The sublime comedy and music of BTOB
If concerts are represented by flags, then BTOB’s event flew the greenest one. Attending it felt like a mental recharge and this was not surprising.
It’s expected from the K-pop group who built their 12-year career reputation as a vocal powerhouse and part-time comedians. Members Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Changsub, Hyunsik and Peniel spent two hours with Melody (their fandom name) on April 7 at SM Mall of Asia Arena. Their youngest Sungjae was unable to join due to conflict in schedule. They wooed their fans with their songs and exchanged jokes during the “Our Dream” fan concert. The event was promoted by Ovation Productions. It’s been seven years since their last event in the country together and their fans made sure they knew how much they were missed. Fanchants for songs like “Only One for Me” came out clean and clear. If the members weren’t singing, they were being teased by their own fans. Eunkwang was at the receiving end of most of that.
‘Give up!’
The BTOB leader went viral last year when he confused the phrase “give up” with “keep going” or, as they say in Korea, “fighting.” The idol is learning English to reach more international fans. During a live session, one fan commented that they were sad. Eunkwang confidently raised his fist to encourage the fan. “Why sad? Give up!” he said.
It was a moment that gave birth to a thousand memes. In Manila, Eunkwang was mercilessly teased about it by the audience and the members.
He played along and told them, “Melody tells me ‘Don’t study English!’” Eunkwang knew that his mistakes are comedic gold for K-pop fans. He added sincerely in the end, “I will study harder so our communication will be better.”
English is not the only language he’s trying to learn.
The idol impressed with some of the Filipino expressions he and the other members learned for the show like “Hay naku!” “Ang ganda-ganda niyo,” “Maraming salamat po” and of course, “Mahal ko kayo.”
Eunkwang even sang parts of Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” and SB19’s “Mapa” which he said is his favorite. He learned the song two years ago.
BTOB Pinoy
At the presscon, Hyunsik revealed that he’s been in the country multiple times for leisure. He loves scuba diving and it took him to places such as Apo Island, Liloan, Bohol, Mindoro and Cebu. Hyunsik revealed that he likes to indulge in buko pie.
Peniel wanted to try chicken adobo, but ended up eating halo-halo. He described the cooler as “coconut-y” which he liked. Minhyuk had sinigang while Changsub was content with San Miguel beer.
When the crowd chanted, “Walang uuwi!” they chanted along. Peniel said that they will leave Eunkwang behind after they confiscate his passport.
BTOB members are hilarious because they are self-deprecating. They have so much talent within their bodies but they don’t take things seriously. They choose to be fun and deliver punch lines after punch lines. This easygoing vibe was felt at the concert. The audience was doubling over with laughter every time they held the microphone for their ments (talking parts).
But this is just part of why BTOB is considered a legend in the K-pop industry.
They are a powerful vocal group. Mics are on when they sing their lines, they harmonize perfectly and they hit every high note like they’re in a recording studio each time. The melodic rap of Minhyuk and Peniel completes the puzzle. Their vocals stir something within the soul. Their voices hug you warmly and don’t let go until you’re ready.
“It’s been 12 years since we debuted. It is too long but it is also just a number. I would love to sing together with Melody for more years to come,” Minhyuk said.
12 songs
They performed a total of 12 songs at the fan con. Every song was chosen to tell the love story between BTOB and their Melody. They began with “The Song” which is an invitation to their fans to listen to all the songs that they loved and enjoyed with the group.
Then they came out strong with their second song choice—“I’ll Be Your Man” which is a BTOB classic. The choreography ended with the members on their knees, bowing their heads, as if begging for acceptance. They proceeded to a faster-paced “Higher” which is a promise to always move forward with their fans.
There’s a saying in K-pop that the fans reflect their idols. Perhaps this is why the members also expected a lot from their fans vocally. They urged them to sing verses of their songs including “I’ll Be Your Man” and the Filipino Melody delivered. They would say thank you whenever they sang along with them.
They continued with the concert through assuring songs such as “It’s Okay,” “Day&Night” and “Wind and Wish.” These are songs that give comfort. They offer themselves up to be a crutch, a support, during bad days, when there’s nobody else to do that for you.
“Remember That” tells us that there is always tomorrow, there is always hope. This is the spring song of the group. Minhyuk said that the fans will forever be their spring day, even when there’s no spring in the Philippines.
Romance filled the air when they performed “Beautiful Pain,” “Only One for Me” and the queen song “Missing You.” The song “Missing You” is the gateway to BTOB. But it’s also one that every K-pop fan should know because it has become an anthem for those who yearn to be reunited with someone. A lot of artists like covering this song, including the cast of “Running Man” when they were in Manila.
Changsub expressed his love for the fans by running around the stage and shouting at every corner, “Mahal kita.” Hyunsik apologized for taking so long to come again. “I am really sorry for making you wait for a very long time. I was very worried and I didn’t expect this number of Melody to come.”
Their encore song “Blowin’ Up” had their fans dancing with them before ending the night with “Finale (Our Concert)”. It was a very good way to tie things up. If “The Song” is an invitation, “Finale” is a commitment to the music and love that BTOB share with Melody. That their voices will forever meld together because the music will always be enough.
Don’t forget today. I will never forget. This will be my memory forever. Until the next time we meet, please be healthy. ‘Mahal ko kayo’ Eunkwang
