By Anthony Cidro
Photos from L-Squared Productions

Choi Minho wrapped up his highly anticipated and successful concert tour with an electrifying finale in Manila on March 16, 2025. It had been two years since Filipino ShaWols and Flames last saw Minho, and their excitement was undeniable. Their deafening cheers made it clear just how much they missed him. Minho, in turn, reciprocated their energy by going all out, delivering an unforgettable night of performances.

A Special Moment at the Mediacon
Before the concert, members of the press and lucky fans had the chance to share an intimate moment with Minho during the Mediacon, hosted by Karen Bordador. A few carefully selected questions submitted by Manila Korean Times were asked during the interview portion. “What is one thing you consistently enjoy each time you come here?” Minho’s answer? He’s not a fan of cold weather, so he loves the warmth of the Philippines! But more than that, he enjoys the unmatched cheers of Filipino ShaWols—which, of course, prompted even louder screams from the audience. “Which one of your songs would you like to dedicate to your Filipino fans?” Minho shared that while many songs hold special meaning, he would dedicate “Prove It” to them. He explained that this concert was made possible because of the love from his fans, and he wanted to prove that they could do this together. Most importantly, he wanted to remind fans that he will always be there for them.

A Night to Remember
As the LED wall split open, a sea of pearl aqua lightsticks illuminated the New Frontier Theater. The moment Minho appeared on stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. He kicked off the concert with “Would You Mind,” immediately setting the stage on fire with his flaming charisma. During his first talk segment, Minho took a moment to acknowledge that the venue was a seated theater – but that didn’t stop him from hyping up the crowd. He playfully asked fans, “Can you all stand up and party with me?” Of course, ShaWols eagerly obliged, turning the theater into a full-blown dance party. His first set of songs included fan-favorite bangers like “FIREWORKS,” “Round Kick,” and “Chase,” showcasing his sexy and charismatic stage presence. Fans were all smiles as he shifted to a brighter concept, performing “Call Back,” “Slow Down,” “Runaway,” and “Prove It,” the song he dedicated to them earlier. He also slowed things down with heartfelt performances of “Waterfall” and “Because of You.” In a touching moment, he asked the audience to sing along to Ningning’s parts – and, of course, Filipino ShaWols did not disappoint with their powerhouse vocals.

A Fiery Finale
As the night drew to a close, Minho’s energy never wavered. He saved some of his most powerful performances for last, sending the crowd into a frenzy during “Something About You.” The highlight? When he took off his jacket, revealing his perfectly sculpted physique while executing sharp, powerful moves. Minho couldn’t say goodbye without performing some SHINee classics! Fans went wild as he sang “View” and “Body Rhythm,” a special treat for those who have supported him as a member of the legendary group. Before ending the night, Minho took a moment to express his gratitude, thanking fans for their endless support and touching fan projects. He also loved how everyone sang along with him and promised, “I’ll have to come back to the Philippines.” And just like that, we’re already counting down the days until we can welcome him back again!

The 2025 Minho Concert <MEAN: OF MY FIRST> was proudly presented by L Squared Productions.