Hyun Bin: Philippines has always been on my must-visit list

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has always been on South Korean star Hyun Bin’s top list of places to visit. So when he landed in Manila on Friday, for the first time, he was extremely pleased with the warm reception he received from his Filipino fans.

Clad in a beige suit paired with a white undershirt, and armed with his effortless charm and dimpled smile, Hyun Bin, also known as Capt. Ri Jeong-hyeok in the popular Korean series “Crash Landing on You,” expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters during a media conference held at Solaire Resort in Parañaque City.

“First and foremost, thank you so much for the warm welcome here in the Philippines. Thank you so much as well for filling up this venue despite your busy schedules,” he said through an English translator.

A phone suddenly rang inside the venue, making Hyun Bin quip, “Sure you can take your call please.”

He then continued, “The Philippines was always in my list (of places) to visit but I didn’t have so much time yet to go around and experience the Philippines. But the way they have welcomed me here, it’s really heartwarming and more amazing than I expected. And also, what I’m really surprised about is the warm hospitality… and of course, the bright energy that I have witnessed.”

“No words can explain how I feel and I’m very speechless about the amount of love I’ve received,” he added. “I’m very grateful and very thankful for all the love and support, and that becomes my strength to become a better actor as well. And so, in each and every project, the love and support from my fans is definitely a (source of) strength (throughout) my career.”

Hyun Bin, who debuted his acting career in the early 2000 and has since starred in numerous films and series, such as “Secret Garden,” “Memories of the Alhambra,” among others, offered a piece of advice to his younger self. And that’s to “enjoy the moment” while you still can.

“That’s one message that I want to tell myself in the past. Looking back on what has happened (in my career), I’ve only been going straight, not minding whatever is on my side but really focusing on the work. I really don’t have time to look around and enjoy whatever scenery I can enjoy. I would like to tell (my younger self) to enjoy the moment and enjoy the surroundings rather than just going forward,” he reflected.

Besides the energetic welcome from the fans, Hyun Bin also cited the “amazing” experience he had while staying at the Solaire Resort. He lauded the staff and team who made his visit extra special, the private room where he got to enjoy the view and relax, and the delicious meal he had tried, including adobo.

He, likewise, announced his upcoming project with Disney+, titled “Made in Korea,” which will be launched in the last quarter of the year.

Moreover, Hyun Bin said that since it’s his first time in the country, he wanted to create a “closer and more comfortable vibe” for his fans. He certainly did as he stepped down from the stage to take a groufie with the press and gladly shake hands with them.

“The unconditional and unchanging love and support from the Filipino fans, I’m really, really grateful and honored for this kind of support,” he reiterated. “And with that love, I would love to return it back to you, to the Filipino fans, with more projects and of course, (become) a better actor as well. Thank you, thank you so much for all your love and support.”