WJSN’s Dayoung Photograph courtesy of IG/Dayoung
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Dayoung’s Manila moment

For Dayoung, Manila was more than a stop on a tour — it was a creative playground. Fans got a glimpse of her playful, spontaneous side, as she explored collaborations that highlight not just her music but her curiosity as an artist.

Pauline Songco

Manila isn’t usually where K-pop stars go to create behind the scenes. But for Dayoung of WJSN (Cosmic Girls), the Philippine capital became the perfect canvas for her solo artistry.

In the midst of her solo run, Dayoung brought her “number one rockstar” energy to the city, not for traditional promotions, but for hands-on collaborations with local creators. From dance and music to lifestyle, beauty, and comedy, she immersed herself in Manila’s buzzing digital scene, capturing moments that fans rarely get to see.

“Filipino creators always bring so much creativity and heart,” Dayoung shared. “I’m excited to finally meet and collaborate with them in person.”

Her solo journey has been a meteoric rise. With “Body,” she celebrated her first solo music show win on The Show and took home the 2025 KGMA award for Best Female Solo Artist. Beyond accolades, the song sparked a viral dance challenge that generated over 50,000 videos online and landed a spot on NME’s “25 Best K-pop Songs of 2025.”

KPOP star Dayoung.

For Dayoung, Manila was more than a stop on a tour — it was a creative playground. Fans got a glimpse of her playful, spontaneous side, as she explored collaborations that highlight not just her music but her curiosity as an artist.

Her visit also signals a larger trend in K-pop: artists are now engaging fans through experiences, digital spaces, and collaborations that extend far beyond stages and fan meets. For the Philippines, it’s a reminder that local creators are part of the global conversation, shaping trends alongside international stars.

As Dayoung continues her solo journey across Southeast Asia, Manila will remain part of the story — a place where music, creativity, and culture intersect in a week that felt distinctly, vibrantly hers.