fact Music Awards. They bagged a nomination for Best New K-pop Artist at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Their first mini-album “Why..,” released in September 2023, debuted on Billboard 200 at No. 162 and bagged the no.1 spot on the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart.
This was followed by “How?” in April 2024, which entered at No. 93 on the Billboard 200 while their third mini-album “19.99” peaked at No. 40.
BOYNEXTDOOR (KOZ Entertainment)
BOYNEXTDOOR started their Manila concert with “Earth, Wind & Fire,” “Dangerous,” “But I Like You, “l i f e i s c o o l” and “Our.”
They also performed “Call Me,” “20,” “IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU,” “ABCDLOVE,” “Amnesia,” “Lucky Charm” and “Fadeaway.”
These were followed by “Crying,” “But Sometimes,” “Gonna Be A Rock,” “One and Only,” “Skit,” “Nice Guy, “Serenade,” “400 Years” and “So let’s go see the stars.”
For Jaehyun, the Manila concert was extra special as his parents came to watch the show.
“Today, my mom and dad came to view,” he said.
Another memorable moment was when BOYNEXTDOOR members came down to the audience area when they were performing “Amnesia.”
Filipino fans also prepared a video to show their love and support for BOYNEXTDOOR.
As they wrapped the concert, the group members expressed their feelings about doing their first concert in Manila.
“I’m so happy to be here,” said Taesun. “And it was also a very good decision to be back. I really, really hope to see you again soon. Today the energy was amazing. I really want to come back to the Philippines. I really promise that we will definitely come back,” said Taesan.
Sungho said, “This is the second time I’ve been to Manila. And I just want to thank you for the amazing energy today. Let’s make great memories forever. Promise? Thank you for coming today and always supporting us. I love you, guys.”
“Today we prepared a lot of language, right, because I prepared a skit. Did you like it? That is only for the Philippines. This year we came because of this concert. I love you guys so much,” said Jaehyun, adding that they will come back to the country.
He also announced, “Please stay tuned for our May album.”
“You know, your cheers are really, really hot. Today, this has been a great memory to me. To everyone who’s here right now, I really wanna say thank you very much. Kita tayo ulit. Mahal ko kayong lahat (See you again. I love you all),” said Leehan.
Riwoo said, “You know we came here last time and just as good memories we stored last time as we're here right now, thank you so much for making a lot of good memories and happiness for me.”
“Today, amazing, so amazing. See you soon,” said Woonhak.
Jaehyun said, “It was really a fantastic night. Really, thank you for making this precious memory.
BOYNEXTDOOR’s “Knock on Vol. 1” in Manila was presented by Pulp Live World.
BOYNEXTDOOR at their first concert in Manila on March 22 (KOZ Entertainment)