AO EXCLUSIVE: The Rose shares what they love about Filipino fans and the highlights of their career

The Rose has successfully returned to Manila before their hiatus.

The Rose is a multitalented Korean Indie-Rock band that officially debuted in 2017 with their single, Sorry. It is composed of four charismatic members: the vocalist and guitarist, Woosung, the vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Dojoon, the drummer, Hajoon, and the bassist, Taegyeom (formerly known as Jaehyeong). They are known for their humble beginnings, busking in the streets of Hongdae, and for successfully establishing their band’s name, making music their way to express themselves and bringing healing through their songs. They are known for their hit songs, Red, She’s in the Rain, Back to Me, and Sour, to name a few.

On August 15, ahead of their ROSETOPIA at MOA Arena, we had the opportunity to intimately meet the talented members of this iconic band in an exclusive media conference, which was organized by L-Squared Productions.

Their Love for their Filipino Fans

This year marks their fourth visit to Manila for a concert, and the members expressed their sincere gratitude to their Filipino fans for the many precious memories they have created together during their previous visits. They shared traits of the Filipino fans that always make them smile. According to Dojoon, the warm smile and the way the fans passionately call them make him smile; Woosung said he likes the way he communicates with the Filipinos like a friend. Taegyeom describes Filipinos as kind-hearted people, while Hajoon said they are very respectful. 

Taegyeom also shared his fondest memory during his visit to Manila. It was when he played the Valorant Game in 2023: “It was so fun, it was a unique iconic moment for me, never forget that moment.” According to Woosung, he used to live in the Philippines for about a year when he was young: “Even though I only lived here for a year, because the people are so warm, it feels like our second home when we do the shows. We go to all kinds of different cities and to me, personally, Philippines, Manila feels like home, a little bit.”

Highlights of The Rose’s Career

The Rose recently celebrated their 10th year anniversary in the industry. Everything they experienced since their debut in 2017 was a testament to how far they have come, reaching their dreams, inspiring everyone through their journey and artistry. When asked about the highlights of their 10-year career, Hajoon responded, “I could say Coachella because it was our dream stage, and it could show you about our journey through that stage.” Woosung added, “We had a couple of iconic moments, like Lollapalooza in Brazil.We have that one video go viral, and we played our first 10,000 people over show, which was in L.A.”

Woosung also revealed what they want to pursue in the future: “We just want to spread just good message, loving music. I think we kind of always came on this road where we’re okay not being popular ourselves, with our face, as a singer or whatever. As long as our music is known to people, we are very happy about that. that’s we are pursuing in the meantime until forever.” For the past 10 years, they have learned so much from each other, and they always have that one goal- to bring healing through their music.

Message to Black Roses

Dojoon expressed his gratitude and said that he was happy to meet the Filipino fans once again: “Thank you for coming back, and hope we see you again.”

“We, as a band, our purpose is to heal through music, and that’s the kind of music we want to make, and that’s the kind of impact we want to make, and throughout the 10 years we’ve tried hard making music that could heal people and be there for them through their ups and downs, happy times, sad times, frustrated times. That what we will keep doing throughout the years. Thank you for tuning in, thank you for showing interest in our music, that’s what keeps us going, and We rose you guys.” Woosung’s heart-touching message to the fans.

Taegyeom said, “We’ve been together for 10 years. Thank you for walking with us side by side for 10 years. The main reason why we can keep making music is because of you guys so, thank you so much for being part of The Rose and Black Rose for 10 years. We Rose You and I hope to see you guys again soon.”

“Thank you for supporting us and always being with us as well. We rose you.” Hajoon’s short but sweet message to all Black Roses.

Thank you for healing us through your music. We will patiently wait for your comeback after your hiatus. We rose you always, our forever Utopia.