EXO's Kai feels the love in Manila

With an aura filled with intensity and passion, Kai of the popular K-pop boy group EXO created summer feels on stage during his "KAION" concert last July 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

- By ANNA BARLAM

The Korean idol, known for his captivating dance moves and charisma, knew exactly how to drive his Filipino fans wild, commanding the stage with his suave demeanor from the moment his explosive opening salvo began.

All eyes were on Kai, who donned a full-on red, shimmering outfit as he performed Sinner, a heart-thumping prelude to the sultry stage of his solo debut song, Mmmh.

"What's up, Manila?! Hello po! I'm Kai. Nice to meet you, guys!" Kai said after singing Nothing On Me on the extended platform.

With a few Filipino words he learned, he also conveyed, "Masaya ako."

"I'm very happy to perform (here) because it's a very significant stage. It's my very first solo concert," he added through the help of an interpreter.

Filipino EXO-Ls, in turn, showed their great anticipation of Kai's comeback in the Philippines after selling out his Manila show, presented by concert promoter PULP Live World.

"EXO-Ls, did you, guys, miss me? Because I really missed all of you. I'm very happy that finally, we're here again together," Kai remarked, noting that he had last seen his beloved Filo supporters at EXO's concert in 2019.

Five years of waiting proved not a wasted time for EXO-Ls, as they welcomed him with reverberating cheers and well-crafted fan projects.