K-pop idol Jay B reconnects with fans at Manila concert: ‘I really had so much fun tonight’

K-pop idol Jay B of boy band GOT7 had a grand time performing before Filipino fans at his solo concert in Manila. 

Jay B recently held his “[TAPE: RE LOAD]” concert at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. 

He started the concert with “Present” followed by “Fountain of Youth,” “B.T.W,” “Fame,” “Livin,’” and “The way we are.” 

“I was able to release a song called ‘One Moment” and I was able to perform ‘Present’ here so this could be a present for you guys,” he said. “I was also able to perform ‘Fountain of Youth,’ which actually contained the stories of my 20s,” he said. 

Jay B performing at his “[TAPE: RE LOAD]” concert at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City (Jonathan Hicap) 

He continued his set with “If you,” “Chosen,” “Make Me Right,“ ”Take it easy,” “Crash,” “Switch It Up,” “Preview,” “°C (Temperature),” “Sunrise,” ”In to you,” ”AM PM,” “Right back,” “Toiki,” “Inside,” “Cloud nine,” “Wonder,” “Whiskey,” “Holyday,” “Go UP,” “Page,” “”Go Higher and “Before the Full Moon Rises.” 

During a press conference a day before the show held at the SM Mall of Asia Amphitheater, Jay B talked about his new album and career. 

He released his first studio album, “Archive 1: [ROAD RUNNER]” last November. 

“The essence of the whole project was…the first thing that I focused on was to have fun while making it,” he said. 

On how “Road Runner” reflected his growth as an artist since his debut in GOT7, Jay B said, “Before thinking how my growth was, how it protected me, I had no time to think about that at all because I was so busy preparing GOT7’s album.” 

Jay B said since his last tour, “I wanted to give more young, lively and pop-based performances but this time, I'm a bit greedy. I want to show that I'm sexy.” 

In 2022, he became a judge in the survival program “The Origin – A, B, Or What?,” which launched boy band ATBO. 

When asked if he has plans to write or produce songs for other artists,  he said, “If opportunities align, of course, I want to produce for other artists. But lately I like making my own and especially trying different genres as well. It's also refreshing to me.  So If I have opportunities,  I would want [to do it] in the future.” 

Jay B picked “Cloud Nine” as the song that best embodies him, saying, “There’s a lot.  I think ‘Cloud Nine’ really identified and showed me.”

GOT7 made their comeback to the music scene last January with the album “Winter Heptagon.”  

“First of all, it was very fun but it was also empty and I felt my heart was empty because I have no six other members with me while preparing,” he said. 

On balancing his role as the leader of GOT7 and as a solo artist, Jay B said, “To be honest, how I manage those questions, I don't really mind because in my mind, if you decide to do it, just do your best and do it hard with your hard work.” 

Jay B answers questions from the media at his press conference at the SM Mall of Asia Amphitheater (Photos courtesy of Joshua Jetezo)

Jay B also talked about performing his duty as a leader of GOT7. 

“First of all, you just have your own role in a group so I'm just doing my job as a group, just doing my best. I never think that because I'm a leader I should do this and that. I don't think that way and even if It's not me, other members can do and fill in my role. So I think the members trusting me as a leader is what matters,” he said.  

Jay B began as an actor in “Dream High 2,” which was released in 2012. He and GOT7’s Jinyoung debuted in the JJ Project in 2012. The two made their debut in GOT7 in 2014. 

On the secret behind his longevity, Jay B said, “What’s my secret to it? First is I do my best and Ahgases, my fans, are always showing me love and support. So I think that's one of the things that drives me to do my best and music is something that I would make alone by myself if you guys weren't here.”

At the concert, a video prepared by fans was shown. 

He said, “Actually I’m very curious. At the end of this tour, what would my status be? After this tour, I’ll be able to think like what kind of mindset I should have while performing in different cities? When I see you guys enjoying the show and having a happy moment while I’m performing on stage, I think that will be the most fruitful thing for me.”  

“I really had so much fun tonight. It’s like this every time but compared to the concerts that I have, I think I had such a grateful and fun time with you guys. Mahal ko kayo (I love you),” said Jay B. 

Jay B concert “[TAPE:RE LOAD]” in Manila was presented by Mauve Company, NumberK, Wish Us Luck Entertainment PH, and Neverland Entertainment.

Jay B performing at his “[TAPE: RE LOAD]” concert at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City (Jonathan Hicap)