LE SSERAFIM Set Manila Ablaze With Their ‘EASY CRAZY HOT’ Concert – Review

Fearless isn’t enough to describe the energy of LE SSERAFIM. 

While their very own name is an anagram of the statement “I’M FEARLESS,” the global K-pop phenomenon, comprised of KIM CHAEWON, HUH YUNJIN, SAKURA, KAZUHA, and HONG EUNCHAE, has showcased a fiery sense of finesse, elegance, and flair throughout everything they’ve accomplished as a group — whether it’s through their near-flawless discography, or in every stage that they’ve conquered. 

They’ve previously given Filipino audiences a glimpse of that energy during their first (and dare I say, standout) performance in the Philippines at the 8th Asia Artist Awards last December 2023, yet that wasn’t enough to satiate the demand of FEARNOT for beholding a full-scale production solely centered on the group. 

Three mini-albums and one single album later, the two-year wait for LE SSERAFIM’s first solo concert in the Philippines has finally come to an end with their ‘EASY CRAZY HOT’ World Tour. It’s a perfectly apt title for what any of us could have expected from the group at this very point in time, considering just how much they’ve come into their full potential. Because with what audiences bore witness to at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, it’s evident that no other group is burning as brightly as LE SSERAFIM right now. 

In anticipation of the group’s first solo concert in the country, the surrounding premises of the Mall of Asia Arena were swarmed with thousands of people coming in for the show. Nearly every floor of the nearby parking buildings was filled to the brim with an influx of cars searching for an available spot, while outside the arena, a snake-like line of fans waiting to buy from the merch booth had formed as early as three in the afternoon.

The inside was no different, as a sea of lightsticks surrounded every corner of the arena even prior to the show’s commencement. While their music videos played throughout the LED screens, the thousands in attendance sang along to nearly every lyric — further proving just how much anticipation was bubbling within the venue. 

As the lights dimmed at 7:30 PM sharp, a singular red beam of light (similar to that of a lighthouse) beamed its way around the arena, right before a loud crack of thunder erupted on the main stage as the opening notes of “Born Fire” began to play. Against the spoken-word monologue of LE SSERAFIM’s members on the track, a series of entrancing visuals began to play on screen, up until another thunderclap turned the screen pitch black as it opened up to welcome KIM CHAEWON, HUH YUNJIN, SAKURA, KAZUHA, and HONG EUNCHAE on stage.

The group then sang “Ash,” with their siren-like vocals entrancing everyone present in the arena, even as they performed it as an intricate, choreography-heavy number. The energy didn’t stop there, as they soon moved towards the extended stage and belted their hearts out to “HOT” while keeping the same level of momentum in their dances. As if that wasn’t already great, they then turned up the performance notch with their live rendition of “Come Over,” bringing the track’s bossa nova elements to life in spectacular fashion. 

From what the crowd witnessed from those performances alone, LE SSERAFIM were enjoying the stage almost as if it were their second home. Because even after a brief costume change, they picked up the pace immediately with the rocking “Good Bones” and the trap-infused chart-topper “EASY.” The display of each member’s innate swagger and unbridled confidence left everyone in awe, until they stopped for a moment to greet the audience

“Kamusta?” said each of the group’s members during their introductions to the crowd, to which HUH YUNJIN added: “Manila, are you ready to get crazy tonight?” The corresponding response from the audience was astounding, combining a mix of cheering, screaming, and even barking, eliciting a series of giggles from LE SSERAFIM’s members. “Hearing such powerful cheers from you guys, we really feel that the show has started,” HUH YUNJIN continued.

For the next series of live performances, the group paid great attention to several of their understated B-sides. “Swan Song” saw them take a brief rest period as they sat and sang along to the chill nature of the track, before they used “Sour Grapes” as the soundtrack to their journey, moving across different sections of the arena. Several fans dreams came true as all the members made their way across the Lower Box and barricade sections, greeting fans through a surprise hi-touch event — giving finger hearts, blowing kisses, and waving hello to the FEARNOT in the premises.

The next run of tracks, consisting of “Blue Flame,” “So Cynical (Badum),” “Impurities,” “The Great Mermaid,” and “Fire in the belly,” further proved that LE SSERAFIM left no stone unturned from their extensive discography — giving justice to these underrated tracks that the general public may not have been too familiar with (while satisfying avid FEARNOT requests). Their infectious energy and enthusiasm with each of these numbers acted as a real-time demonstration of their commitment to the craft, weaving across rave-inducing anthems and more sensual anthems with ease.

In between their performances, the members took the moment to interact with Philippine audiences by subjecting themselves to challenges involving  Filipino tongue-twisters (such as the ever-challenging “Nakakapagpabagabag” and “Kalabit ng kalabit si Alabit na may bitbit sa balikat ng kanyang kalapit-kabalikat kapitbahay”). The segment was then concluded with a special concert arrangement of their fan-favorite hit, “Smart,” which involved the audience to sing and dance along.

