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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Smart Communications) |
Much love was exchanged between some of the biggest K-pop stars and their respective Filipino fans as the much-awaited virtual K-culture gathering returned in KCON:TACT HI 5 which was streamed exclusively in the Philippines on Smart's new GigaPlay app, giving subscribers free access to watch live performances of and meet and greet with their favorite K-pop performers from September 23-26, 2021. On its final day last September 26, K-pop fans from different parts of the globe, including the Philippines, were treated to amazing performances by ITZY, ONEF, THE BOYZ and Rain.
ONF performed their hits “Popping,” “Dry Ice,” and “Light ON” on a stage inspired by Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which they said “is a city girls want to visit with their boyfriends.” They then took the opportunity to be their fans’ boyfriends for the night, recording sweet messages for them as well as doing a live video call with two lucky fans. Later, ONF returned for a special K-Pop Reborn stage, where they performed a cover of BTS’ “Black Swan.” THE BOYZ also performed their hit tracks “Thrill Ride,” “Stealer,” “Reveal,” and a relay dance version of “No Air.” After their performance, the group’s11 members expressed how amazing it felt to be able to perform their 2018 track after a while. “It was amazing. We are happy to perform it here,” they told their fans.
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Smart Communications) |
Meanwhile, ITZY sang fan favorites “LOCO,” “SoooLucky,” Tennis,” and “In The Morning,” and had an amazing time interacting with their MIDZY fans. During their performance, they also met Daisy, a fan from the Philippines, who owns an amazing collection of ITZY posters and merch proudly displayed on her room’s wall. Later, Yeji, who happens to be Daisy’s favorite member, accepted a special request to sing a few lines from the song “When The Rain Stops” by Korean singer Wendy. Apart from the concert performances, KCON also held fun and interactive meet-and-greet events. Hosted by Lee Gwikang, THE BOYZ and ONF played a variety of parlor games and exchanged messages with their fans through the KCON chatroom. Meanwhile, ITZY, who received a basket of flowers with hidden messages from their fans, expressed their gratitude for the love and support they’ve been receiving. “MIDZY is sending so much support to us. We want to be your support, too. Keep supporting us!”
Finally, K-Pop legend Rain proved his undying stage power with performances of “Why Don’t We,” “Love story,” “It’s Raining,” and “Hip Song.” “It’s my first time here at KCON, the world’s biggest K-Culture festival. Good to see you all here. The energy here charges me. It was great to be able to share this moment with you all. It’s awesome to share this moment with you. I want to be together with you next time," said the Korean pop icon. Other performances courtesy of T1419 and J-Pop band INI also added flair to the event, which also served as an awareness and fundraising campaign for KCON:TACT HI 5, CJ Entertainment and UNESCO’s campaign for Girls’ Education. The campaign aims to send underprivileged girls all over the world to schools and receive education for a brighter future.
A streaming channel exclusive to Smart mobile subscribers, GigaPlay is the newest source of free and exclusive sports and entertainment events live and on-demand. To catch up on your favorite moments from KCON:TACT HI 5, download the GigaPlay app on Google Play and Apple App Store or directly through http://smrt.ph/gigaplay.
