Hwang In-youp returns to PH for ‘meaningful’ reunion with fans

MANILA — South Korean actor Hwang In-youp returned to the Philippines for a fan meeting on Saturday, an event he described as “meaningful” after having previously lived in the country.

“I’m really happy to be here in the Philippines again,” the actor said through an interpreter at the start of the Manila leg of his “To You” fan meeting tour at the New Frontier Theater.

In-youp, who rose to fame through the romantic comedy series “True Beauty,” previously held a fan meeting at the same venue in January 2025 as part of his “In Love” fan meeting tour.

The actor treated his Filipino fans to plenty of “kilig” moments throughout the event, at one point telling them: “Kahit na saan ka man, pupuntahan kita” (Wherever you are, I’ll come to you).

During one segment, several fans had the opportunity to act out romantic scenes with the 35-year-old star and take Polaroid photos with him.

The fan meeting also highlighted In-youp’s love for food, with the actor mentioning a popular local fast-food chain that he hoped would open a branch in his home country.

“I really hope they open one there because I also love eating halo-halo,” he said.

Asked what he would do if he eventually retired from acting, In-youp said he would open a ramyun (instant noodles) restaurant in South Korea. He added that he would consider opening a branch in the Philippines, much to the delight of the crowd.

He also expressed his desire to visit Cebu, saying he wanted to explore the popular tourist destination in central Philippines.

In-youp also talked about his upcoming series, “Human X Gumiho,” in which he stars alongside Ji Chang-wook and Jun Ji-hyun.

He said he hoped fans would enjoy seeing him portray a darker character.

“I really wanted to show you the new side of me, so I really worked out super hard,” he said.

In-youp also expressed interest in starring in a Filipino school-set project, which would give him the opportunity to wear a Philippine-style school uniform. He even mentioned ABS-CBN as a company he would be interested in working with.

“My original school was from here, and if there is an opportunity to do a drama where I can wear a Filipino-style school uniform and go to the same high school as the girl in my class, I think that would be good,” said In-youp, who lived and studied in Davao before entering show business.

Although primarily known for his acting, In-youp also showcased his dancing skills, performing to “Stop Stop It” by K-pop boy band GOT7 and “Ice Cream” by Tomorrow X Together member Yeonjun.

He also recreated his iconic dance to “Okey Dokey” by South Korean rappers Mino and Zico, a popular scene from “True Beauty.”

He also sang a song from the romance drama “Can This Love Be Translated?”.

“The meaning of the drama is that even if we have different languages, if we have the same feelings, we can love each other,” he said, explaining his song choice.

In-youp, also known for his roles in series such as “Family by Choice” and “Dream to You,” thanked fans for attending the event (presented by L-Squared Productions).

“You know, this is the place where I grew up, where I studied, and where I developed myself as a person. So, it is very meaningful for me to be here tonight,” he told the crowd.

“As I also said during a fan meeting in Korea, all of you will leave this venue later and go back to your daily lives, and I will continue being the person and actor that I am. I hope to be someone you will never be ashamed of supporting and loving,” he said.