Korean heartthrob Byeon Woo Seok, celebrated for his role in Lovely Runner, recently delighted fans during his inaugural Asia tour, titled the 2024 Byeon Woo Seok Asia Fan Meeting Tour: Summer Letter.
The Manila leg, organized by PULP Live World, was held at the New Frontier Theater on June 22, turning a long-held dream of his fans into reality.
Before the main event, Byeon made a memorable impression on the Philippine media at Shangri-La The Fort by giving each reporter a flower, personally handed out by him. During the media conference, he expressed his excitement for the fan meeting, his affection for the Philippines, and his appreciation for his Filipino fanbase, known as TongTongs.
When asked about his career legacy, Byeon expressed a desire for fans to appreciate all his characters as much as they do Sunjae from Lovely Runner. He highlighted the special memories associated with his other works like Strong Girl Nam-soon and 20th Century Girl, while acknowledging that “Lovely Runner” significantly boosted his popularity, a change he’s still adjusting to. He described his life now as “a surprising dream.”
The fan meeting was packed with joyful moments. Byeon showcased his modeling skills on stage and recreated beloved scenes from “Lovely Runner,” including the photobooth and cherry blossom scenes, which received enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience. A highlight was the recreation of the photobooth scene with a lucky fan, which had the theater buzzing with excitement.
Adding to the fun, Byeon played a Bingo game where he humorously struggled with a mini bike due to his height but eventually succeeded by pushing it with his feet. In a “This or That” segment, he amused fans with his reactions, especially when asked to choose between a haunted room and a room with a cockroach.
The fan meeting also featured touching moments. During the Q&A session, a fan’s question about how Byeon copes with stress prompted a heartfelt response. He was also visibly moved during a video montage of messages from fans, which brought him to tears. Byeon revealed he wasn’t feeling well and was worried about his performance, but the fans’ energy lifted his spirits and helped him enjoy the event.
He shared his vulnerability, saying, “I was worried I wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy this moment with you because of my health,” and credited the fans for helping him have fun despite feeling emotional and overwhelmed.
As the event drew to a close, Byeon performed “I Think I Did” from the Lovely Runner soundtrack, followed by a touching rendition of “Sonaki” (“Sudden Shower”) amidst a shower of confetti, creating a magical end to the evening. As he left the venue, he rolled down his car window to wave goodbye to the cheering fans gathered outside.
Byeon Woo Seok’s fan meeting in Manila was a heartfelt and memorable experience, leaving a lasting impression on his Filipino TongTongs and making the “2024 Summer Letter” tour unforgettable.
INTERVIEW: Byeon Woo Seok Cherishes The Love He Received From Fans After “Lovely Runner”
Photos: Pulp Live World | Joel Garcia
