MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Filipino K-pop fans gathered at Araneta Coliseum on Saturday to watch Kpop Republic which featured Korea’s hottest groups Shinee, EXO K and Dal Shabet.

As early as five o’clock in the morning, EXO K fans were already gathered at the airport, patiently waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite idol group who arrived on the day of the concert.  During the presscon, EXO K said that they felt the warm welcome of their Filipino fans during their arrival and that the Philippines had become more beautiful since it’s their second time to come to the country. Last January, EXO, both K and M, participated in the first Dream Kpop Fantasy Concert which was held at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.  If given the chance to stay longer in the Philippines, the group wished to have a vacation in Baguio to feel  the fresh air and to think about their next album.

EXO K at the 2013 Kpop Republic presscon
EXO K gives a thumbs up during the 2013 Kpop Republic photo ops

It was also Shinee’s second time to come to the Philippines, their first during the 60th anniversary of the Philippines-Korea friendship in 2009. Member Minho was not present this time so Taemin asked for their fans’ understanding. They said that they are excited to perform for their fans who, like a tree, patiently waited for them to come back. Key was able to impress the audience with his English skills when he explained that fashion is his way to express his identity. At the end of the interview, Shinee revealed that they prepared gifts for their fans for the concert.

Shinee w/o Minho during the Kpop Republic 2013 press conference.
Shinee answers candidly during the Kpop Republic presscon.

Girl group Dal Shabet were all smiles when they greeted the media. It was also the group’s second time to go to the country but their first time to perform during a concert. They love the country so much because of the people and said that they want to stay much longer. The girls also revealed that they like Western artists Beyonce, Spice Girls, Rihanna, and Britney Spears.

Dal Shabet at Kpop Republic presscon
Dal Shabet poses for the media during the Kpop Republic presscon

Kpop Republic lasted almost two hours long with hiphop duo Crispi Crunch together with Soomin of April Kiss as the opening act. They sung a total of five songs which included Psy’s worldwide hit “Gangnam Style” and their single O.D.L or “One Day Life.” Dal Shabet began the main act by performing some of their famous songs which include “Supa Dupa Diva” and the controversial Be Ambitious.” EXO K made every fangirl cry “awooo” while performing their hit song “Wolf,” followed by “History,” “XOXO,” “365” and ended their set with “Growl.” Shinee awed the audience during their mic stand act in “Dream Girl, followed by the heart stopping “Lucifer.” They also sung “Stranger,” “Beautiful (아름다워)” and ended with the song “Why so Serious?” from the Chapter 2 of their fourth album “The Misconceptions of You/Me (Part 1 & 2).” Lucky fans were also able to grab stuff toys that were thrown by their favorite idols.

As the concert ended, there is only one wish in every Kpop fans’ heart – for their favorite group to come back and perform in a concert in the country once again.

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Hannah is a lover of anything Korean— may it be their dramas, music, or food. She has been to South Korea for n number of times, but she still can’t get enough of it.Seoul has become her second...

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