HIGHLIGHT Returns to Manila After 9 Years, Delivers Peak Nostalgia at Their RIDE OR DIE Concert

It was a night full of nostalgia as HIGHLIGHT, returned to Manila for their RIDE OR DIE concert held on August 23, 2025, at the New Frontier Theater.

HIGHLIGHT, composed of Yoon Dujun, Yang Yoseop, Lee Gikwang, and Son Dongwoon, is a South Korean second-generation boy group that debuted in 2009. Originally known as BEAST, the group has been active for over a decade and continues to captivate fans with their strong vocals, dynamic performances, and lasting charm.

The RIDE OR DIE concert in Manila marked HIGHLIGHT’s first full concert in the country. Their last visit was in 2016 for their first fan meeting. Nine years later, the group finally returned to hold a full concert, a long-awaited moment for their Filipino fans.

HIGHLIGHT’s Epic Show Opener

HIGHLIGHT began their first concert in Manila with a strong lineup of hit performances, building excitement from the very start. They performed a total of five songs, including their newest title track ‘Chains’, followed by ‘Switch On’ and ‘Stay’. After a quick outfit change, the group returned to the stage with their 2013 track ‘Shadow’ and their 2014 hit ‘Sad Movie’.

From the very beginning, the energy between the group and Filipino Lights filled the entire venue, amplified further by the live band’s dynamic arrangements. While HIGHLIGHT’s vocal talent is well-known, their live performance still managed to surprise and leave everyone in awe.

Afterward, the group took a moment to introduce themselves and connect with their Filipino Lights. “Long time no see!” leader Dujun greeted warmly. “Guys, I miss so much,” Gikwang added with a smile. “Nice to meet you guys!” said Yang Yoseop cheerfully. Finally, the youngest, Dongwoon, made the crowd laugh with his playful greeting: “Hello, I’m Dongwoon from Sta. Rosa!”

“As much as you guys were waiting for us, we also waited a long time to have a concert here,” Dongwoon shared, touched by the overwhelming support from their Filipino Lights.

Gikwang went on to explain the meaning behind the concert’s title, RIDE OR DIE, saying that no matter what happens, HIGHLIGHT will always go together with Lights. It was clear the group missed their Filipino fans deeply, so much so that they came prepared with several Filipino phrases. Early in the show, Yoseop delighted the crowd with, “Lights, na-miss kita! Lights, ang ganda niyo!”

As they neared the end of their set, HIGHLIGHT got everyone on their feet with high-energy performances of ‘We Up’, ‘Dance With U’, ‘HANDS UP’, ‘キミはどう？ (Kimi wa dou?)’, and ‘CELEBRATE’.

Emotional Ride with HIGHLIGHT

Transitioning into a calmer section of the concert, HIGHLIGHT performed ‘Dream Girl’ and ‘Though I Call Your Name’, highlighting their impressive vocals. During a short talk after the performances, the group assured fans that they would be singing many nostalgic songs throughout the show, including tracks that are not usually part of their setlist.

HIGHLIGHT continued with their slower and more emotional tracks, including ‘Endless Ending’ and ‘On Rainy Days’. During ‘On Rainy Days’, the group was pleasantly surprised to hear Filipino Lights singing along loudly, especially during the chorus when Yoseop let the fans sing his part. Touched by the moment, he and the other members removed their in-ear monitors to hear the crowd more clearly.

Not letting the emotional momentum fade, HIGHLIGHT poured their hearts and vocals into performances of ‘12:30’, ‘Drive’, and ‘Good Day to You’.

After their series of performances, Yoseop shared that he was shocked to hear the fans’ voices during the chorus of ‘On Rainy Days’, even joking, “Is this Korea?” He was so moved that he asked Filipino Lights to sing it again. Gikwang also noticed that the fans were singing along to ‘12:30’ and asked them to sing that song once more as well.

Peak Nostalgia

HIGHLIGHT brought Filipino Lights into a wave of nostalgia, stirring up memories as they performed their hit songs ‘Fiction’ (2011) and ‘Shock’ (2010). Fans seemed to know the lyrics and fanchants by heart, singing along word for word.

“You guys are crazy!” Gikwang said to the fans, reacting to how hype the fans were during this set. He also said that it’s been a long time since they performed the full versions of both songs. The group also expressed their fullest love to the Filipino fans by saying “Mahal kita” five times.

“It’s been 9 years since we last visited the Philippines, we’re so sorry that we came here too late. We’ll do our best to come back as early as possible for you guys,” Dujun said. Yoseop added, “Because of your hot cheers and passionate love, we’re able to perform really happily tonight,” and said that he was sad that the concert is only one day.

Gikwang shared, “I was expecting this passionate welcome from you guys. Your cheers do not need energize, for real.” He also said that he was able to enjoy today’s concert. Before saying his goodbye, Gikwang asked fans to stay safe and healthy until they return.

“Thank you so much for setting to us a magical day and a magical concert to us, guys. Salamat po. Mahal kita!” Dongwoon expressed his gratitude to the fans. He also noticed that there were many male fans in attendance, and briefly shared that he used to study in Sta. Rosa, where his neighbors used to call him Harry Potter.

The fans surprised HIGHLIGHT with a touching video project, and sang ‘Oasis’ for them.

Ending the set, HIGHLIGHT performed ‘BODY’, ‘Feel Your Love (48.6Hertz)’, ‘Plz Don’t Be Sad’.

Encore with HIGHLIGHT

The party wasn’t over yet as HIGHLIGHT returned to the stage for an encore. The group performed ‘Don’t Leave’ and ‘In My Head’ while tossing signed balls to their Filipino Lights. They also performed ‘Follow Me’, bringing even more energy to the crowd.

But that still wasn’t the end. HIGHLIGHT surprised fans with two more songs, ‘Encore and ‘Freeze’, before closing the night with their final performance of ‘Follow Me’.

“Thank you, Manila. See you soon!” HIGHLIGHT said as they bid farewell to their fans. The RIDE OR DIE concert in Manila was a true reflection of the unwavering love and loyalty between HIGHLIGHT and Filipino Lights. No matter the time or distance, both stayed by each other’s side.

HIGHLIGHT LIVE 2025 [RIDE OR DIE] in Manila is made possible by O.N Worldwide and Three Angles Production.