Hit You Like Bang! Yedam Bedazzles Filipino BY:Ds at ‘Be Your D..’ in Manila
TAGUIG, Philippines — South Korean music hyphenate Bang Yedam revisits the Philippines for his first-ever fan meeting at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier on June 1, 2024. He and his Filipino fans, called BY:Ds, have a blast from the press conference to the fan meet proper for nearly half the day.
Beginning with a Bang
Yedam opened the press conference with an explosive entrance as he strutted on the stage to the chorus of Lagabog.
While this was his second time in the country, he admitted the weather was hotter than usual. But the warm welcome from BY:Ds remained unmatched.
By ‘D Man Himself
During the media interview, Yedam imparted bits of his personal and professional ventures.
Of course, a trip to the Philippines is incomplete without checking out the home of Chickenjoy! Yedam deemed food from Jollibee palatable. BY:Ds recommended balut and sisig as well.
When asked about spoilers, he revealed his latest collaboration would be out on June 11, the first track on Way Ched’s album BLEND featuring pH-1.
He also showed interest in the Philippine music scene — his eyes set on Asia’s Phoenix Morissette Amon and the Nation’s Girl Group BINI.
“There’s a good harmony my fans would like!” — Yedam on Pantropiko
The multitalented soloist claimed he draws inspiration from his fans worldwide, heartening his expressive side. Besides his current career, becoming an actor is another of his pursuits.
“I wanna try acting after some time has passed. I wanna exert more effort in singing, dancing, and composing.” — Yedam on his goals
Whether he enters the acting industry or not, he is already a superstar in the eyes of many. Coincidentally, if he were to name the soundtrack of his life, he would title it “Superstar.”
Go, Green, Glow
Dressed in green, BY:Ds posed for the ‘gram as they awaited the latter half of the event. But there is more than what meets the eye! They carried all sorts of gifts to distribute among themselves and for their idol — from Cebu dried mangoes to posters, lanyards, and even candies.
No doubt Yedam missed his fans profoundly, thus his opening number being Miss You. He also performed Only One from its eponymous 2023 EP.
With his compositions mainly pivoting on sentimental R&B, the crowd and host Karen Bordador expressed concern over his emotional state. He declared himself a heartbroken, hopeless romantic, gaining the sympathy of Filipino BY:Ds before he knew it.
Be Your Dream Come True
The 22-year-old hitmaker momentarily turned into a genie who granted his fans their best wishes for the “Dreams Come True” segment.
“Maligayang bati,” Yedam greeted June celebrants with his endearing rendition of the Filipino Happy Birthday.
Birthday wishes aside, he selected from the board of sticky notes written by BY:Ds and fulfilled the requests of his picks. He doodled a tattoo for one and took selfies with a few others.
Several fans went onstage to play döppelganger, where each pose they struck must be the same as Yedam’s. Albeit for fun, the game had likewise proven that he could pull off any concept — sexy, goofy, and whatnot. The lucky winner took part in an official photo opportunity with him.
Magnetic Melodies
Trade offer: Give Yedam a portable digital piano, and he returns with astounding live performances. With minimal to no backtrack, he showcased his mellifluous vocals with his cover of New West’s Hate That I Love You and Shawn Mendes’ There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back. He later became “super ikkeullim (super attracted)” in his R&B version of ILLIT’s Magnetic.
His talent spans eras of great music as he jumped from the funky hit Get a Guitar to the timeless classic Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.
Everyone had gone Hebeolle throughout his showpieces, hence their zealous cry for an encore from their beloved Yedamie. After a karaoke session to Come To Me, he came back to sing the same song.
“So many beautiful girls in the Philippines!” — Yedam changing the lyrics of Come To Me
Wearing a blue Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY chunky ears beanie and the shirt exclusively signed by Filipino BY:Ds, he adorably wrapped up the show with Not at All.
Officially Cooling Off
Just when the night drew in, the INFP-typed singer snatched a moment of silence to behold a fanmade video edit, where Filipino BY:Ds spoke both mind and heart. They doubled the sweetness by handing Yedam a cake afterward.
Ironically, Yedam confessed he had already felt his throat sore right after his second song of the day, which did not typically occur to him during shows — perhaps a telltale sign of his sheer enjoyment with his Filipino audience.
In the meantime, underneath the confetti sprays, they smiled for the camera and exchanged pinky promises until they met again.
“Thank you for coming! I’ll make sure to come back very soon. Mahal kita!” — Yedam
From his trainee days to now, Filipino BY:Ds assure that Yedam need not worry about his boundless journey. No matter which road he traverses, he has always had a destination to call home.
‘Be Your D..’ Bang Yedam 2024 1st ASIA FAN MEETING in MANILA was brought to the Philippines by HY LIVE and GF Entertainment.
Media coverage by Shaniah Marie Atienza and Claro Reliel Taguba
