“Sobrang na-miss ko kayo,” was one of the first things that BTOB’s Eunkwang said during the K-pop boy group’s press conference, where members of the media and 100 lucky fans were present. The press event was held a couple of hours before BTOB’s 2024 fan-con “Our Dream” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 7.
Minhyuk, Hyunsik, Eunkwang, Changsub, and Peniel happily interacted with Filipino Melodies and answered questions from the media. Each member expressed their excitement to finally be back in Manila as a group after seven years. Sungjae, unfortunately, couldn’t join the other members due to prior engagements as he prepares for his solo comeback.
Curious about what happened during the presscon? Here’s a peek!
Question: BTOB recently celebrated its 12th anniversary. What has kept the group motivated to stay together throughout the years and what does BTOB mean to the members?
Eunkwang (through an interpreter): I say this from my heart — it is all because of Melodies. Sobrang mahal ko kayo.
Q: Is there any Filipino food you would want to try?
Peniel: I wanted to try chicken and pork adobo. I haven’t had it yet. I wanted to try halo-halo, and we just had that in the waiting room.
Q: You are also known for creating funny shorts and reels and challenges. How do you come up with them?
Eunkwang: It’s sad that Sungjae isn’t here since he had prior engagements. Sungjae has brilliant ideas when it comes to content.
Q: Can you share any memorable moments you’ve had with Filipino fans?
Hyunsik: Scuba diving is my hobby, and I’ve been to different beaches in the Philippines. Every time I got there, I meet Philippine Melodies.
Q: What was your reaction when you learned that you would come back to the Philippines to perform?
Changsub: It’s been a long time since we performed in the Philippines as a group. Thank you for waiting for us and for supporting BTOB.
Eunkwang: Can we come to the Philippines every day? It’s been a long time since we came to the Philippines, so we thought of what we can give you. We really thought about which songs to perform — the songs that Philippine Melodies really like.
Q: Your fan-con is called “Our Dream.” In relation to that, what is your dream?
Minhyuk: It’s been 12 years since our debut, but we didn’t debut for those 12 years. Twelve is just a number, and our dream is for us to sing together with Melodies for many more years to come.
Q: What’s your message to Filipino Melodies?
Minhyuk: Mahal ko kayo!
Hyunsik: Walang uuwi! We’re apologetic that we made you wait for such a long time. We had military service, but thank you for waiting and staying with us.
Eunkwang: Our Filipino Melodies, kay ganda. Today, walang uuwi!
Peniel: It’s been a while since we’ve come, so I hope you guys have a lot of fun in the show. Hopefully, we’ll be able to come again very soon. Let’s all have some fun!
And during the fan-con, both BTOB and their Melodies created a lot of new and fun memories!
With the arena filled with Melodies’ blue lightsticks, BTOB appeared on stage and sang their first song of the night, “The Song.” They then introduced themselves and delighted the fans with some Filipino expressions and sentences, including as “Hay naku” and “Sobrang ganda nyo parin.”
“Pray (I’ll Be Your Man)” was the next in the set. After performing, Eunkwang asked Melodies to sing the chorus, and of course, Filipino Melodies obliged. BTOB then sang the upbeat song “Higher.”
Since this was a fan-con, there were some segments between songs, and it also allowed the fans to interact more with the group. The first challenge was the 99-second relay game, where Eunkwang showcased his soccer skills and the group’s impeccable teamwork. BTOB completed the challenge, amid Eunkwang saying and the fans’ chanting “Give Up!”
“It’s Okay” was the next in the group’s set, and they also performed “Day&Night” and “Wind and Wish” from their recently released EP. After singing the bittersweet ballad “Remember That,” they reminded the Melodies that “you are our forever spring day.”
The next segment was “From Melody.” Melodies wrote messages for BTOB before the show, and the group read those messages on stage. One Melody said that it was her birthday, so the group greeted her and sang “Happy Birthday.” There was also a request for “Second Confession,” and Hyunsik sang the chorus so beautifully (with Melodies also singing along).
BTOB also performed “Beautiful Pain” and “Only One for Me” before their last song “Missing You.” The fans also had a surprise video for the group while they were preparing to take photos with Filo Melodies.
For the encore, BTOB came back on stage and sang “Blowin’ Up” and “Finale (Our Concert).”
There’s no question that BTOB is a multi-talented group, and having that deep connection with their Melodies shows that they are also one of the most well-loved. BTOB’s dream for the future includes their fans, and I think that’s such a beautiful thing. It’s been 12 years since the group’s debut, and that connection with the Melodies will only grow stronger as time passes!
2024 BTOB Fan-Con Our Dream is made possible by Ovation Productions, in partnership with A Planet and Fan Girl Asia.
Words by Ava Sumortin
Photos by Manuel Chua and Kris Rocha for Ovation Productions
