Cover EXO member and solo artist Chen successfully completed his first solo Asia tour, with Manila as the last stop (Photo: X / @CHEN_INB100)
EXO member and solo artist Chen successfully completed his first solo Asia tour, with Manila as the last stop (Photo: X / @CHEN_INB100)
1 / 1
In an intimate evening filled with soulful ballads, quirky costumes, and heartfelt fan tributes, EXO’s Chen wrapped up his fancon tour in Manila, leaving no heart untouched and no voice unsung
2024 has been the year of soulful performances, heart-stopping finales, and once-in-a-lifetime moments for concert-goers. From arenas to smaller venues, this year has proven that live music isn’t just about sound—it’s about connection, creativity, and moments that transcend the stage. Among them is EXO Chen’s intimate Beyond the Door fancon tour in Asia, which left audiences in awe of his artistry and charm.
More from Tatler: Filipino Experience: Olivia Rodrigo ‘Guts Tour’ in Manila 2024
EXO Chen’s Manila concert is the final stop of his first-ever tour. While other artists dazzled with massive pyrotechnics and elaborate stage designs, Chen brought an understated magic to his performances, leaning into heartfelt ballads, spontaneous laughter, and a unique sense of humour that felt more like a gathering of old friends than a high-production spectacle. The crowd—equal parts EXO-Ls and devoted “Soondingies”—responded in kind, filling the intimate space with warmth and anthemic sing-alongs.
Above EXO Chen poses with EXO-Ls and devoted “Soondingies” at ‘Beyond the DOOR’ in Manila (Photo: X / @CHEN_INB100)
EXO Chen poses with EXO-Ls and devoted “Soondingies” at ‘Beyond the DOOR’ in Manila (Photo: X / @CHEN_INB100)
1 / 1
From whimsical fan projects to his now-iconic “Chenllenge” costume transformations, the night was a masterclass in how to blend raw talent with genuine connection. But perhaps the most memorable aspect was Chen’s ability to make every moment feel personal, even in a room brimming with thousands of fans.
Below, we take a closer look at the best moments from a concert that was as emotional as it was entertaining.
A unique fan banner
Above This fan banner is one of the fan projects done by Soondingies and Exo-L’s for ‘Beyond the Door’ in Manila (Photo: Jasmin Leonido)
Above The front part of the fan banner pays tribute to the concert theme (Photo: X / @baekchanel)
This fan banner is one of the fan projects done by Soondingies and Exo-L’s for ‘Beyond the Door’ in Manila (Photo: Jasmin Leonido)
1 / 2
A K-pop concert isn’t complete without a banner—and this one was anything but typical. Designed as a doorway that revealed a tribute to Chen when opened, it set the tone for an evening filled with creativity and heartfelt gestures.
Of karaokes and sing-alongs
After the EVERYTIME singalong fan project for Beyond The Door in Manila, Chen came out the stage and wanted to sing it AGAIN with EXO-Ls because he wanted to join the fun 😭
— BEATI ♡ 엑소 (@bmariaerigom) November 23, 2024
His admirable happy face is radiating with so much love! #Beyond_the_DOOR_in_MANILA#Beyond_the_DOOR… pic.twitter.com/Hf5u6NyH2h
When the crowd belted out the last line of Everytime without him on stage, Chen couldn’t resist joining the fun. Sprinting back to his microphone, he quipped that they seemed to be having more fun without him. His joy was infectious as he launched into a heartfelt rendition, proving that Manila knows how to turn a concert into a communal karaoke night.
Dandelion dreams during ‘Starlight’
Above Dandelions were distributed to guests and attendees before the concert started (Photo: Jasmin Leonido)
Dandelions were distributed to guests and attendees before the concert started (Photo: Jasmin Leonido)
1 / 1
The collective glow of fans holding up illuminated dandelions during Starlight was nothing short of magical. A meticulously planned fan project, the gesture turned the venue into a sea of light, leaving even the security team enchanted. One guard was spotted asking for a dandelion, adding an unexpected touch of humour to the dreamy moment.
Related: From stage to runway: K-pop idols-turned high-fashion models
The hilarious “Chenllenge” segment
jongdae kept having a mental breakdown while getting on the card captor sakura costume lmaoooo he was like "director-nim!!!!!! what is this!!!!!!" this is sooooo funny to watch 🤣🤣🤣🤣#첸 #CHEN #Beyond_the_DOOR_in_MANILA #Beyond_the_DOOR @CHEN_INB100 pic.twitter.com/pj6AS7I8nz
— 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚. 🚪🚶✨ (@baekaerist) November 23, 2024
The fan-favorite “Chenllenge” game proved to be a riot. Chen’s costume transformations—ranging from Cardcaptor Sakura to a flying squirrel—had the audience in stitches. Particularly memorable was his exaggerated mimicry of the translator during the squirrel segment, which turned “squirrel” into the word of the night.
Despite the hilarity, his powerhouse vocals during Reminisce, performed mid-costume, reminded everyone why they were there: his unparalleled talent.
A nod to his musical journey
Above Official music video of “사월이 지나면 우리 헤어져요 (Beautiful goodbye)”
Chen delivered stirring performances of tracks from his earlier albums, including Beautiful Goodbye and Shall We, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. When the audience joined in for Fall in Love Again and Hold You Tight, it was as if they were co-stars in a love story narrated through music.
‘Everytime’ redux and the emotional encore
Jongdae - Best Luck
— 🐧🐯 (@CHANSOOperior) November 23, 2024
That freakin' vocals!!!!!#CHEN #첸 #Beyond_the_DOOR_in_MANILA#Beyond_the_DOOR pic.twitter.com/vc9FzTMfh8
The sing-along crescendoed with Everytime and Best Luck, where Chen couldn’t hide his envy over how well the fans harmonised. He joked about needing to join their impromptu choir and closed the night on a note of gratitude, singing Best Luck with the crowd in perfect unison.
A finale fit for a Soondingie
Above EXO Chen performing on stage (Photo: Jasmin Leonido)
Above EXO Chen with the fan banner (Photo: X / @CHEN_INB100)
EXO Chen performing on stage (Photo: Jasmin Leonido)
1 / 2
Ending his first-ever solo fancon tour in Manila, Chen called the city the “perfect” final stop. The intimate setting allowed fans from every section—whether from the balcony or the floor—to feel like they were part of something truly special. Chen’s warmth and authenticity transformed the night into a memory cherished by Soondingies and EXO-Ls alike.
NOW READ
7 must-visit Christmas markets around the world: Strasbourg, Vienna, Gdansk and more
From edgy to elegant: 5 times Han So-hee switched up her style game
7 electrifying moments that made BINI’s ‘Grand BINIverse’ concert unforgettable
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
