Why Lee Jun-hyuk is an all-around

Korean star Lee Jun-hyuk has cemented his name in the acting world, but what some may not know is that beyond his extensive filmography, the veteran South Korean actor has even more to offer.

At his recent “Let Me In” fan meeting tour in Manila, the “Love Scout” star charmed his Pinoy fans not only with his sparkling visuals, but also his passion for other things such as boxing and writing.

When host Denise Laurel asked the audience for places in the country that he could visit, she interjected by suggesting General Santos City, the hometown of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

“’Di ba mahilig siya mag-boxing? Magpaturo tayo kay Manny Pacquiao sa GenSan!” she exclaimed.

“When I was learning boxing, I actually (watched) his videos a lot on YouTube. If there’s a given chance to get hit by Manny Pacquiao, that’s an honor, too,” Jun-hyuk quipped.

Despite not being able to explore areas in the metro, the 41-year-old oppa did not let the opportunity pass without acknowledging the presence of his beloved fans in the Philippines.

“I guess this is the most beautiful view that I’ve seen. I was not able to see a lot of beautiful sights because I just arrived late at night. But looking at you guys, I feel so happy and I think this is the most beautiful view ever,” he declared.

“When I just arrived here last night, I was able to walk around. I actually checked the cinema which is really beautiful. I also took a picture of it so that if there’s a chance, I would like to watch a movie in the cinema. And also, in front of the cinema, I was able to see they’re selling a seasoned potato and I want to try that as well,” he further shared.

Jun-hyuk last visited the country to attend the 2023 Asia Artist Awards in Bulacan, where he bagged the Best Actor award alongside fellow Korean artists Kim Se-jeong, Lee Dong-hwi and Ahn Hyo-seop, and Filipino comedian-actress Melai Cantiveros.

Aside from his on-cam achievement, the Korean star also delved into his published book in 2022 titled Hello, Popcorn. Based on a mobile game of the same name, the illustration book was created by Jun-hyuk to express his longing for his deceased dog, Popcorn.

“After my popcorn passed away, to fill the emptiness in my heart, I (started) to write the book,” the author recounted.

He was even surprised to see Filipino fans raising their copies of the book despite it not being sold in the Philippines. In return, Jun-hyuk gave a lucky fan a signed copy.

“Many of you are buying the book for me, I can feel that my heart is filled, and also I thought that Popcorn will be happy up there in heaven,” he remarked.

With his talent and skills, there’s no doubt that he has won his global fans’ hearts. Jun-hyuk further captivated his supporters with his “green flag” aura. In modern slang, describing someone as a walking green flag means they possess positive traits.

During a series of close-up interactions with Filipino fans, he surprisingly carried two lucky fan girls after re-enacting heart-fluttering scenes in his hit romance office 2025 K-drama “Love Scout.”

His portrayal of Yoo Eun-ho, a kind-hearted single father who becomes the secretary of workaholic CEO Kang Ji-yun (played by Han Ji-min), was well-loved by the viewers. He was even dubbed “greenest of all the green flag” K-drama characters.

“I really don’t know how to handle these compliments,” he shyly remarked.

Asked about the similarities between him and Eun-ho, he noted that he relates to the latter being an organized person. “I kind of find some fun in organizing, so I’m quite organizing things a lot these days,” he shared.

Aside from his role in “Love Scout,” he was delighted to see that his previous portrayals left a lasting impression on his fans.

One fangirl dressed in a suit, channeling prosecutor Seo Dong-jae from Jun-hyuk’s 2017 drama, “Stranger,” while another fan showed an old photo of Jun-hyuk in his 20s, saying that she has been a fan since the actor’s 2009 series, “City Hall.”

“I never expected that there would be a fan who loves me for (many) years. It really feels surprising,” said Jun-hyuk, who made his acting debut in the 2007 TV show “First Wives Club.” He’s also known for his roles in “City Hunter (2011), “Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds” (2017) and “Designated Survivor: 60 Days” (2019).

Not only can he act, write a book and do boxing, but Jun-hyuk can also sing. To cap off the dreamy night for his fans, he serenaded them with his cover of Kim Dong-ryul’s “Like a Child.”

“Parang panaginip ang araw na ito. Salamat po,” he said through an interpreter during his performance, bidding goodbye with a sweet “Mahal kita!”