Korean indie artist 10cm. Photos from 10cm's Instagram accountMANILA — 10cm is absolutely smitten with “Palagi,” the tender acoustic single by Filipino singer-songwriter TJ Monterde about one’s unwavering devotion to a loved one. 

That much was evident in the way the popular Korean indie singer’s face lit up whenever he spoke about the song during an interview with select members of the press and bloggers in Quezon City on Monday.

The night prior to the gathering, 10cm surprised audiences when he made a surprise appearance at Monterde’s concert at the New Frontier Theater, where the two finally sang “Palagi” together.

“I really liked TJ’s song ‘Palagi.’ That’s why I even made a cover,” said the 42-year-old singer, whose real name is Kwon Jung-yeol, referring to his take on the Filipino song that was released on YouTube back in February.

10cm takes a backstage photo with TJ Monterde during the Filipino singer's concert at the New Frontier Theater on May 5, 2024.

“Luckily, [TJ and I] were able to connect with each other. We contacted each other and we collaborated [on stage yesterday]. I know TJ is a famous singer here in the Philippines and we also talked about our hope to collaborate in the future, this year,” he said through an interpreter.

But while “Palagi” cemented 10cm’s interest in Filipino music, the singer acknowledged that the country had “many great singer-songwriters.”

“As a singer-songwriter from Korea, I've been a fan of Filipino musicians for a long time now,” he said.

“Filipino songs are sort of similar to the style of 10cm. The emotion evoked by Filipino songs mirrors the feelings I get while performing my own songs,” he explained. “With ‘Palagi,’ I actually searched for the meaning of the song. I know that ‘palagi’ means ‘always.’”

10cm poses for photos during an interview with select members of the press and Filipino bloggers, May 6, 2024. Jaehwa Bernardo, ABS-CBN News10cm debuted in the Korean music scene in 2010 as a duo composed of Kwon and Yoon Cheol-jong, with the act taking its name from the two members’ height difference. Yoon eventually left in 2017 while facing accusations of illegal drug use.

The band, known for its laidback sound and relatable lyrics, gained popularity through its 2010 single “Americano.” Its discography also includes songs for hit K-dramas, such as “Goblin,” “Hotel del Luna,” “Crash Landing On You,” “Start-Up,” “Our Beloved Summer,” “Our Blues,” “My Demon” and most recently “Queen of Tears.”

In August, 10cm will have the chance to showcase his own music for Filipino fans through the Manila leg of his “Closer to You” Asian concert tour, to be held at the New Frontier Theater.

READ: Ticketing details for 10cm's Manila concert announced

More excerpts from the interview with 10cm:

Do you know any other Filipino artists? If yes, which one would you like to collaborate with and what songs would you like to work with?

If not TJ, I want to collaborate with Zack Tabudlo because his songs are really good and suit him. I really liked “Pano” and covered it as well. I hope to collaborate with [artists who have] those types of [music] concepts if there’s a good opportunity for us.

Can you tell us more about your upcoming concert in Manila? Also, what do you think about the popularity of your songs on social media?

For the Manila tour, I’ll fill the setlist with songs that Filipino fans want, especially the original soundtracks I recorded for K-dramas. I’ll also perform OPM songs if I can. With regards to my songs’ popularity on TikTok, of course, I’m very thankful because I didn’t expect that I’d get that much support from my fans.

What’s your advice to aspiring singer-songwriters?

I hope you guys can write a song like “Palagi.” I know it’s difficult to make a song like “Palagi” but think of it like you’re writing a song that you will give as a gift to your special someone. So make a song that you are going to give as a gift. Perhaps that could help in making good songs like TJ’s.

What’s your process in making a song?

First of all, I make a melody using a guitar. After that, I come up with the lyrics and then I’ll give it to the band and producers so they’ll edit and master it.

How about in making songs for Korean dramas?

Most of the time, I don’t write OSTs for K-dramas. But for example, if I’m asked to write for K-dramas, I’ll ask for the storyline so the song fits the drama’s concept.

What inspires you to write songs?

My childhood really inspires my songs because I had a lot of experiences back then — being attracted to girls, falling in love at first sight, experiencing a one-sided love.

If you were to recommend one of your songs that's not an OST to Filipinos, what song would it be? 

I recently released a [single] called “Late Night Walk.” I think it fits an evening walk in the Philippines. So I hope you listen to it at night. It really suits nights in the Philippines.

You’ve been in the industry since 2010. What do you think made 10cm popular in South Korea and all over the world?

First of all, I’m the type of person who does not look for a break time. I always want to be preoccupied with a lot of things. And I’m really eager for love. I want to receive as much love from fans as possible. I think my supporters also know how hardworking I am in this industry.

What's the nicest compliment that you received from a fan?

10cm’s fans are the nicest. I get a lot of compliments, but a lot of fans tell me that they feel comforted while listening to my music. At the same time, they feel light and think in a positive way. It inspires me and I think those are the best compliments that I get from fans.

Please give a message to your Filipino fans.

Thank you so much for all the support you give me as international fans, especially Filipino fans. To be honest, it’s so hard to come here to Manila. I haven’t been able to visit that often but I hope from now on, there will be more opportunities for me to come to the Philippines. Please keep supporting and loving me and my songs.

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