EXO’s Xiumin made a successful return to the Philippines, this time for his first solo fan concert tour, <X TIMES ( ) > in Manila, held at the New Frontier Theater on May 10, Saturday. Presented by PULP Live World, EXO-Ls and ELSAs were treated to a night full of passionate performances, wholesome fan service, and heartwarming moments.
A familiar face in the Philippine concert scene, Xiumin has graced local stages several times—whether through massive EXOPLANET concerts or high-profile festivals like the Samsung Galaxy AI Festival. Still, no amount of experience could dull the impact of Filipino EXO-Ls’ signature energy. “You guys are so loud!” he exclaimed, clearly delighted and surprised, even after years of performing for the crowd.
Opening the show with bright LED visuals and a burst of energy, Xiumin stepped onto the stage wearing metal-framed glasses, a green top, and wide-leg pants. He kicked things off with ‘Daisy,’ greeting fans with his trademark charm and charisma.
“It’s my first time to be back in the Philippines [for my] fan concert tour solo, and it really feels so different!” he said through an interpreter. “Mahal ko kayo!” he added, drawing cheers from the crowd.
A Glimpse Into ‘X’
Staying true to the concept of <X TIMES ( ) >—which explores the many facets of Xiumin’s personality—fans got to witness the playful and introspective sides of their idol. He introduced himself as “Reporter Xiu,” a curious journalist on a mission to uncover the identity of the mysterious ‘X.’ According to Xiumin, the concert’s title references a fictional magazine that revolves around him, allowing fans to “discover sides of Xiumin they’ve never seen before.”
Fan Concert Segment: ‘HOT IXXUE’
The show quickly shifted into a more interactive tone with a fan segment titled ‘HOT IXXUE,’ a playful twist on his name. The concert’s host, Kyungmin, bantered with Xiumin onstage, kicking off with a cheeky compliment: “You’re very handsome!”—to which fans roared, chanting “Pogi! Pogi! Pogi!” in unison. Xiumin played along, replying with a grin, “You’ve got very right information.”
In this segment, Xiumin was quizzed with fun prompts, such as “Chosen as the Master of ( ),” to which he confidently answered “Aegyo.” The actual answer was “Cleaning,” prompting him to jokingly combine both: “What if we say I’m a master cleaner while doing aegyo?”
He also serenaded fans with his audition piece, ‘Footsteps,’ the very song that earned him a spot in SM Entertainment despite overwhelming odds. Though many fans weren’t familiar with the track, Xiumin turned the moment into a shared karaoke session, making it fun and inclusive.
A Dash of Drama, Dance, and Delight
A special portion was also dedicated to “Heo’s Diner,” Xiumin’s latest drama where he plays a Joseon-era food columnist who travels to modern-day Korea. Embracing the role, Xiumin emerged in a full hanbok ensemble and charmed the crowd with graceful poise, giving fans plenty of photo time while staying in character.
Of course, no fan concert is complete without some TikTok fun. Xiumin gleefully indulged his fans’ persistent requests to dance to the viral “Chicken Banana” challenge, keeping the joke alive throughout the night. His humor and spontaneity added a personal flair that made every moment feel unscripted and genuine.
Riveting Performances
Returning to the stage in a fresh outfit—white shirt, cropped denim jacket, and dark pants—Xiumin picked up the pace with performances of ‘Brand New,’ ‘Serenity,’ and ‘Switch Off.’ The energy never dipped as he led fans in a chant for ‘Whee,’ breaking down the sections of the crowd to see who could scream the loudest.
He continued with an electrifying set featuring ‘Whee,’ ‘Feedback,’ and ‘Can’t Help Myself,’ feeding off the crowd’s energy. Each song was delivered with intention, charisma, and a clear love for the fans in front of him. Xiumin then wrapped up the main set with the uplifting ‘Make You Lala’ and the dreamy ‘Lost Paradise.’
Fan Projects That Lit Up the Night
EXO-Ls and ELSAs made sure their love was felt through meaningful fan projects. During the opening, glowing crystal flowers turned the venue into a “Cosmic Ice Garden,” and cat paw banners displayed the heartfelt message: “Manila’s Love For You Will Never ‘SWITCH OFF.’” Toward the end, a touching video tribute from fans left Xiumin visibly moved as he watched the montage unfold on screen.
A Heartfelt Promise
As the concert neared its end, Xiumin made a promise that echoed with sincerity: “Once I do it, I do it best,” he said, vowing to return and show an even better version of himself. With the encore tracks ‘Beyond’ and ‘Love Is U,’ the fan concert concluded on a high, emotional note. VIP ticketholders were given the added bonus of a hi-bye session, capping off the evening with a brief but unforgettable moment with the artist himself.
Xiumin’s <X TIMES ( ) > in Manila was more than just a concert—it was a personal journey shared between an artist and his beloved fans. From playful banter and meaningful fan segments to powerful performances and heartfelt promises, the night proved why Xiumin remains a cherished figure in K-pop. As he exited the stage with a smile and a wave, one thing was certain—Filipino EXO-Ls will be ready, waiting, and louder than ever when he returns.
KDRAMADIARY thanks PULP Live World for the media invite.
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