Lee Seung Gi teases 20th anniversary plans at first Manila concert

MANILA, Philippines — South Korean star Lee Seung Gi proved during his first-ever concert in Manila that he can make hearts race not only with his acting skills but also with his singing prowess.

On May 27, the actor, singer, and host held his The Dreamer’s Dream - Chapter 2 show at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, serenading fans with various hits from his discography.

Setting off the two-hour show, Seung Gi performed his heartfelt song The Dreamer’s Dream, accompanied by a live band.

“Mabuhay!” Seung Gi greeted his fans in their first offline meeting since the pandemic. “I am so glad to see you, Philippine Airens. Thank you very much,” he said.

“Kamusta po kayo? Sobrang na-miss ko kayo?” he added, drawing ecstatic cheers from his fans fondly called Airens.

“I’m so honored and I’m so glad that I can meet you in my live concert today. And I’m also very excited for your passionate welcome,” continued Seung Gi through an interpreter.

Seung Gi had only sung one song off his setlist but was quick to tell that the Pinoy fans, who were screaming and squealing in excitement nonstop even before the show started, are the best.

“I have toured Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Taiwan, and now, the Philippines — and I think Manila, here is the best! You are the best,” said Seung Gi.

Seung Gi went on to perform other tracks, including Wind, The Ordinary Man, Forest, Circle, Like a Flower, all of which showcased his impressive vocal range.

Losing My Mind, an official soundtrack from the actor’s popular K-drama My Girlfriend is A Gumiho, lifted the energy of the crowd. Seung Gi even gave in to his fans’ request to sing the rock version of the nostalgic hit twice — one of his several fan services during the concert that included wiping off his sweat with hankies thrown on stage by some lucky fans.

“Next time, when I visit here in the Philippines, I’ll be bringing more rock songs. So, please come to my concert again for diet purposes,” quipped the actor, saying he felt like he just had a marathon after the performance.

Filipino Airens also amused the all-round artist with their cheers that came even if he was mostly singing soulful ballad songs.

“I am singing a ballad, but I felt like singing rock songs because you are very energetic,” Seung Gi said in jest, mimicking how some fans bellowed their love for the actor-singer when he was actually singing a heartbreak song.

“If you’ll upload on social media, please upload the parts that I sang well,” Seung Gi continued to joke, but concertgoers can argue that all of his live performances are upload-worthy.

Seung Gi also got to perform other previously-released tracks Encore, Return, Delete, his debut single Because You’re My Woman, and an unreleased song titled I Got To Know You That Way.

Seung Gi has been in the entertainment industry for 19 years now. Before becoming a Hall of Famer in South Korean Entertainment, the “Ballad Prince” launched his career as a singer in 2004.

The “Triple Threat Entertainer,” as he got dubbed in Korea, went on to receive multiple grand prize awards for his work in dramas, films, variety shows, and music, with the Best Ballad Award at the 2021 Golden Disc Awards as his most recent win.

The 36-year-old actor is best-known for his roles in My Girlfriend is A Gumiho, Vagabond, Brilliant Legacy, The Law Cafe, and A Korean Odyssey, among others.

For his 20th anniversary in the entertainment industry next year, Seung Gi plans on releasing a new album in collaboration with his juniors and seniors in the industry, and different producers.

“Next year, it will be my 20th anniversary. For the 20th anniversary album, I’ll be collaborating with different artists, my seniors, my juniors, and producers. I’ll be making a very strong album for you guys,” he said.

“Please expect a lot from it. After the album, my dream is to have a world tour,” Seung Gi further remarked, with a promise to come back to the Philippines on his next tour.

“Actually, I’m planning to be more active as a singer. And you know, I have been filming a lot of variety shows as well, right? I’m thinking maybe I could try a variety show here in the Philippines as well,” Seung Gi said, as he expressed gratitude to his Filipino fans for their love and warm support.

During a presscon at the Market! Market! Mall in Taguig City prior to his concert, Seung Gi also talked about possibly filming a rom-com series in the country.

The Dreamer’s Dream – Chapter 2 marked Seung Gi’s second “official” visit to the country — four years after his Vagabond Voyage In Manila fan meeting in 2019. He was earlier spotted touring Vigan, Ilocos Sur in March this year and was photographed together with former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson.

The recently-wed Korean star, who arrived in Manila via Singson’s private plane, is expected to frequent the country as he is reportedly in talks with the latter over a real estate deal, a Korean lifestyle hub which will be called “Little Seoul.”

Seung Gi’s first concert in Manila, The Dreamer’s Dream – Chapter 2, was presented by HumanMade, TG Entertainment, Faith & D Entertainment, and CDM Entertainment.