EXO’s XIUMIN successfully finished his solo fan concert, < X Times ( ) > in MANILA. The one night event happened last May 10 at New Frontier Theater, presented by PULP Live World. It is a groundbreaking milestone for Kim Minseok as a solo artist as he shows a unique fan concert experience for EXO-L’s which is definitely a night to remember!
Xiumin opened the night with a performance of Daisy, an original soundtrack from his web drama “CEO-dol Mart” which uplifts the atmosphere to a warm cheerful vibe. On his first MENT, he greeted the crowd with familiarity: “Today a lot of you came here tonight, how have you guys been?” and “You guys are so loud!” lastly with a warm hearting “Mahal ko kayo!” – showing a close bond with his fans, a sign of a long decade of a beautiful relationship between EXO and their beloved EXO-L’s. Xiumin shared that upon singing the first song he was observing everyone’s reaction which in turn made him more excited for the night to be spent together. He also recalled that he was here in Manila a year ago for KTO Festa 2024, and since it was his first fan concert that he would make sure to make it more fun and memorable.
Xiumin guided the crowd with the concept of knowing who the mysterious X is with the segment HOT IXXUE. In which showed everyone in the crowd that night the glimpses to many sides of Xiumin as an multi-talented artist indeed. He even became Reporter Xiu, Bystander Kim Minseok and of course X itself on many occasions during the VCR Segments of the show which made EXO-Ls in awe of his dedication to bring his very first fan concert experience eccentric which is a remarkable feat. Xiumin showed parts of himself that fans are delighted to discover or to be reminded off once again why he is indeed loveable. He showed his infectious charisma and easy going personality as he interacted with the host Kyungmin like a good old friend whom he introduced as a fellow reporter of X Times Magazine for this segment in which where their chemistry together are a top-notch match made in heaven, drawing laughter and coos all over the theatre. As the segment draws to close, it is nice to know that Xiumin is a master of cleaning in where his to go to labor song while doing his household chores like washing the dishes, laundry, dusting his furnitures and vacuuming the floors is an upbeat song like EXO’s MAMA where he performed a little bit that earned screams of approval from everyone. He serenaded the crowd with his audition piece Footsteps, which is a favorite genre of the once young Kim Minseok and got him a slot for his audition with his previous label SM Entertainment. Of course, Xiumin revealed a TMI that his favorite food to eat here while he is in Manila – is Jollibee Spaghetti and Yum Burger Combo (S3 in the Jollibee Menu) which he rates as a solid 10 out of 10 if eaten together!!
Xiumin hyped the crowd with his mesmerizing performance of Brand New (the title track of his first solo mini album of the same title), and aa he switched to a soft pop track Serenity and Switch Off a song from his second mini album Interview X under his new label INB100 alongside with his fellow CBX members Baekhyun and Chen.
On his second MENT, through the Interpreter Xiumin relayed that he was grateful of the love he has been receiving from the Filipino crowd as he said “Manila EXO-L are the best! How can you have so much energy? I’m really grateful that today I am having so much positive energy.”
Xiumin uplifts the crowd’s energy as he performs some of the b-side tracks of his solo albums such as WHEE! which is a fan favorite. Followed by Feedback, Can’t Help Myself, Make you Lala and as he finishes off the main set with Lost Paradise.
The Encore started with Xiumin performing Beyond and Love Is U, a song he co-wrote with fellow labelmate and EXO member Chen, in which Xiumin identifies as his heartfelt letter to the fans from his second mini album Interview X. A perfect song to end the intimate fan concert as the song is described as gratitude towards a loved one and in Xiumin’s case for his EXO-L.
As the beautiful night came to an end, Filipino EXO-L has shown their love for Xiumin with successful fan projects such as Cosmic Ice Garden, a big banner with a phrase “WITH XIUMIN FOREVER”, a cat shaped banner with heartwarming phrase “Manila’s Love For You Will Never SWITCH OFF.” and lastly a surprise video tribute fan project from fans that made Xiumin deeply moved emotionally. Fans chanted “Iiyak na iyan!” which Xiumin said he won’t be crying but regardless he is beyond thankful for the love. As a sign of appreciation Xiumin danced to some EXO Hit Songs such as Creamsoda and Love Shot even though it took him a while to remember the dance steps.
Overall, it was an amazing night for everyone who was at the venue. Xiumin proved why he is indeed an EXO member and his versatility as a solo artist who wants to make his craft unique and indeed a breath of fresh air with his dedication and hardwork. Xiumin hopes to be better with his words of a promise to level up on his game next time.
Special thanks to PULP LIVE WORLD for this moment to feel the warmth of the one and only Xiumin.
