EXO’s D.O. holds 2-day solo fan con in Manila

South Korean star Doh Kyung-soo, better known as D.O. of acclaimed K-pop boy group EXO, will make this weekend “blossom” for his Filipino fans through his “BLOOM” fan concert on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Presented by Wilbros Live, the much-awaited show will mark the idol’s first solo event in the Philippines since his last visit in 2018 for EXO’s “ElyXion” concert.

His fans, fondly called EXO-Ls and Dandanies, will be delighted to witness and enjoy live Kyung-soo’s discography and his charm beyond being a seasoned actor-singer.

The 31-year-old artist officially made his debut as a soloist on July 26, 2021, with his first extended play (EP), Empathy, including his popular and refreshing lead single Rose.

It was followed by his second mini-album, Expectation, featuring seven songs, including his folk-pop title track Somebody, dropped last Sept. 18, 2023.

The K-pop idol’s latest release was his third EP, Blossom, which was unveiled last May 7, under his own agency, Company SooSoo, after parting ways with his longtime label SM Entertainment on Oct. 18, 2023.

Kyung-soo’s musicality has captivated global fans — from his soulful vocals in his well-loved ballad song It’s Love or its Spanish version Si Fueras Mia to refreshing music courtesy of his pop hits I’m Gonna Love You, Mars, and Popcorn, among others.

His recent collaboration with Korean rapper Lee Young-ji for the latter’s lead single Small Girl released last June 21 also gained massive popularity with over 26 million streams on Spotify.

That’s why it’s no surprise if Day 1 of his solo tour in Manila became sold out in less than 24 hours after the start of the ticket selling, according to the local concert promoter.

Outside of his music career, he has starred in various K-drama series and movies, including “Pure Love” (2016), “My Annoying Brother” (2016), “100 Days My Prince” (2018), “Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds,” (2018), “Bad Prosecutor” (2022) and “The Moon” (2023).

Due to his acting portfolio, D.O. was previously selected by the Korean Film Council as one of the 200 K-stars who best represent the present and future of Korea’s movie industry.

Pinoy fans who have discovered Kyung-soo through music or his acting projects are expected to fill the Big Dome in their sky-blue outfits as the official dress code and EXO’s lightstick, a bonus concert item, for the fandom’s iconic silver ocean view.

While waiting for the weekend to come, Filo EXO-Ls may want to prepare not only their OOTDs but also their enthusiasm to sing along with D.O. by learning the fan chants for some of his songs, which can be found online. The pressure is on for Pinoy fans to impress Kyung-soo, knowing he was lowkey strict with the audience’s singing tone and chants based on the videos of his previous concert shows, as shared by other supporters on social media.

Tickets for the second day of fancon are still available via Ticketnet outlets and online. Filipino EXO-Ls and Dandanies may purchase tickets ranging from P4,250 (upper box regular) to P13,800 (VIP seated), which include various fan benefits such as send-off session, VIP ID and lanyard, signed poster and polaroid, and exclusive photocard for this Manila stop.