The Kpop fever has once again swept Manila off its feet, with a slew of electrifying concerts and heartwarming fan meetings that graced the archipelago in the first half of 2023. How many events have you been to this year? Which among them is your favorite?
Here’s a quick overview of the Kpop events we attended in the first half of this year.
Moonbin and Sanha “Diffusion” Fancon
March 25, New Frontier Theater, Manila
Astro’s dynamic sub-unit, Moonbin, and Sanha embarked on a mesmerizing journey with their Filipino Arohas during the “Diffusion” Fancon in Manila. The well-loved duo left a remarkable moment with the fans, filling the night with heartful melodies and joyous games. Despite bidding farewell, Moonbin’s radiant smile etched in the memories of Filo Arohas will linger forever.
WayV’s “Phantom” Fancon in Manila
March 26, Araneta Coliseum, Manila
WayV took the stage of Araneta as events are starting to “Bounce Back”, weaving a spellbinding “Phantom” Fancon that captivated the hearts of fans. The ethereal performance left the audience in awe, proving WayV’s ability to transport their fans into a world of musical enchantment.
KVerse in Manila
April 11, Araneta Coliseum, Manila
KVerse in Manila brought together a star-studded lineup featuring Aespa, The Boyz, and Taeyeon. The concert showcased the diverse talents within the K-pop industry, leaving fans in awe of the mesmerizing performances that defined the night.
HORI7ON’s “100 Days Miracle” Fanmeeting
April 22, New Frontier Theater, Manila
In a joyous celebration of their 100 days as a group, HORI7ON marked a milestone with their “100 Days Miracle” Fanmeeting at the New Frontier Theater on April 22. The event, featuring the South Korea-based Filipino boy band, served as a heartfelt send-off before their journey to South Korea for further training. This is also when they first announced the fandom name “Anchor.”
Read: HORI7ON in 2023
Kim Hyun Joong’s “The End of A Dream” Concert
April 28, Metrotent Pasig
Kim Hyun Joong mesmerized fans with “The End of A Dream” concert at the Metrotent Pasig. The iconic artist delivered a dreamlike experience, showcasing his musical prowess and creating lasting memories for the attendees. Kim Hyun Joong also performed the fan favorite songs “Because I’m Stupid” and “One More Time” — songs from his famous Kdramas “Boys Over Flowers” and “Playful Kiss”.
PH1’s “About Damn Time” Live in Manila
May 3, Filinvest Tent Alabang
It’s about damn time! PH1 set the stage ablaze with his “About Damn Time” Live in Manila held at Filinvest Tent. Fans were treated to an unforgettable night of beats and rhymes, proving that PH1 is a force to be reckoned with in the K-hip-hop scene.
Nam Woo Hyun’s Special Performance at Miss Universe 2023
May 13, MOA Arena
In a surprising crossover, Nam Woo Hyun graced the Miss Universe 2023 stage at the MOA Arena, delivering a special performance that added a touch of K-pop glamour to the prestigious event. Inspirits painted the venue yellow as they show support to the Infinite member who visited Manila after a long time.
The Rose at Conquest Sky Islands
June 2-4, SMX Convention Center
The Rose embarked on a harmonious quest at Music Night of the Conquest Sky Islands Convention. The South Korean boy band not only delivered electrifying performances but also engaged in a Q&A session, connecting with their fans on a deeper level.
Minzy Glee Tour in Manila
June 4, New Frontier Theater
June kicked off with a rhythmic homecoming as 2ne1’s Minzy took center stage at the New Frontier Theater on June 4. The “Glee Tour” brought Minzy’s vibrant energy back to Manila, treating fans to a night of unforgettable performances and connecting through the universal language of music. She also performed some of the iconic 2ne1 songs including “Happy”, “Go Away” and “I’, The Best”.
You & I: “Bom in Manila” Fancon
June 10, New Frontier Theater
A week later, the New Frontier Theater once again played host to a K-pop royalty as 2ne1’s Park Bom graced Manila with her presence for the “You and I: Bom in Manila”. The fancon became a celebration of music, nostalgia, and the enduring bond between Park Bom and her Filipino bombshells and blackjacks.
Kpop Overpass in Manila
June 11, Araneta Coliseum
A cosmic night unfolded at the Araneta Coliseum during the “Kpop Overpass.” The event brought together the dynamic line-up of B.I (Kim Hanbin), Jeon Somi, and EXO’s Baekhyun, creating an otherworldly atmosphere where the boundaries of music and fandom blurred. The Araneta Coliseum resonated with the celestial beats, marking another milestone in the K-pop journey.
IVE “The Prom Queens” Fancon
June 17, Araneta Coliseum
The Araneta Coliseum witnessed the coronation of queens as K-pop girl group IVE held their “The Prom Queens” Fancon. The event was a majestic affair, featuring stellar performances of their popular songs and engaging on-stage games that delighted fans and showcased the group’s charm.
NCT Dojaejung “Scented Symphony” Perfume Fancon
June 24, MOA Arena
NCT Dojaejung, the dynamic trio of NCT’s sub-unit Dojaejung with members Doyeon, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo, brought a multisensory experience to everyone at the MOA Arena. The “Scented Symphony” Perfume Fancon combined the trio’s captivating dancing and singing skills with a unique olfactory element, creating an immersive and unforgettable concert experience for NCTzens.
NCT DoJaeJung Media Conference
June 25, Glorietta Activity Center
NCT DoJaeJung culminated their Manila activities with a media conference at the Glorietta Activity Center on June 25. Doyeon, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo took center stage, answering questions from the media and extending warm greetings to their dedicated fans. It was a moment of connection and transparency, bringing fans closer to the personalities behind the performances.
Read on the Part 2, as we delve into the captivating K-pop events that graced the Philippine stage from July to December! The excitement continues as more idols, groups, and fanmeetings unfold in the second half of the year.
Related Read: Most Unforgettable Events in 2023, Thai Events in Manila 2023
Words: Mikhaela Javier, Denisse Pascual
