Kim Sung Kyu reunites with Filipino INSPIRITs after 11 years, delivering a heartfelt solo concert filled with powerful vocals and nostalgia.
There are some K-pop moments that feel impossible until they finally happen. For Filipino INSPIRITs, seeing Kim Sung Kyu finally hold his first solo concert in Manila after more than a decade was one of those moments.
On June 28, 2026, the leader and main vocalist of INFINITE reunited with Filipino fans through KIM SUNG KYU LIVE [LV4: LEAP to VECTOR] in Manila at SM North EDSA Skydome, turning a long-awaited reunion into a night filled with nostalgia, music, and memories.
As someone who has been a K-pop fan since 2009, watching Kim Sung Kyu perform as a solo artist felt incredibly special. My first time seeing him live was back in 2013 during the Dream Kpop Fantasy Concert, where I saw him standing proudly on stage as INFINITE’s leader alongside his members. At that time, I was watching one of the groups that defined an entire era of K-pop, and seeing Sung Kyu’s leadership, vocals, and stage presence left a lasting impression.
More than a decade later, seeing him return to Manila alone but with the same confidence and charisma was an emotional experience. Filipino fans have waited patiently for this moment, especially after INFINITE’s last visit to the country 11 years ago for the INFINITE EFFECT concert at the Mall of Asia Arena. That concert became one of the most memorable events for second-generation K-pop fans, and the excitement of finally welcoming Sung Kyu back felt like reconnecting with a piece of our K-pop history.
Serving as the final overseas stop of his 2026 KIM SUNG KYU LIVE [LV4: LEAP to VECTOR] tour, the Manila concert showcased why Kim Sung Kyu remains one of K-pop’s most respected vocalists. For three hours, he took fans on a journey through his solo career, delivering powerful performances, heartfelt messages, and the kind of stage presence that only comes from years of experience.
A Long-Awaited Reunion Between Kim Sung Kyu and Filipino INSPIRITs
The atmosphere inside SM North EDSA Skydome was already electric before Kim Sung Kyu even appeared. Fans who had followed him since INFINITE’s debut days came together to celebrate a milestone they had been waiting years to witness—a solo concert from the group’s beloved leader.
The moment he stepped onto the stage, the cheers from Filipino fans immediately filled the venue. Beyond the excitement of seeing a beloved artist perform live was the deeper emotion of witnessing the return of someone who had accompanied fans through a significant chapter of their K-pop journey.
After his first set of performances, fans began chanting his name, and Sung Kyu answered with a greeting that instantly melted hearts:
Kumusta po? Ako po si KIM SUNG KYU.
Hearing him speak in Filipino was such a simple gesture, but it showed how much effort he put into making the night feel personal. Throughout the concert, he repeatedly expressed how happy he was to finally meet Filipino fans again after 11 years.
He shared that he hoped everyone would enjoy the concert and make beautiful memories together. Looking around the venue, it was clear that fans were already doing exactly that.
Filipino INSPIRITs and GYUTIZENs sang along to almost every song, proving that the love for Kim Sung Kyu’s music never disappeared. There were moments when he removed his in-ear monitors just to listen to the crowd singing, smiling as thousands of voices echoed throughout the venue.
Kim Sung Kyu Proves Why He Is a True Vocal Powerhouse
While many fans first fell in love with Kim Sung Kyu as INFINITE’s leader, his solo concert highlighted his growth as an artist. Watching him command the stage alone was a completely different experience from seeing him perform with his group.
The setlist perfectly captured his versatility. He moved effortlessly between emotional ballads and energetic tracks, performing fan favorites such as “Kontrol,” “Small Talk,” “Sorry,” “I Need You,” “True Love,” “Daydream,” and “Climax.”
He also performed songs from his sixth solo EP Off The Map, including “When I Think About You,” “Dreaming,” “Answer,” “Over It,” and “Portrait.” Each performance highlighted the qualities fans have always admired about him. His distinct voice, emotional delivery, and ability to connect with listeners through his music.
The meaning behind the tour title, LEAP to VECTOR, made the concert even more meaningful. Sung Kyu explained that it represented his determination to continue growing and reaching new heights as an artist. Seeing him perform songs from different stages of his career felt like watching that journey unfold right in front of us.
As a longtime fan, there was something incredibly satisfying about hearing songs like “60sec” live after years of playing them through headphones and speakers. The songs that once accompanied us during different moments of our lives were now being performed directly in front of us, with Sung Kyu himself sharing the emotions behind every note.
A Night of Memories, Surprises, and the Promise of More
Beyond his vocals and performances, what made Kim Sung Kyu’s Manila concert unforgettable was the genuine connection he built with fans.
Throughout the show, he constantly interacted with the audience, laughing with them, listening to their cheers, and showing his appreciation for their unwavering support. One of the most touching moments came when he stepped down from the stage to give a fan a hug before their wedding—a heartfelt gesture that perfectly reflected his kindness and sincerity.
The night also gave fans hope for the future. Sung Kyu teased that after finishing the tour, he was thinking about preparing to gather the members of INFINITE.
The final performances brought the energy inside the venue to another level. During “Climax,” fans stood up, jumped along with the music, and matched Sung Kyu’s energy until the very end. It was the perfect closing moment for a concert that celebrated not only his solo achievements but also the bond he has built with fans throughout the years.
Pop Journal extends its gratitude to Wish Us Luck PH for the media invite to cover KIM SUNG KYU’s solo concert in Manila.
Photos: Paula De La Cruz
