An evening of reminiscing, catering to fans’ hearts, vibing to great music, keeping and making promises, sum up the event.

Park Jinyoung was equal parts nervous and excited as he met with Ahgases on Sunday night. Through his solo event, 2023 PARK JINYOUNG FANCONCERT – [RENDEZVOUS] : A Secret Meeting Between You and Me, he fulfilled a promise and made new memories fans will surely cherish.

Park Jinyoung

On February 26, 2023, the New Frontier Theater was bathed in green as fans eagerly awaited the start of the show. When the lights dimmed and the first note played, the audience welcomed the star of the night with screams as they wave their Ahgabongs (GOT7 lightstick). All through the night, Park Jinyoung gave his all, reciprocating the energy and passion of the crowd

Park Jinyoung FanConcert Corners

Actor Park Jinyoung

Keywords one and two

In this corner, key words pertaining to his acting endeavors are highlighted with cute teddy bears revealing each word. First word is “Aspiring Actor” to which Jinyoung looked back to his character in the series My Love Eun-dong. He said that it was such a sweet and innocent character and one he could relate to at the time. Jinyoung also revealed that while the farewell scene came out great, he still felt he could have done more. But that’s how he is with every project, he stated.

Park Jinyoung

Park Hyun Soo’s audition scene was challenging for him. According to him, he was not a great actor then, which earned a reaction from the crowd. He playfully backtracked and said he had to tone it down as he was just starting and he was just being true to himself. He then showed his tap dancing skills much to Ahgases delight.

Second key word was “Baby Prosecutor”, that was about his role in The Devil Judge. He remarked that at first everything was all new to him but eventually got used to it. On the super power he likes to have, Jinyoung mentioned teleportation and reasoned that if he has the power, he could easily come and see Ahgases everywhere.

Keywords three and four

“Tumingin sa labas ng bintana” (look out the window) was the third key word and associated with his roles in the film Christmas Carol. He narrated that he plays the role of twins in the movie, something he has not done before. Jinyoung expressed that before accepting the roles, he thought about it thoroughly as the script is so complex. One character is angry while the other is sad, two opposing characteristics that were hard to portray. However, Jinyoung said that he learned a lot playing the roles.

The fourth key word was “Guilty Person Yoo Babi”, an obvious reference to his character in the second season of Yumi’s Cells. When asked about the character’s similarity to him, Jinyoung quipped “the face”. He said Jinyoung and Yoo Babi are different but both are nice men, so that was one thing they are similar.

On the reason the kissing scene became a sensation, Park Jinyoung shared that it was because the scene was emotional as it was not a happy kiss. He thanked the people and the actors he worked with as he learned a lot form them and motivated him to work harder and become better.

Jinyoung Moments

This segment featured photos that have deeper meaning for Park Jinyoung. There was a photo taken by fellow member Yugyeom during a music video shoot. He admitted that he rarely takes pictures of himself and he was the one who took most of the members’ photos. A photo of him in an army haircut and in uniform drew a huge reaction from the crowd.

Jinyoung said that it was pic taken by one of the staff when he was playing the role of a soldier. He also stated that these days, instead of taking pictures of the members, he is now more focus on the scenery as the members are not there with him. The audience responded with “aww” which prompted Jinyoung to sing a snippet of Bobby Vinton’s “Mr. Lonely”.

Photos of him before debut as he prepared for his application and his trip to Jeju Island for the photo book shoot were shown to the audience. Park Jinyoung revealed that his phone is quite “dangerous” as he has tons of photos featuring the members that might scare Ahgases. He said he has a dedicated storage for all the pictures he has taken.

Park Jinyoung Fan Interactions

As the evening was for fans, Jinyoung made sure that the audience would have the time of their lives. He did not only gave out gifts, he also hugged the lucky ones who got on stage with him.

During the raffle draw, instead of just picking four winners, he added two more as the Philippine leg was only a one-night show. All six winners joined him on stage to take polaroid pictures they got to take home.

Park Jinyoung read from the message board and presented a batch of six individuals with various presents from his merchandise. He also sang the “Happy Birthday” song to all those in the crowd born in the month of February. In addition, those who were celebrating their birthdays on that day, got presents as well. Jinyoung gifted three fans with a personalized calligraphy with birthday wishes, while the other three got merchandise and a polaroid.

Jinyoung was ecstatic with the audiences’ reactions. He said he felt he was just starting the event because the fans were so energetic, which in turn energized him. He wished he could give everyone gifts and hugs. Jinyoung commended the fans and stated he felt touched because the audience seem to be enjoying the event.

He conveyed that the fanconcert was made possible by fans he and knew their time was important. He appreciated everyone who went to spend the night with him.

Park Jinyoung FanConcert Performances

Park Jinyoung kicked off the event with JJ Project’s “Coming Home”. He followed it up with  “Cotton Candy”, the title track from his EP Chapter 0: With. After singing to the fans born in February and giving out gifts, Jinyoung came performed “Letter” and “Animal”, also tracks from his mini-album. Following the showing of a special VCR, he treated fans with another JJ Project song “Bounce”. Then jived to a  medley of well-loved GOT7 hits such as “A”, Just Right”, “Hard Carry” and “You Calling My Name”.

He continued the song and dance numbers with the performances of “Our Miracle”, “Sleep Well”, “Dive”, “Last Piece”, “NANANA” and “Home Run”. He capped off the night with the song “Encore”.

The GOT7 and IGOT7 Bond

Even though he came solo to meet Ahgases, Jinyoung made sure to mention the members. He just proved how strong and real their bond is. During the first corner when asked who his favorite actor was, and with the fans cajoling, he said JB is that actor. Before performing “Home Run” he dedicated a shout to JB as well. He also did not shy away from mentioning that he misses the members. The GOT7 medley took Ahgases back down memory lane with all the members.

Jinyoung, at one point when fans couldn’t contain their excitement and shouted out their love for him said “This is Ahgase” with a proud lilt in his voice. He teased with the crowd and accepted their challenges. Also, all the hugs and smiles he gave out that night were solid proof of how much he appreciated the fans. The fan project video was poignant and it was clear that the love was mutual.

Farewell

In his first greeting at the start of the show, Jinyoung confessed that he was happy to see fans but nervous with speaking in English. He also said that he missed the fans so much since it has been a while since he last met with Ahgases. He showed what he prepared for the fanconcert and made Ahgases very happy. It was kind of bittersweet as it came down to the last moments of the event, as fans are thinking of his impending enlistment. He thanked the fans for their love and promised to be back. He wished that while he is away, fans remain healthy as they await his return.

The 2023 PARK JINYOUNG FANCONCERT – [RENDEZVOUS] : A Secret Meeting Between You and Me in Manila is presented by Pulp Live World and Happee Hour.

This article first appeared in kdramadiary (published on March 04, 2023).

*Purple Panda’s Note*

Though I don’t usually have a bias, (or at least I try not to have one) since I got so immersed in KPOP, Jinyoung is one of the few exceptions. I just love that apart from music I also get to see him act. Biased aside, the guy has some acting chops. Again this coverage was another unexpected one (I actually did not know he was coming). But I was so glad I was able to go because he will be having his temporary hiatus.

Jinyoung was so interactive and funny and so present that night. I can actually feel he was savoring the moment as he will not be seeing fans for quite some time. I love that I got to be there and be part of the crowd that night. My fangirl heart was sad, but I was so happy at the same time. The memories made that night will help me through his enlistment. And it goes without saying that I will be waiting for his safe and healthy return. Reminiscing about that night, I am republishing this article (with a few edits and new pics) a month after his visit.