Korean star Lee Seung-gi shows vocal prowess in solo concert

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 28) — Versatile South Korean star Lee Seung-gi charmed Filipino Airens with his powerful vocals on Saturday, May 27, in his “The Dreamer’s Dream — Chapter 2” concert at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.

To kick off the show, his band members walked onto the stage, triggering pure excitement from the audience as they anticipated Lee’s appearance.

The screen lit up and a video showed Lee holding a trophy, which would later be revealed as his rookie or new artist award for his 2004 debut hit “Because You’re My Woman” at the 15th Seoul Music Awards held on that year.

After the short clip, right on cue donning a sparkling blue suit, Seung-gi joined his band mates on the stage for their first set, beginning with the soulful ballad “The Dreamers Dream” from his 2020 album “The Project.”

The singer greeted the packed theater in English and Filipino, “I’m so glad to see (Filipino) Airen… Kumusta po kayo? Sobrang na-miss ko kayo [How are you? I’ve missed you so much].”

Lee's last visit to Manila was in 2019 for a fan meeting in the same venue for his K-drama series “Vagabond.”

The Korean actor and singer has starred in other K-dramas like “A Korean Odyssey,” “Mouse,” and “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho,” which was popularly aired with Filipino dubs in 2011.

He also appeared in a number of variety shows like Netflix’s travel documentary “Twogether,” and “Little Forest,” a program that involved caring for children in which Lee even acquired a level one child psychology counselor certification before filming.

South Korean "Ballad Prince"

But Lee not only captivates hearts as an actor and entertainer. The man, called the “Ballad Prince,” also boasts a dynamic vocal prowess, having won several music awards.

“Four years ago, I met you in a fan meeting before, in 2019. But today, I am having this live concert because I wanted to visit here as a singer. Live is better, right?” he said.

He continued serenading his Airens with songs like “Wind,” “Return,” “Circle,” “Encore,” “Music Time,” and “Because You’re My Woman,” among others.

He even performed the nostalgic song “Losing My Mind” twice, as requested by fans who wanted to rock out to the original soundtrack of “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.”

The award-winning artist also belted out Kim Kyung-ho’s “Forbidden Love,” which he had covered in an episode of the variety show “Master in the House.” He said this was not in the setlist, but he gave in to his fans’ wishes.

Lee even sang an unreleased track from his upcoming album. “I think it will be included in my 20th anniversary album. It’s actually unreleased, but for you guys, I guess I’ll be singing that for you,” he said.

He humorously pointed out that he meant to perform emotional ballads, yet Filipino fans, known for their “Philippine-style welcome” of ear-shattering cheers and all-out support, made the show feel like a rock concert.

“You know every time I have my tour, because I’m a ballad singer, I kind of think maybe our fans are also quite silent, but it’s definitely not. Next time when I visit here in the Philippines, I’ll be bringing more rock songs so that you guys can enjoy,” Lee said in Korean.

New projects in the works

Hoping to hold another tour for his upcoming album, the multitalented entertainer promised to return to the Philippines.

“I’ll be making a very strong album for you guys. Please expect a lot (from) it. And after the album is released, my dream is to have a world tour. Of course, I will come back (to the) Philippines,” he said.

“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? And I’m thinking maybe I could try a variety show here in the Philippines as well,” he added.

A heartfelt video showed Lee’s journey as an artist, from his iconic 2004 music award win to preparing for the current tour.

When asked what made her fall in love with the Korean celebrity, 23-year-old fan Sheena shared, “I watched him in ‘Little Forest.’ The best scene of him was (when he took) care of the kid and...joked about pulling the tooth of the boy. He sincerely took care of him. I’m sure that he will be a good dad someday.”

Lee recently tied the knot with actress Lee Da-in back in April.