Jung Hae-in takes a selfie with a fan. (Photo from Viu Philippines)
Time really does fly when you’re having fun. This sentiment, I feel, strongly resonates with Hallyu star Jung Hae-in, who celebrated his 10th year in the entertainment industry with a heartwarming fan meet titled “The 10th Season” at the New Frontier Theater last Aug 6.
In many ways, the event served as a beautiful reminder of how far he has come since his first foray into the Korean entertainment industry.
The 35-year-old actor debuted in 2014 via the series “Bride of the Century.” But it wasn’t until 2017 that he became a household name, thanks to his portrayal of the calm and collected policeman Han Woo-tak in “While You Were Sleeping.”
His performance captured viewers’ hearts, paving the way for more lead roles in acclaimed dramas like “Something in the Rain,” “Snowdrop,” “Connect” and “D.P.”
Jung Hae-in also appeared in a number of critically acclaimed films, including “Start-Up” and “Tune in for Love,” which won him the best new actor prize at the 56th Grand Bell Awards.
When fan meeting host, Sam Oh, asked Jung Hae-in to encapsulate his decade-long journey in the cutthroat world of show biz, the only words that came out of his lips were a sincere and heartfelt, “Salamat po!”
In one touching segment of the show, the actor read a letter from a Filipino fan in need of advice. The senior college student had shifted to communication arts, which her parents don’t fully support.
Recalling his high school days, he revealed that he once dreamed of a career path different from what his parents wanted for him. “To be honest, I wasn’t destined to become an actor. When I was in high school, I dreamed of a different career. I changed my plans in college. My parents didn’t cheer for me as well, because the job of being an actor is unstable and it’s very hard to be successful,” he said.
Despite his parents’ initial lack of support, Jung Hae-in held on to his dreams.
“I was pretty confident. Although I was lonely, I had the confidence that I would be successful someday,” he said. “And at this point, my parents supported me a lot. But still, there are times when I still feel the need to prove myself.”
Career over marriage?
Jung Hae-in is captivatingly charismatic. And so, the questions that lingered most—especially among the fans who dressed up in wedding gowns for the event—were the ones about matters of the heart.
In a candid question-and-answer session, the actor picked a question that many of the fans or Haeiness had been raring to ask: What age does he plan to get married?
“I don’t have any marriage plans yet because I love acting more.”
That didn’t stop him, however, from sharing some of his thoughts about love.
Jung Hae-in at the fan meet. (Photo from Viu Philippines)
“If you’re going to love somebody, please love them your whole life, to the point that you will have no regrets,” said Jung Hae-in, who gave the impression that he’s someone who loves wholeheartedly and gives his all in a relationship.
Third Manila fan meeting
Jung Hae-In’s frequent visits to the Philippines might have had people expecting a familiar routine devoid of surprises. But to everyone’s delight, he effortlessly charmed the audience, eliciting smiles and laughter for more than two hours. He gave lucky fans warm hugs, took selfies and played golf with them, and serenaded them with four songs.
He just had this ability to keep his audience glued to him throughout the program. No lulls at this event presented by Viu Philippines and CDM Entertainment.
“I will never forget the eyes of each and every Haeiness in this area. And when I go back to Korea, I will do my best in my acting career, so I can give more comfort and joy to you guys.”
Hae-in didn’t hold back in expressing his gratitude to the fans. “To all the Philippine Haeiness who attended my fan meeting today, I will make sure that I cherish you in my heart. Each and every one of you,” he assured them.
As the event drew to a close, he exclaimed, “We have to end the show, but feeling ko sayang naman! This is the issue with my fan meetings—I prolong them too much.”
“Maraming salamat po! Ingat ka! Mahal na mahal kita!” he said.
Special request
After the program, Jung Hae-in obliged fans with group photo-ops and a “goodbye session.” His energy didn’t waver one bit. “You guys, Philippine Haeiness, are the ones who can actually give me the passion and the touching moment for me. Your loud cheers energize me a lot,” he said.
More than 2,000 attendees stood in line, readying their phones to record their moments with the actor.
But before engaging the fans, Jung Hae-in made one specific request: He wanted to see the “eyes of his Filipino Haeiness.” Because doing so, he said, would help him remember this exceptional moment.