South Korean star Choi Minho of the K-pop group SHINee shared how he overcame challenges while preparing for his first solo concert, MEAN: Of My First.

During a media conference ahead of his Manila stop on Sunday, March 16, Minho spoke to PUSH ABS-CBN about handling pressure and challenges as he embarked on his solo career.

“Siyempre naharap ko rin yung sarili ko. Narealize ko yung mga strengths ko and weaknesses ko as an artist as well. Yung mga weakness ko, triny ko rin iimprove para sa best performance and best stage performance na pwede ko ipakita sa mga fans ko,” he said through a translator. (Of course, I faced myself during this journey. I realized both my strengths and weaknesses as an artist. I worked hard to improve my weaknesses to deliver the best performances for my fans.

Minho explained that preparing for a solo concert was a different experience compared to performing with SHINee, but he gave his all to enhance his skills.

“To prepare for the perfect stage performance as well, compared to those times na naprepare ko yung concert with the members, parang naibigay ko rin yung todo ko para maimprove yung weaknesses ko as well,” he added. (Compared to preparing for concerts with the members, this time I had to push myself to the fullest to overcome my weaknesses and deliver a perfect stage.)

Minho has been a member of SHINee since 2008 and officially debuted as a solo artist in 2022 with his first mini-album Chase. He later released his first full-length album, Call Back, in 2024.

As the last SHINee member to go solo, Minho expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from his fans.

“Unang-una, sobrang masaya ako. Hindi ko inexpect na makapagsolo concert ako dito sa Pilipinas at solo concert mismo. Dahil sa malaking love and support na bigay ng fans, ng Shawols who made this possible, sobrang saya ko ngayon,” he said. (First of all, I’m so happy. I never expected to have a solo concert in the Philippines. Thanks to the immense love and support from Shawols, this became possible, and I’m incredibly grateful.)

When asked about the difference between performing solo and as part of SHINee, Minho emphasized that both allow him to express himself as an artist.

“Gusto ko sabihin na wala naman masyadong difference dahil noong solo artist ako, I would be doing what I like and what I am really good at. Ayon yung music style na napili ko as solo artist. As a SHINee member, there is an artist called SHINee Minho,” he explained.  (There’s not much difference because as a solo artist, I do what I like and what I’m good at. That’s how I chose my music style. As a SHINee member, I am ‘SHINee Minho.)

He noted that going solo gave him the freedom to explore different musical styles that suit him best.

“Wala namang super iba or difference, it’s just that mas napipili ko yung music style na gusto ko at magaling ako,” he added. (It’s not a big difference, but I get to choose the music that I truly enjoy and excel in)

Beyond his versatility as an idol, Minho wants to show new sides of himself to his longtime fans.

“I’ve been in the industry for a long time as well. Marami ring side ni Minho na nakita ng fans (Fans have seen different sides of me). They are fans as well who love and supported me from the first day and in the middle of my career as well. I think fans really know the different side of me,” he said.

Minho added, “Within the borders of me as an artist, I want to be creative to show new sides that the fans can also witness as well. I will be an artist that is going to try his best to show a new side of Minho to the fans who have supported me for a long time.”

Minho wrapped up his MEAN: Of My First solo concert tour on Sunday at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.

Presented by L-Squared Productions PH, the concert showcased Minho’s versatility and deep connection with his fans.

READ: SHINee’s Choi Minho ends MEAN: Of My First concert with appreciation for Filipino fans

Feeling the overwhelming love and support from his Filipino Shawols, Minho promised to return to the Philippines.

 “I promise you, I’ll come back again. I love you! Everyone, you are always my hope. Siguradong-sigurado akong babalik ako rito and I’ll make unforgettable night (again),” he expressed.