PEAKBOY in the flesh and as DJ—I let loose!

PEAKBOY should be known less as V’s friend and more as a DJ in his own right. 

When initially invited to this event, I agreed because I had little else to do on a Friday night, save for work. But I made a resolution that in February, I would dress up (nicely) and leave the house at least twice this month. That, and anything sent my way that is K-Pop or Korean media adjacent, I usually say yes to.

But I really didn’t know what to expect. 

The marketing material had all the essential information but, frankly, I wasn’t sure. All I saw was its “What,” “Who,” “Where,” and “When” — Blue for Red, one in a series of Blue Polar fundraiser events for the Philippine Red Cross Youth Training Program, February 6 at 4 pm at Yes Please. (Blue Polar ice cream, a favorite of BTS V and ARMYs, is now in Metro Manila, from Seoul.) Having spent my youth going to clubs and bars, I have said yes to invitations with less detail. The best nights are the ones where you don’t expect anything and just see where the night takes you. And so, my Friday night took me to BGC’s Yes Please at the Palace. 

After a period of waiting, the host finally stepped up. Murmurs of excitement filled the room as the energy built up for PEAKBOY. I scanned the venue a few times, to no avail, to try and spot him throughout the host’s spiel. Giving up, I looked down and worked my phone. But as I looked back up, my gaze landed on a truly towering figure—PEAKBOY in the flesh. 

I wasn’t starstruck, though I was impressed by what I saw. He was handsome, tall, well-dressed, and quite casual in his demeanor. He came in with wet hair, which was also quite the surprise. I came to the conclusion that, unlike K-Pop idols, he felt no pressure to adhere to the “always picture-ready” rule when at events. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t handsome. If anything, the aura of nonchalance only made him more appealing to me. 

After 13 years of stanning K-Pop idols, I’ve grown tired of the fanservice and the smiles. Not to say I didn’t appreciate them, but when you’ve been to enough events, sometimes you just want to be there for the music. 

And wow, did he impress. 

I have, more than just listened, but also experienced quite a number of DJ sets at clubs and events. I appreciate the experience of live music and clubbing culture, to be in a sea of faces as a whole room just vibes and dances to the music. But that kind of enjoyment can only be facilitated by good DJs who know their crowd and what they’re doing.

Frankly, I didn’t expect much from listening to PEAKBOY, because I didn’t even realize he was a DJ! I assumed the event was closer to a fanmeet, and expected such based on the poster. So it was a pleasant surprise to know that I’d get to enjoy at least an hour of his set. I love live music, I love DJs, and I especially love DJs that play K-pop. 

His set consisted of hits from NewJeans’ ETA, hip-hop, and throwback songs that the varying ages of the crowd could enjoy. I was impressed with his transitions, and even the way he would remix the songs to seamlessly fit into his set. Certain DJs would play songs and cut them off at the best part, but like the professional he was, PEAKBOY knew what to let play in its entirety and what to cut short. 

It was hard not to dance and feel good while he was on the boards. 

When I attend events as media, I make it a point to conduct myself professionally and act more reserved. But PEAKBOY’s set was the first time I let loose as much as I did. I couldn’t help it! That’s just how good of a DJ he is. I was sad when he had to step off and the event was over—so sad that I was tempted to reach out to a friend, just to keep the night going. Though I decided against it, if I did continue, it would have been a great start to a night-out. 

All in all, PEAKBOY needs to DJ more. I need him to come to the Philippines more and headline more events. Imagine seeing him at popular spots like Apotheka or Cove Manila with bigger crowds to enjoy his set! 

Although finding a DJ I really liked at a fundraising event for work was not on my 2026 bingo card, I’m glad that I’m able to add that to my list of experiences for the year, so far.