At this point, it’s a no-brainer why EXO members keep coming back to Manila for their respective solo concerts. However, there’s also a reason why fans keep on showing up to these events multiple times a year, and with Xiumin’s recently concluded “X Times ( )” fan concert, the shared love and connection are getting stronger than ever.
Photo: PULP Live World
This year alone, Xiumin is the third EXO member to have visited the Philippines, with both Chanyeol and Baekhyun reuniting with Filipino fans in February. However, each member continues to bring something new to the table, with their vibrant and unique personalities shining brightly.
The eldest EXO member’s fan concert started with a high-energy performance, earning loud cheers from the crowd. With a decade-long career in the K-pop industry, he has always maintained a charismatic and youthful glow.
Hot IXXUE, Louder Cheers
The first portion of the live event began with an endearing segment titled “Hot ‘IXXUE'” with host Kyungmin Kim.
This hour-long segment was both intriguing and personal, as the EXO member shared stories and showcased his fun and goofy personality to the crowd. Known for being a clean freak in the group, he made fans scream at the top of their lungs when he recommended their debut single “MAMA” as a song worth listening to while cleaning.
The 35-year-old idol also turned the New Frontier Theater into a full-blast karaoke room when he sang Emerald Castle’s “Footsteps,” the same song he performed during his SM audition. At the same time, fans adored him when he couldn’t stop himself from doing the “Chicken Banana” dance challenge.
However, our favorite part of the segment was when the K-pop idol wore a hanbok as a tribute to the romantic-comedy series Heo’s Diner. He looked extremely dashing and adorable in the traditional getup.
Finally, the segment concluded with the K-pop hitmaker sharing his heartfelt wish: to be able to hold concerts for his fans every year. How exciting is that, EXO-Ls?
Exciting Live Performances
The second half of the event was dedicated to powerful vocal performances from Xiumin. From upbeat and energizing songs such as “Brand New” and “Whee!” to more emotional ballads like “Serenity,” the vocalist proved that he is an unwavering force—not just in his group, but also as a solo K-pop idol.
Photo: PULP Live World
He also performed tracks from his second EP, Interview X, including “Can’t Help Myself” and “Make You LaLa.”
However, all good things must come to an end! The encore, often a bittersweet moment for fans, turned into an unforgettable highlight when he danced to EXO’s greatest hits “Cream Soda” and “Love Shot.”
To make things even more exciting and heartwarming, he promised fans that he would prepare an EXO medley for his next visit! While we don’t know when his next solo concert will be, an EXO medley would definitely be an instant crowd favorite.
After two and a half hours of captivating performances, the show ended with him singing a ballad titled “Love Is U.” Indeed, love was in the air as he swept fans off their feet with his charming vocals.
Xiumin’s “X Times ( )” was presented by PULP Live World and INB100.
ALSO READ: 5 Reasons Why Xiumin’s Solo Fan Concert in Manila Is a Must-Watch
