Korean actor Hwang In-youp returned to the Philippines for his fan meeting that evoked nostalgia. 

Hwang In-youp (황인엽) starred in last year’s drama “Family by Choice,” in addition to “Why Her?” and “True Beauty,” all available on streaming platform Viu. 

On Jan. 25, he held his Fanmeeting Tour “In Love” in Manila at the New Frontier Theater, presented by Viu Scream Dates. 

Korean actor Hwang In-youp greeting the audience at his Fanmeeting Tour “In Love” in Manila at the New Frontier Theater on Jan. 25 (Jonathan Hicap)

Fans at Hwang In-youp's fan meeting in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)

This was his return to the Philippines for an event in nearly three years since holding his first fan meeting in Manila in September 2022. 

He considers the Philippines as his second home, having spent years in the country for his studies. 

Hwang In-youp  (aka Hwang In-yeop) studied at the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School in Davao City and graduated with a degree in Bachelor in Fine Arts Major in Fashion Design from the Philippine Women's College of Davao in 2012. 

He started as a runway model in 2017 before going into acting in 2018 through a lead role in the web drama “Why.” 

At the Manila fan meeting, hosted by Sam Oh, Hwang In-youp sang, played games with fans, and talked about his personal life and career. 

He opened the show by singing “Flowerpot,” which he performed in an episode of “True Beauty.” 

“Kamusta po kayo? (How are you?) It's been three years since the last time I came to the Philippines and it's like my second home so I'm very happy,” he said. 

In the segment “In Youp’s Favorites,” Hwang In-youp talked about his favorite things. 

He remembered different Filipino dishes that he ate when he was living in the Philippines. Among them were lechon and sinigang, in addition to halo-halo. 

The actor wants to visit Davao again, saying, “I haven’t revisited so I want to try Davao again.” 

Korean actor Hwang In-youp in Manila (Instagram)

In the “Falling in Love: Family by Choice” segment, he talked about photos and scenes in the drama. 

When the emcee pointed out that he changed and became intense and grown-up based on the scenes in the drama, including a kissing scene, Hwang In-youp said compared to the last time that he visited the country, “I’m older now, I’m masculine now. I have a lot to show you, guys.” 

One thrilling part of the fan meeting was when lucky fans were able to be with Hwang In-youp on stage. 

In one segment, Hwang In-youp and each fan copied the pose of each photo from the drama shown on the screen. The moment was captured on Polaroid and was given to the fan as a souvenir. 

In “Love U,” Hwang In-youp and fans played the Basketball Relay Game, Couple Jumping Rope, and Arm Wrestling. 

Hwang In-youp surprised the audience when he announced that all attendees would have a hi-touch benefit after the show if they won three of the five games. They succeeded.  

In addition, Hwang In-youp went down to the audience area and roamed around the theater to be up close with fans while the song “It Starts Today” was played. 

Hwang In-youp also performed “Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You” and BTS’ V’s “Starlight.” 

Fans also sent requests and questions for Hwang In-youp, which he did and answered. 

He mentioned that in the Philippines, his comfort food was “kwek kwek,” a popular street food of quail eggs in batter. 

Hwang In-youp also did the “Igloo” dance challenge from girl group Kiss of Life.  

Filipino fans made a video that was shown at the event to express their love for Hwang In-youp. 

“I am very, very happy that I got to come back to the Philippines. Every time I come, it feels like my second home. Thank you for your warm support and reactions,” he said. 

Hwang In-youp revealed that his next acting project will be “quite sexy.” 

As he wrapped up the fan meeting, he said, “Mahal kita (I love you). Thank you. It was really fun. I am really happy today. We will meet again next time." 

Korean actor Hwang In-youp greeting the audience at his Fanmeeting Tour “In Love” in Manila at the New Frontier Theater on Jan. 25 (Jonathan Hicap)