Why Cha Eun-woo’s first PH ‘fanmeet’ is ‘pak na pak’

Korean heartthrob Cha Eun-woo at his recent fanmeet

For much of 2019, Pinoy fans were lucky enough to get the chance to see their favorite K-pop or K-drama stars in person. I myself am a self-confessed fan of many of them. But lately, it has become harder to keep up with every “fanmeet” because of the frequency of their visits.

A few months ago, I was thrilled when it was announced that heartthrob Cha Eun-woo, was scheduled to visit the country for his first ever fanmeet. Having seen the Netflix series “My ID is Gangnam Beauty,” which he starred in, the announcement made my heart skip a beat.

But considering my monthly expenses, I was torn between buying a ticket to see him in the flesh or just letting it pass and reading about it online. With a heavy heart, I chose the latter.

Luckily, days before his arrival in Manila, I received a message from veteran entertainment writer, Lolit Solis, saying that as a birthday gift, she was going to give me VVIP tickets to Eun-woo’s fanmeet at the New Frontier Theater on Oct. 26.

I couldn’t believe my luck! I thought perhaps it was the universe’s way of telling me that I deserved the fun experience, right?

On the day of the show, I arrived at the venue a few minutes before the program started. I could feel my excitement as I slowly made my way to the front row. The theater was jampacked with millennials, Gen Zs, and titas—not only from the Philippines, but also from neighboring countries—chanting Eun-woo’s name as they tirelessly waved their light sticks.

When Eun-woo finally emerged onstage, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by his prince-like features, from the glowing poreless skin and perfectly styled hair to the aquiline nose and smooch-worthy lips.

He opened the event, dubbed “Just One 10 Minute,” by serenading his fans with the song “Remember,” from the soundtrack of the TV series “Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung.” He donned the traditional hanbok which, according to him, was the same attire that his character wore in the period drama.

Host Sam Oh then joined him onstage for the Q&A segments, “Challenge! CHApago” and “CMI (Cha Much Information),” where he disclosed information about himself, like he usually eats with scissors. He said his alcohol limit depends on how he feels that day. And when he was young, his mom used to remind him, “You’re a bit ugly. Don’t think too highly of yourself.”

Eun-woo also took the opportunity to show off his Tagalog skills with a reassuring “Mahal ko kayo,” to the delight of his fans. But what got viewers even more thrilled was when he exclaimed the famous gay lingo, “Pak na pak!” (which often means
“extreme”), every time he felt overwhelmed by the reaction he got from the audience. His disarming quips elicited even more laughter and cheers.

The Korean heartthrob also prepared several numbers, deftly demonstrating that singing is one of his most impressive skills. Everyone was in for a treat when he performed one of Justin Bieber’s hits, “Love Yourself,” while playing the piano.

But what really drove his Pinoy fans crazy was when he surprised everyone with a rendition of Ben&Ben’s most-streamed signature song, “Kathang Isip.”

When he realized how astonished the audience was by his surprise number, he got his interpreter to ask the viewers politely. “Are you guys surprised?” he said. “I really prepared this song, imagining you guys would be surprised and happy. Is the song good? Is this song famous? I chose it myself and practiced during my free time.”

Cha Eun-woo

His every move, his warm reassuring smile, and gentlemanly gestures were enough to fill the venue with shrieks of “kilig” and loud screams from his fans. His followers’ enthusiastic reaction prompted Eun-woo to mutter with amusement and concern, “If you shout like that, you’re going to hurt your throat.”

As for me, I can say that the Korean idol’s lovable and endearing personality is twice as potent as his charm on TV.

My experience was unforgettable, and one that will forever be etched in my mind. His fans will surely agree with me when I say, “Cha Eun-woo’s first fanmeet in the Philippines was nothing short of … pak na pak!”