K-pop hitmaker Jang Yi-jeong, more popularly known for his pseudonym EL CAPITXN, finally took the Manila stage last December 12 at the SM North EDSA Skydome and transformed it into a space where artistry, vulnerability, and raw sound collided. Primarily known as one of K-pop’s most respected producers of this age, EL CAPITXN‘s concert was not a typical idol showcase and more of an invitation into the mind of a creator who has spent years shaping other artists’ voices, and is now more ready to show another side of himself to the world.

Best known as one of K-pop’s most influential producers, EL CAPITXN has shaped the sound of some of the industry’s most iconic tracks. Debuting as a member of the boy group HISTORY in 2013 before transitioning fully as a producer after the group disbanded, he built a reputation as a hitmaker with a distinct emotional and sonic identity. As a producer and songwriter, he has been instrumental in shaping the sound of worldwide artists, most notably through his long-running collaboration with SUGA of BTS. His production credits include globally recognized songs such as “Eight” by IU, “Telepathy” and “Take Two” by BTS, “Daechwita” and “AMYGDALA “by Agust D, all known for their emotional depth and layered storytelling. He also contributed to music for artists like PSY, Heize, TOMORROW x TOGETHER, PLAVE, ZEROBASEONE, and AHOF, establishing himself as a producer who balances mainstream appeal with introspective artistry. 

The Manila concert marked a significant moment in his evolution as a solo performer, bringing the music he once crafted behind the scenes directly to the stage. Opening with a gothic-themed VCR drenched in shadows and crimson hues, EL CAPITXN set the tone for a night that was equal parts intensity and intimacy. The visual set the tone most especially for the first part of his set list, with tracks such as “The Vampires”, “THEY”, “WHO KILLED EL?” and “Bite Down!”.

Clad in black, tattoos on full display, and commanding the stage with understated confidence and effortless charisma, he stepped fully into the spotlight as a compelling artist in his own right. Rather than relying on elaborate choreography, the performance focused on atmosphere and sound, allowing the music’s intensity to take centerstage.

The concert unfolded as a carefully curated narrative, balancing high-energy electronic tracks with darker, introspective moments. Heavy basslines and cinematic synths filled the venue, while quieter segments revealed EL CAPITXN‘s more vulnerable side.

“Boys Gang!” took a turn towards the end the moment sounds of a gong in exact intervals were mixed in the song. As if bringing us to a new side of EL CAPITXN‘s world in the second part of his setlist, he took off his jacket and wore a long black robe with thick golden cuffs and waistband, alluding to hanbok worn by kings in Korea in the olden days as he introduced the next song. 

“Daechwita” signaled the start of the second half of the setlist, and the crowd erupted the instant the familiar clash of kkwaenggwari, a flat gong of Korean traditional music, rang through the Skydome. EL CAPITXN led the chant, shouting “Daechwita! Daechwita!” in unison with the audience, even rapping along to sections of the song, and played the “shibal” remix made famous during Agust D’s world tour, where he also played a key role. He followed with other collaborations with Agust D, including “Haegeum”, before pushing the energy even higher with BTS staples like “Fake Love”, “MIC Drop (feat. Desiigner)”, “Ddaeng”, “UGH!”, and “IDOL”. PSY’s “That That” proved to be a crowd-pleaser, sending the entire arena into motion as the audience danced along.

He also mixed in tracks by other artists, including CORTIS’s “FaSHioN” and “Go!”, before surprising the audience with selections from BIGBANG. During “Bad Boy” and “We Like 2 Party”, he stepped down into the crowd to interact with fans, followed by G-DRAGON’s “Crooked” which pushed the energy higher as the audience chanted along. As a change of mood, EL CAPITXN performed AHOF’s “Rendezvous”, playing both keyboard and bass guitar and extending the track with a prolonged coda. Earlier, he played AHOF’s “Pinocchio” while forming the group’s signature hand sign as he looked out at the crowd. As AHOF’s producer and a major contributor to their sound, his onstage involvement offered a rare look at his work beyond production, emphasizing his direct musical connection to the group’s catalog.

As the set drew to a close, EL CAPITXN shifted the mood with Radiohead’s “No Surprises“, standing under pinspot lights as he watched the audience wave their phone flashlights. The energy briefly lifted with Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September”, a cross-generational favorite that had him grooving with his tour band onstage. He then moved to the keyboard and announced the final song, dedicating it to “the friend I love the most in the world,” before playing the opening chords of “Dear My Friend“ which he co-wrote with Agust D. Performed on piano and extended with a lingering coda played on the bass guitar gifted to him by Agust D, the closing moment conveyed vulnerability and gratitude, leaving the audience visibly moved.

EL CAPITXN paused to address the audience, thanking them for attending the first show of his tour and encouraging continued support for the artists he collaborates with most, notably AHOF and “his most precious friend, Min Yoongi (Agust D/SUGA from BTS).” He also took a moment to offer a heartfelt message of gratitude to Yoongi, expressing that their friendship was one he intended to carry for life.

For fans, the night carried added significance. Hearing and singing along songs they have cherished, now performed by the creator himself, offered a rare and affirming connection between artist and audience. As the concert came to a close, the emotion in the room suggested not an ending, but a release, leaving both EL CAPITXN and the crowd visibly moved.

EL CAPITXN’s Manila concert served as a statement, affirming his identity, not only as a celebrated producer, but as an artist worthy of paying attention to in his own right. For those in attendance, December 12 was a reminder that some of the most memorable voices belong to those who first shaped music from behind the scenes before stepping once again into the spotlight.

EL CAPITXN continued his Philippine leg to Bacolod on December 14, and is set to continue his first world tour in early 2026, including cities in Mexico, Los Angeles, New York, and Canada.

Special thanks to CDM Entertainment!

by Mariel Blanco