Korean star Lee Sung Kyoung (Lee Sung Kyung) became overwhelmed by the response of Filipino fans as she marked her return to the country.
The star of the drama “Dr. Romantic 3” held her “2023 Lee Sung Kyoung Asia Fan Meeting Be Closer in Manila” on July 8 at the SM North EDSA Skydome.
Korean actress and "Dr. Romantic 3" star Lee Sung Kyoung at her fan meeting in Manila on July 8 (Jonathan Hicap)
It’s been four years since she held her “Be Joyful” First Fan Meeting in Manila in July 2019 in the same venue.
This time, the “Be Closer” fan meeting allowed her to reconnect with her fans in the Philippines and tell them about what’s happening with her career.
Lee Sung Kyoung opened her fan meeting by performing IU’s song “Hold My Hand.”
“Masaya akong makita kayo. Na-miss ko kayo (I’m happy to see you all. I missed you),” she told the audience.
According to her, Manila “is a city that I missed so much. It is a city full of love. I cannot forget the passionate cheering from you guys.”
This year, Lee Sung Kyung starred in the Disney+ drama “Call It Love” with actor Kim Young-kwang and the recently concluded hit drama “Dr. Romantic 3.”
In one portion of the fan meeting called “Let’s Go! Sungkyung’s Trip,” video clips and photos of her were shown.
One video showed her exercising and she said, “You know, I love it so much. For me, I exercise a lot.” She said she exercises her whole body but focuses on one body part each day.
Another video showed Lee Sung Kyung during the filming of a scene of the collapsed building in “Dr. Romantic 3.” In the clip, she was holding an umbrella to protect the camera director from the sun.
“It was a very hot day and the camera director was filming it. Because of the sunlight, he looked like he was suffering. I was concentrating so that the umbrella will not cover the camera but only the camera director,” she said.
Korean actress and "Dr. Romantic 3" star Lee Sung Kyoung at her fan meeting in Manila on July 8 (Jonathan Hicap)
In the segment “Sungkyung’s Awards,” she was made to choose among the Filipino dishes “sinigang,” “sisig,” “adobo” and “bulalo” that she wants to eat again and she chose “sisig.”
Among Filipino desserts “halo-halo,” “bibingka,” mango float and buko pie,” she picked mango float. She said in Korea, she likes to eat jellies and snacks, ice cream and cake.
Four scene stealer actors were also shown and she was asked to choose who among them she would like to work with in another project. They were Lim Wonhee, Lee Hong-nae, Lee Sinyoung and Yoon Na-moo.
“I cannot choose one because I love them so much,” she said.
There is no decision yet if there will be a “Dr. Romantic” season 4.
“When we finished (season) 1, we actually didn’t expect for (season) 2. When we were filming (season) 2, we didn’t expect (season) 3. We’re not really of how these things would go on,” said Lee Sung Kyoung.
Her “Dr. Romantic 3” co-stars Kim Min-jae, So Joo-yeon and Ahn Hyo-seop made videos for her.
“She’s very cute,” said Kim Min-jae. “To be honest, Sung Kyung is very kind, very delicate and very considerate. She’s really a great person. She has a lot of energy.”
Ahn Hyo-seop said, “Sungkyung Noona is a bright-souled and pure person. Sometimes when we joke about each other, it’s like playing with a friend from the elementary. Yes, I think she is someone who brings out the me when I was younger.”
At the fan meeting, she also performed “My Love” and “Reflection,” and danced to “Tomboy,” “After Like” and “Unforgiven.”
Lee Sung Kyoung also gave fans signed Polaroid shots, a tumbler and played the game “Sungkyung TMI OX,” where fans guessed her answers.
On stage, she played games with fans including tuho (pitch pot), “sipa” and jumping rope. She also played the finger punch game, flip the bottle and pipe game.
Korean actress and "Dr. Romantic 3" star Lee Sung Kyoung at her fan meeting in Manila on July 8 (Jonathan Hicap)
Lee Sung Kyung was moved by a fan-made video that was shown at the event.
“You have captured our hearts and imagination with your exceptional performances, and we want to convey how much joy and inspiration you have brought into our lives. We want you to know that we will continue to support you wholeheartedly throughout your career, cheering you on every step of the way,” according to the video.
“I am so touched,” she said of the video. “You almost made me cry. You know our staff at the back and our family are really touched by your passionate cheers. I promise I’ll do my best so that I can make your proud.”
As she bid goodbye, Lee Sung Kyoung said, “Filipino fans are the best in expressing love. When I receive those expressions from you guys, I feel very thankful. I love you guys.”
The “2023 Lee Sung Kyoung Asia Fan Meeting Be Closer in Manila” was presented by CDM Entertainment.