SHOW
‘Meteor Garden’ and the soundtrack of my youth
Original members Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Vanness Wu sans Ken Chu took the stage before a roaring crowd that spanned generations — from longtime supporters who first fell in love with the Taiwanese quartet through the hit drama to younger fans discovering their music for the first time.
Before K-pop groups took over global pop culture, there were four original “flower boys” who captured millions of hearts.
F4 sparked phenomenon across Asia with their undeniable charm, unforgettable soundtrack and the massive success of the TV drama Meteor Garden. Made up of Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu and Vanness Wu, the group became the blueprint for the “flower boy” image — good-looking, fashionable and charismatic young men who inspired countless Asian idol groups that followed.
Their influence reached far beyond Taiwan. In the Philippines, Meteor Garden became a cultural phenomenon in 2003, introducing a generation of Filipinos to Asian dramas and paving the way for the Hallyu wave that would arrive years later.
Thousands of Filipino fans relived a defining chapter of Asian pop culture as F4 reunited for a spectacular three-hour concert at the Philippine Arena on Saturday night, 27 June, marking one of the group’s biggest performances together in years.
Original members Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Vanness Wu sans Ken Chu took the stage before a roaring crowd that spanned generations — from longtime supporters who first fell in love with the Taiwanese quartet through the hit drama to younger fans discovering their music for the first time.
Adding to the night’s excitement was the special appearance of Mayday frontman Ashin, who joined the group for a series of unforgettable song numbers. Together, they performed beloved hits including “Jue Bu Neng Shi Qu Ni,” “Yan Huo De Ji Jie,” “Di Yi Shi Jian,” and the fan-favorite “Meteor Rain.”
Each member also showcased their individuality with solo performances that highlighted the distinct charm that made F4 one of Asia’s most influential boy bands.
During his solo number, Jerry Yan delivered an emotional performance that resonated deeply with the audience. Before singing, he reflected on the passage of time, saying, “A person who makes your heart race has slowly just become a memory.”
The poignant remark prompted an emotional response from fans, many of whom interpreted it as a nostalgic nod to the enduring legacy of Meteor Garden and its heroine, the late Barbie Hsu as Shan Cai.
Jerry also marveled at the diverse crowd that filled the massive venue.
“There are a lot of young and new fans here tonight,” he said, acknowledging how F4’s music continues to reach new generations more than two decades after the group’s peak.
Reflecting on the overwhelming support, he added, “It feels like we’re back 20 years ago because of everybody here tonight — the energy, the love.”
Vic Zhou echoed the sentiment while recognizing the fans who have remained loyal throughout the years.
“Twenty years later, you brought your partner, your spouse, your children. Make some noise for us too, please,” he told the Filipino crowd.
The concert served as a testament to the lasting bond between the group and Filipino fans who have supported them through the years.
As the evening drew to a close, Jerry, Vic, Vanness and Ashin reunited center stage to perform “Meteor Rain,” the iconic anthem that defined an era. The emotional encore had the entire arena singing together, capping off a night filled with nostalgia, heartfelt memories and a celebration of a legacy that continues to endure more than two decades later.
F4✦FOREVER 1st World Tour in Manila is presented by Live Nation Philippines.