[Soompi Spotlight] CNBlue Heats Up Tropical Manila to Fever Pitch

Four-man pop-rock band CNBlue rocked Manila for a one-night-only performance in mid-June. The concert in the Philippines’ capital is the eighth stop of the band’s first-ever world tour, dubbed “2013 Blue Moon World Tour.” 

Prior to performing a two-hour live at Smart Araneta Coliseum, the young men of CNBlue–Jung Yong Hwa, Lee Jong Hyun, Kang Min Hyukand Lee Jung Shin came face-to-face with their Filipino fans and media in an open press conference organized by Pulp Live World and SM Megamall.

2 Two guitarists

CNBlue’s guitarists Lee Jong Hyun and Jung Yong Hwa meet the enthusiastic Manila crowd in SM Megamall.

7 Minhyuk answers questions

Kang Min Hyuk flashes a smile while answering a question.

8 Jungshin answers questions

Lee Jung Shin and Lee Jong Hyun focus on the proceedings.

Excited screams from the audience filled the venue in a show of warm welcome on their first time in the tropical archipelago. The band gave in good measure by introducing themselves in Filipino and adding common pleasantries in local language. All four are dapper in their casual suits, and charming with their answers and compliments. 

Jung Yong Hwa prepares to speak to the fans.

Jung Yong Hwa prepares to speak to the fans.

Leader, guitarist and vocalist Jung Yong Hwa celebrated his birthday with a special cake presented from the Filipino fans. “I will not forget this birthday,” he said amid cheers and greetings. He further taunted the already boisterous crowd to “make some noise!”

Filipino fans present Jung Yong Hwa with a Simpsons-themed birthday cake.

Filipino fans present Jung Yong Hwa with a Simpsons-themed birthday cake.

Lee Jung Shin proved the potency of his “happy virus” by interacting with the crowd and speaking the most out of the four. He expressed his wish to see Cebu, an island in central Philippines, “to go fishing.”

Lee Jong Hyun spoke the least, but had frequently checked the crowd and elicited screams whenever he flashed his dimples in a smile. 

CNBlue bassist Lee Jung Shin takes a moment to survey the Filipino Boices gathered to SM Megamall's third floor to catch a glimpse of the group.

Drummer Kang Min Hyuk solicited recommendations from those present on what local delicacies to try. He said he was looking forward to try balut (fertilized duck eggs), adobo (a kind of stew) and sisig (minced pork cheeks.) He was one of the more popular members among fans who participated in the pre-event onstage fun games conducted to entertain the excited gathering.

9 Minhyuk gets love from the ladies

Event hosts Jinri Park (in yellow) and Gretchen Fullido (in black) address a question to group.

Jung Yonghwa

Jung Yong Hwa is CNBlue’s leader, vocalist and rhythm guitarist.

Lee Jonghyun

Lee Jong Hyun is on lead guitars and vocals for CNBlue.

Kang Minhyuk

Kang Min Hyuk plays drums for CNBlue.

Lee Jungshin

Lee Jung Shin is CNBlue’s bassist and youngest member.

The four winsome young men exited the stage after taking a photo with their fans, staying only for less than half an hour, but not without a short rendition of their latest title track, “I’m Sorry” from Jung Yong Hwa, who says it is the song they would like to leave with their Filipino fans. The song has marked a milestone, being the first title track of a Korean release that was self-composed, and has once topped the Billboard World Charts.

 It was a short visit but the impression CNBlue left is lasting. More photos from the open press conference on Soompi’s Facebook page

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