Ryan Bang believes girlfriend Paola Huyong will be for the long haul

(From left) Paola Huyong and Ryan Bang have been in a relationship for eight months. Image: Instagram/@ryanbang

Ryan Bang admitted that he believes his non-showbiz girlfriend Paola Huyong will be for the long haul even though they have only been together for eight months.

The Korean comedy actor recently introduced Huyong to his parents, who had been divorced but agreed to a get-together to meet their son’s Filipino girlfriend in Korea. On top of that, he also introduced her to his “It’s Showtime” cohosts.

This, Bang said, is a clear indication that he wanted his relationship with Huyong to be for keeps.

“In Korea, you never introduce [your partner] to your parents unless if you really want [to be with them]. Nagulat ‘yung magulang ko,” he said. “Pumunta ako sa Pilipinas noong 18 ako kasi naghiwalay ang parents ko, and after 18 years — dahil kay Paola — nag-lunch kaming apat. Kasama ko rin sister niya. ‘Yan ‘yung best feeling ever.”

(In Korea, you never introduce your partner to your parents unless you really want to be with them. My parents were surprised. I went to the Philippines when I was 18 because my parents split. And after 18 years — because of Paola — we were able to have lunch together. We were with her sister too. That was the best feeling.)

Bang said he first started seeing Huyong in August 2023. She then made her first appearance on the TV host’s Instagram feed two months later, during the “It’s Showtime” cast’s Hong Kong trip.

The TV host said Huyong is a 28-year-old publicist who works at an undisclosed marketing agency, and the latter’s parents already welcomed him into the family.

Bang told reporters at the opening of his restaurant recently that his dad works as a taxi driver while his mother is a house broker. Both are based in South Korea. But his family background didn’t seem to bother Huyong’s family.

“Noong na-meet ko ‘yung parents ni Paola, super proud sila sa trabaho ng daddy and mommy ko. Sabi sa akin ng tatay ni Paola, ‘Ryan, simula ngayon, ipag-pray namin sila. Kasi ikaw, kasama ka sa family namin’… talagang tanggap na tanggap nila ako,” he said.

(When I met Paola’s parents, they were proud of my Daddy and Mommy’s jobs. Paola’s dad told me, “Ryan, from now on, we’ll pray for them too. Because you’re part of our family now.” They really accept me.)

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Love goalie

The Korean funny man further said their love story began during a game of football. His staff was able to record a video of the latter scoring a goal, which prompted Bang to ask for her number so he could send the clip to her.

“Ako ‘yung midfielder, siya ‘yung striker. Pinasa ko bola sa kanya, tapos ‘yung [staff] ko may nakunang video. Naka-score kasi siya. Tapos sabi niya, ‘Wow, first time kong nakunan ako ng video na nakascore, send mo.’ Sabi ko, ‘Hindi gumagana Airdrop ko, send ko sa’yo. Anong number mo?’” recalled Bang.

(I was the midfielder while she was the striker. I passed the ball to her and my staff recorded a video. She scored a goal. Then she said, “Wow, it’s my first time to have a video taken of me while I scored. Send it to me.” I said, “My Airdrop is not working, so I’ll send it to you. What’s your number?”)