One for the books: Byeon Woo-seok reunites with Pinoy fans at ‘The Secret Library’

For some fans, their introduction to the tall and dashing Byeon Woo-seok came through his breakout role in the 2024 romance drama “Lovely Runner,” where he captured hearts as the devoted Ryu Sun-jae. Others may have discovered him through his earlier works, including the drama “Record of Youth” and the coming-of-age film “20th Century Girl.”

But beyond his swoon-worthy looks and the characters that have won over audiences, Woo-seok has a playful, easygoing personality that makes him all the more endearing — a side Filipino fans got to see firsthand during the recent Manila stop of the South Korean actor’s “The Secret Library” fan meeting.

Held at the Mall of Asia Arena, the event kicked off with Woo-seok serenading the crowd with a cover of “Flower Road” by Korean indie rock band Daybreak. He then greeted fans with a cheeky yet charming Tagalog question: “Kumain ka na?” (Have you eaten?)

“First of all, I’m very excited to be back here in Manila to meet my Filipino Woo Che Tong,” he said through an interpreter, referring to his fans.

“It’s actually my third time coming back to this country. But every time I’m here, I really want to say thank you so much for your warm welcome,” said the actor, who returned to the country following a brand-organized fan meeting in 2025.

For two hours, fans affectionately known as “Tong-tongs” filled the arena with cheers, laughter, and songs, even surprising the actor with an early birthday greeting ahead of his 35th birthday on October 31.

Reflecting on his ongoing tour, themed around a library where he takes on the role of librarian, Woo-seok shared how much he had enjoyed meeting fans across various Asian cities over the past three months.

“To meet my Tong-tongs in different cities, I’ve really really enjoyed it a lot. And because of that, I think I was able to spend my summer very special,” he said.

Woo-seok described the library as a collection of cherished memories he could look back on even amid his busy schedule, expressing hope that fans would likewise treasure the moments they shared during the fan meeting.

“Right now we’re very happy because we love one another. But as we become busier and go on with our busy lives, sometimes there could be a moment we could forget. A memory wherein I can go back to, remember, and cherish is something that really makes you happy. That’s the kind of person I wanted to be remembered as.”

In another segment, Woo-seok put his memory to the test in a “filmography quiz,” where he tried to recall a bus number from a scene in “Lovely Runner.” He also showed off his dance moves to Humming Urban Stereo’s “Hawaian Couple.”

The actor also took on a playful twist on the traditional Filipino game tumbang preso. Instead of throwing a slipper by hand to knock down a can, he had to launch it from his foot toward the target. His repeated attempts to hit the can made for hilarious moments.

He also dished out a few Tagalog expressions such as “Tayo na,” “Kaya ko ‘to,” “Salamat po,” and “Maganda,” as well as the meme “Yohoo! Dito ang tingin!”, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Several lucky fans also got to join Woo-seok onstage for games, giving them a chance to interact with the actor up close and even take home Instax selfies with him as special keepsakes.

Meanwhile, other lucky fans got to reenact scenes from Woo-seok’s dramas “Lovely Runner” and “History of Walking Upright” alongside the actor, creating even more “kilig” moments.

In another segment, Woo-seok prepared gyeran-mari, or Korean rolled omelette, onstage, with lucky fans getting to sample his cooking. The tasting drew laughter as fans praised his dish with playful expressions like “mesherep” (masarap), “eng sherep” (ang sarap), and “malinamnam.”

Another highlight came when Woo-seok serenaded the crowd with “Sudden Shower” from the “Lovely Runner” soundtrack, followed by “No Fate.” He then stepped off the stage and made his way around the floor area, giving fans a chance to see him up close.

“It was really good that I could see you closer. Although I couldn’t make eye contact with everyone, I tried my best to be closer and connect to you guys,” he said.

During the encore, the actor got teary-eyed as the fans sang “Sudden Shower” for him. “I really, really liked it. I feel like I gained so much energy back from you,” he said.

As the fan meeting, presented by PULP Live World, drew to a close, Woo-seok performed “Fate Line” from his latest series, “Perfect Crown,” and assured fans that their love would stay with him long after he stepped off the stage.

“I’m always very grateful and I’m thinking of ways to repay your love,” he said. “But I think the best answer for me to really repay your love is to show you my best self and come up with more good projects with my good acting.” 

He also vowed to give his all to his next project. “And for my next project, I will do my absolute best on my next project, fueled by your love. I will do my best in filming,” he said.

As “The Secret Library” closes its doors, the memories and stories shared between the librarian and his visitors will live on long after the final page is turned. “Kita-kita tayo ulit! Mahal ko kayo!” Woo-seok said.