After another outfit change, the atmosphere in the arena once again, embracing an edgier, more riotous nature. With the electrifying energy of “Chasing Lightning,” the members emerged on stage with a spectacular dance break (paying homage to classic ballroom and vogue dance moves) before it seamlessly transitioned to “Eve, Psych & The Bluebeard’s wife.” With their impressive live vocals on display (their mics were undeniably on), it seemed like an impossible task to balance it with the choreography-heavy segments of the track, but LE SSERAFIM ultimately delivered it with precision. Their group coordination, formation, and undeniable charisma were on full display, making their way from the main stage as they ran towards the extended stage.

The energy didn’t stop there, reaching a fever point the moment they started their performance of “CRAZY.” The entirety of the arena was belting along to every lyric of the track, while LE SSERAFIM’s members executed a jaw-dropping rendition of the track on stage. Upon hearing the crowd’s reactions to the performance, you could easily see their faces light up as they continued on with their routine. An additional (and surprise) dance break during the song’s bridge fueled everyone’s excitement even more, solidifying this number as one of the most memorable highlights of the night.

Though you’d think they’d take a break after that, SAKURA called out to the audience, stating, “Manila, are you ready?” before the rest of them hyped everyone up with the undeniable crowd-pleaser “1-800-hot-n-fun.” Their delivery of the track was integrated with sass and a healthy tinge of bratiness that perfectly fit the energy of the song. It was fun, fresh, and irresistible to see first-hand, especially as they gathered to use a spotlight to find their special “Saki” of the night.

Following their impressive performance of “Pierrot” (which concluded their run of five straight performance-heavy songs), the group took another respite to interact with their chosen “Saki” and other audience members for the next few minutes. They humorously attempted to engage in staring contests with their fans (with SAKURA losing!), and even gave a special shoutout to the one and only Vice Ganda, exclaiming, “Salamat po, Vice Ganda!”

It was clear that all of LE SSERAFIM’s members were having a blast on stage, whether it was through their fan interactions, performances, and whatnot. Nearly every spiel, ment, and comment that they shared was even more charming than you’d think, and showcased a playful side that we rarely get to see from idols of their stature. Filipino FEARNOT and casual fans alike found themselves heavily endeared by the members, which further deepened the group’s relationship with their passionate fanbase.

Soon after, they performed a thrilling version of their debut single “FEARLESS,” alongside a dance-break to “Burn the Bridge,” which then segued into “UNFORGIVEN (feat. Nile Rodgers)” — marked by a burst of confetti that rained all over the stage and the standing sections. Their smash-hit “ANTIFRAGILE” then came up, with the entirety of the arena (once again) singing and dancing along to this irresistible hit song. And even as they executed each high-energy movement of the choreography with perfection, their vocals were equally as impressive as you felt every belting note.

On a more sentimental note, the group’s performance of the ballad “Crazier” was delivered with a sense of sincerity and earnestness. The song, “FEARNOT (Between you, me, and the lamppost)” continued that same trajectory, allowing the audience to bask in a more emotional and heartfelt moment with the group that was amplified by a fan-coordinated moment that saw nearly a thousand (if not a thousand) FEARNOT lift up banners and signage that were dedicated to KIM CHAEWON for her birthday the day before the show.

The moment saw KIM CHAEWON burst into a set of happy tears, showcasing just how touched she was by the surprise profound gesture. Though she tried singing along with the rest of her fellow members, she was overcome by so much emotions which led to HUH YUNJIN, SAKURA, KAZUHA, and HONG EUNCHAE to embrace her, and to finish the song by her side. It was a moment filled with so much warmth and genuine emotions that one rarely gets to witness in grand concert productions such as this, but it made the entirety of the Mall of Asia Arena feel a lot more intimate than it usually does.

“You guys are very lucky — CHAEWON’s tears are very expensive,” joked HUH YUNJIN following the performance. In the moment, the crowd chanted “KIM CHAEWON” — to which the other members also joined in for. “[This is] the best birthday I’ve had in my life,” said Chaewon after crying.

“Thanks to you guys, I think today’s performance will be really memorable [for us] for a long time,” continued HUH YUNJIN. KIM CHAEWON then added, “We’re so impressed performing in Manila today, so we’d like to share these feelings with you,” she shared, right before each of the group’s members delivered their final ments for the audience.

HONG EUNCHAE was the first to say her ments, sharing how much fun they had performing in Manila. “While performing, the loudness of your voices allowed me to feel just how much you guys were waiting for us and cheering for us. I also feel really sorry for you guys, because its been three years since our debut and this is our first time performing in Manila! I hope that today will be an unforgettable memory for you FEARNOT because we will definitely be back for you guys. Maraming salamat po, mahal namin kayo,” she said to the audience. 

“Today was so, so amazing. We only had one day show for Manila, right? That’s too bad.. should we do it tomorrow too? Let’s go!” SAKURA joked while addressing the crowd, while the audience agreed in unison. “Although we cannot have a second day, i feel like today was one day we could fully enjoy ourselves and the concert. Though I have been an idol for a long time, I actually feel like I’ve been lacking a lot at points, but I also think to myself that i am very passionate. So if our FEARNOT has enjoyed the show up to this point, I can actually tell myself that I did a great job for myself today. FEARNOT, hanggang sa muli!” she ended. 

