K-pop group Kiss of Life kicked off the Asian leg of their “Kiss Road” world tour with their first-ever concert in the Philippines at UP Theater. The group’s leader, Julie, asked the crowd, “What does Kiss of Life need for us to run more properly?” to which the members playfully responded, “Kissys’ fan chant?” “Kissys’ finger hearts?” and “Kissys’ love?” Natty added, “All of those are correct,” highlighting the crucial role of their fans’ love and support.
From the moment they entered the venue, Kiss of Life engaged the crowd with an energetic performance, beginning with “Get Loud.” Their setlist, which featured R&B and hip-hop-infused tracks, included songs like “Bad News” and “Nobody Knows.” Belle stood out with her impressive high notes and adlibs, while the group’s choreography seamlessly blended power and smoothness.
The minimal stage production kept the focus on the members, who showcased their individual talents during solo performances. Haneul’s “Play Love Games,” Julie’s “Kitty Cat,” and Natty’s “Sugarcoat” highlighted their versatility. One of the most memorable moments was during “No One But Us,” where the group roamed the theater and interacted closely with fans.
The concert also marked a high point in their relationship with Filipino fans, with Natty commenting, “I was really surprised by how loud the reactions were.” Despite facing controversy over a previous cultural misstep, the group and their agency issued an apology, with a handwritten joint statement: “We realize now that our content was culturally insensitive and take full responsibility for our actions and can only promise to do better.”
In the end, Kiss of Life’s Manila concert was a successful and heartfelt event, full of energy and connection with their Filipino fans. The group expressed their gratitude, promising to continue sharing sincerity through their music.