EDITORS DESK
I've attended local fan meets before, but this was my first time witnessing a K-pop fan meet. I noticed a recent surge in meet-and-greet events in Manila where Korean stars met their Filipino fans, and all were successful.
In the past, the Philippines primarily hosted fan events to promote local movies and TV series, so seeing such events for Korean stars was unusual. Unlike in Korea, where fan events are more common, they are rare in Manila. In Manila, local fan events are simple, and less elaborate than what we see in K-pop fan events.
On June 29, I had an incredible time at the 2024 Kim Soo-Hyun “Eyes On You” Asia Tour in Manila. The event was organized by Wilbros Live and held at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum in Araneta City. It was my inaugural K-pop fan meet, and it left a lasting impression on me.
I first encountered Soo-hyun in the hit K-drama series “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” during the height of the pandemic. It was the show I followed after the immensely popular “Crash Landing On You,” another K-drama series. Recently, Soo-hyun captured hearts in the number one Netflix series, “Queen of Tears.”
The venue buzzed with Soo-hyun’s passionate fans, hailing from local and international locales. A sea of supporters proudly displayed streamers, posters, and cherished photographs, united in their adoration for the Korean sensation.
As the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the show, fans erupted in deafening screams. They continued to scream as Hyun's pictures and videos from his TV series and movies flashed on the big screens. Then, Hyun emerged on stage and sang “Love You With All My Heart,” one of the songs in the Queen of Tears soundtrack. The vibrant and colorful backdrop also caught my attention during his kick-off performance.
Fans were ecstatic when Soo-hyun greeted everyone in Tagalog by saying, “Kumusta ka? Ako si Kim Soo-hyun. Magandang gabi,” which was met with applause and screams. Soo-hyun became emotional and was on the verge of tears.
“Seeing everyone smiling. For the first time, looking at all these smiles and then feeling so emotional, I'm on the verge of tears,” the Korean star said through an interpreter.
Sam Oh interviewed Soo-hyun through an interpreter. One of the highlights of the show was when the 36-year-old Korean star learned to say “eme lang” and “charot” which means “just joking.” Fans couldn't help but laugh at that segment of the show.
Fans were also treated to games and photo sessions. They even went up the stage joining Soo-hyun in the game portion. After the show, the group that won the game portion had a photo session with him.
Then, the audience enjoyed a mini-concert during the performance's second half. Soo-hyun sang “Wherever You Will Go,” “Somebody To Love,” “All Of Me,” “She Taught Me To Yodel,” and his encore “Way Home,” another song from “Queen Of Tears” original soundtract (OST).
Soo-hyun wrapped up the show by saying he might return to the Philippines again this year. “See you then, and everyone, stay healthy. Smile a lot, everyone.”
The fan show was an electrifying experience from start to finish. Its exceptional organization and sheer enjoyment set a high bar for future local fan events. I'll be back for future fan events, especially since their show is fun. Sana all ganito ang fan events (I wish all fan events are this fun). Gamsahabnida (Thank you)!
(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)