KAZUHA noted how the whole group felt the excitement of the audience even before the show began, having noticed several fans waiting outside the airport to meet them. “While looking at the fans, there were so many FEARNOT who have been waiting for the longest time, so I told myself that we had to do our best for this concert tonight.” She adds how they felt motivated to give audiences their best, especially with the energy that fans showed during the pre-show soundcheck: “I was quite surprised with it, and I thought it would be more exciting for the actual show. And even after the two hours and thirty minutes of our show, your energy was gaining more and more. I think for today’s concert, you FEARNOT actually made it the best [one]. Maraming salamat!”

“I kind of feel so, so sad right now, because we’re only having a single day for this concert,” expressed KIM CHAEWON. “Seeing how much you guys are enjoying, I’m sad it’s only happening for one day. We will make sure that we will be recording more songs, [just] so that we could visit our FEARNOT again. And thank you so much for celebrating my birthday with this impressive and cute way. The song “FEARNOT”, the FEARNOT here today, and the slogan you have prepared for me — all those three elements were combined to make me cry. I think I’m such a happy person right now. Thank you for presenting an unforgettable memory for me, FEARNOT,” she shared.

As the last to deliver her ments, HUH YUNJIN stated how while her fellow members were sharing their messages, she took the time to look at all the faces around the arena to take in the moment. “There’s barely any empty seats. From what I’ve heard, it’s a sold-out show tonight, and though unfortunately its only one show, I think the fact that we’re all here together right now in this space is so special. It’s a perfect night,” she mentioned. “You guys were insane tonight, and we got so much good energy from you guys. I honestly think you’ve been the best city so far [for the tour]. Pangako namin na babalik kami, magwa-wait ba kayo para samin?” asked HUH YUNJIN, to which the audience responded with a resounding yes.

With everyone’s emotions at a high, the group decided to commemorate the moment with a group photo with the audience — with all of them embracing one another at the center of the main stage. The moment was quite special for the group as well, as they even requested for one of their staff to bring out SAKURA’s own vintage camera to take a film photo on it.

It seemed as if LE SSERAFIM’s members were then readily prepared to perform their final set of songs for the night’s encore, with KIM CHAEWON psyching herself up to sing “DIFFERENT (English ver.)” up until the track’s instrumental jarringly changed into a budots-like, Filipino-style instrumental of “Happy Birthday.” The massive LED screen was then surrounded by baduy-style visuals featuring KIM CHAEWON’s pictures and a birthday banner, as HONG EUNCHAE and KAZUHA then ushered a mini cart with a birthday cake on stage for the birthday celebrant, while SAKURA and HUH YUNJIN then rallied the audience to sing along.

After dancing along and making her birthday wish, KIM CHAEWON expressed her shock at yet another surprise gesture. “I actually had no idea at all [this would happen], we were trying to perform and I was putting so much concentration for the intro to ‘DIFFERENT,’ she said with a laugh. “Manila, mahal kita! Today is really the happiest birthday ever.” 

For their last set of tracks, the group performed the English rendition of their latest single “DIFFERENT (English ver.)”, and left the surprise hit, “Perfect Night”, as the penultimate track of the night. “CHAEWON, what’s your favorite in Manila?” asked HUH YUNJIN before the song began, to which KIM CHAEWON responded with “Adobo, sinigang, and kayo!” — pointing at the audience.

The group then made their rounds around the various corners of the arena, waving, winking, and smiling to thousands of fans in a moment that summarized the very essence of the song. And to cap off the night, they performed a spirited rendition of “No-Return (Into the unknown),” which showered the audience with sprinklers, confetti, and a whole lot of love from LE SSERAFIM. 

It’s rare for a concert to feel both like a world-class spectacle and a personal, heartfelt reunion that could rival dozens of fan meets, but LE SSERAFIM managed to make both coexist and take place in one unforgettable night. From the explosive energy of hits like “CRAZY” and “ANTIFRAGILE” to the tender vulnerability present in “FEARNOT (Between you, me, and the lamppost),” the group proved that being fearless isn’t just rooted in one’s confidence — it’s about embracing every part of who they are, whether its their nature as powerful performers, the goofy best friends, the disciplined artists, and the sincere young women at the heart of it all.

Because what LE SSERAFIM showed Manila wasn’t your typical type of concert, but a complete embodiment of their identity. They utilized every stage as a declaration of their strength, every ment a glimpse into their hearts, while every smile a bridge between their idol status and the audience. This Manila stop of the tour not only showcased how far they’ve come in the three years since their debut, but also showed us why exactly the world is watching, and why FEARNOT (whether here or beyond) will continue to wait for them with open arms and open hearts. 

For if there’s one thing that the ‘EASY CRAZY HOT’ World Tour had made perfectly clear, it’s that LE SSERAFIM aren’t merely living up to the purpose of their name — they’re redefining the very definition of what it means to be fearless.

As we anticipate LE SSERAFIM’s inevitable return to Manila in the future, revisit the greatest hits from their discography below: