PH SHAWOLs showered the member with love and support through their loud cheers at every given moment.

Choi Min Ho of KPOP group SHINee successfully held his solo fan meeting, 2023 BEST CHOI’s MINHO LUCKY CHOI’s IN MANILA on January 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Choi Min Ho

He definitely lived up to his “Flaming Charisma” moniker as he heated up the night with entrancing performances. He also made sure to create lasting memories as he enthusiastically interacted with lucky ardent fans during the games and fun corners.

2023 BEST CHOI’s MINHO LUCKY CHOI’s IN MANILA Fanmeet Segments

Min Ho kicks off the event with a performance of “Heartbreak”, a track off his debut EP Chase. After that, he greets the audience expressing his excitement to be back and that it has been a long time since he last visited the Philippines.

Lucky Box

In this corner, Choi Min Ho has to succeed in the given mission to open two boxes with “lucky items” inside. He says, while he has no idea what items are in the boxes, he’s excited to find out and that he is confident he will make it through the missions. One lucky fan joins him for the first mission which is to have an identical pose on the keyword Lucifer.

Both did a similar pose that enables Min Ho to open the box. It contains Barong Tagalog, a Filipino traditional clothing for men usually worn during important and formal events. He wears it as Host Sam Oh explains its significance . Min Ho admits that it is his first time to wear Barong. Upon knowing how important it is for Filipinos, it also becomes meaningful to him. Still dressed in the traditional wear, Min Ho dances to Pandanggo, a Filipino folk dance.

For the second mission, he gets to do a another pose with a group of PH SHAWOLs, for which they also succeeded. The second box contains a crown as fans sees him as a prince charming. Min Ho says the first corner was a really fun time and he truly feels honored to wear Barong Tagalog.

Lucky Moments

Before the start of the next corner, Sam Oh asks Min Ho about the time he feels he is luckiest or happiest. He answers that he knows he is luckiest and happiest when he goes distances to meet people such as his fans. Fans screams upon hearing his answer. Sam Oh then explains the next segment which is about reenacting scenes from dramas fans wanted to see him play a role in.

He gamely showcases the characters Jang Uk from Alchemy of Souls and Capt. Yoo Shi Jin of Descendants of the Sun. He discloses that he is really enjoying the time but feels quite awkward at the same time.

Min Ho draws the lucky ticket numbers combination during the segment which ensures two fans taking home an unreleased photocard.

Keyword Talk About Album Chase

The third and final corner centers on Min Ho’s recent release and debut mini-album Chase. All tracks are shown and Min Ho has to choose three titles and each title has a corresponding question. Sam Oh once again asks him a question before starting the segment. She wants to know the place Min Ho would runaway to if given a chance and what he values more when travelling.

Choi Min Ho states that when he travels what’s more important is the person/people he is travelling with. He mentions that if he could runaway somewhere, the Philippines is such a nice place to go. He further explains that he enjoys the hot weather and the food.

Picking the first song title, “Heartbreak”, Min Ho is kind of baffled as he has no idea how to show a PH version of the keyword. But eventually settles with the choreography ending with a finger heart (PH SHAWOLs swoon!).

For the second title, he chooses “Choice”. This allows him to create his “tour choice” for PH fans who will go to South Korea. Min Ho recommends Seoul and visit KWANGYA. As for the food suggestion, he wants fans to eat kimbap and samgyeopsal. And for the ultimate K-experience, he wants fans to try the popular photo booth in Seoul where you can take pictures and print it right away. He then jokes that if they go to SM Entertainment, there is someone who looks like him (his standee) which they can take a photo with to make them feel he is actually with them.

The third word he picks is “Chase” that had him dancing to “Dati-dati” a popular TikTok trend challenge. He, not only dance to it once but twice, as the audience requests for him to do it one more time.

2023 BEST CHOI’s MINHO LUCKY CHOI’s IN MANILA Fanmeet Performances

Apart from “Heartbreak”, Choi Min Ho treats fans to performances of “Runaway” and “Chase”, tracks from his recently released mini-album. For his performance of “Chase”, Min Ho says it is his first time to do it on a live stage. He confesses to being nervous and excited. Then asks fans if they like the performance to which fans respond with a resounding “yes”. He adds that it has now become an unforgettable memory to him, having performed the song in front of PH SHAWOLs.

The night’s greatest surprise for fans is Min Ho’s performance of SHINee medley songs.  The set includes “Atlantis”, Don’t Call Me”, “Kiss Kiss” and “CØDE”. Min Ho sings “I’m Home” as his last song for the night.

Choi Min Ho Ment

Choi Min Ho once again expresses his gratitude to fans and for spending the Saturday night with him. He apologizes as he really wanted to come sooner but it took him quite some time to do so. He promises to always do his best for fans and to come back with the members next time. But until then he wishes fans to stay healthy and that he will see PH SHAWOLs once again. He says he loves the Philippines and that fans are his home.

2023 BEST CHOI’s MINHO LUCKY CHOI’s IN MANILA is presented by Ovation Productions.

*Purple Panda’s Note*

Despite the temperature at the venue (it was FREEZING! well I get cold easily, so yeah), I thoroughly enjoyed the fan meet. SHINee is one those groups that you really can’t discard as their discography can speak for them. I came to know them late, though in my defense I only came fully immersed in KPOP in 2017. However, it is never too late to stan SHINee. And after seeing how happy Min Ho was standing in front of, engaging with and performing for SHAWOLs, combined with the fans passionate response, I get it. That kind of bond can only be forged and strengthened by going through good and challenging times together. The kind that is here to stay. I just can’t help but love that.

This fan meeting article first appeared in Hellokpop (published on February 05, 2023). Republished article here with minor edits.