South Korean actor Ahn Bo-Hyun was in Manila on May 24 for the press conference of “Hello,” his first-ever fan meeting in the country organized by Wilbros Live.
Ahn exuded authority in his dark khaki-toned ensemble reminiscent of his “Military Prosecutor Doberman” character. The actor is towering at 187 cm. He smiled at the cameras before taking a seat to answer the 22 questions from the press.
Photo by Eds Garcia
In the fanmeeting the following day, he wore lighter-toned outfits channeling his handsome character in “See You in My 19th Life.” He bent his body numerous times to lower his height. A gesture to give his fans the warmest embrace.
He feels honored to visit the country for the first time to meet his Filipino fans. He shared a story about a missed vacation with his friends in Boracay due to a scheduling conflict. As a beach enthusiast, he said he enjoys the warm weather in the country and would love to visit Boracay, Cebu, or Palawan with family and friends. Born in Busan, Ahn recommends the stunning sunrise and sunset in Yeongdo and Songdo to fans traveling to Korea.
Consummate actor
A versatile actor who transforms into different characters, Ahn attributes his understanding of the emotions in his roles to age. He works on developing roles by studying the script and considering the new things he can show the audience. “I feel happy doing the job I love, but I am still growing as an actor.”
Photo by Eds Garcia
He is thankful for the popularity of “Yumi’s Cells,” and cherishes “Flex x Cop” because it was well-loved by the viewers. He is interested in historical, noir, romcom, and a very evil role in the future.
Ahn remains humble and recalls his experience as a newbie, “It felt like a dream to be in the same place working with my sunbaenims (senior actors) that I have only seen on the screen.”
Photo by Eds Garcia
If he could advise his younger self, he would tell him to be more lenient and live according to his age. His memories about puberty were mostly about how hard he pushed himself. Ahn was a boxer in middle school. He talked about working part-time when he was not getting acting projects in a “Knowing Bros” episode. An OG hustler, he delivered newspapers and worked in a food court and gas station. He is grateful for everything because it molded him into who he is today.
Photo by Eds Garcia.
He showed a necklace he was wearing with a pendant with the words “initial mindset” engraved on it to remind him of his determination when he was starting, playing characters with no names and lines. “If you never give up, there will be opportunities or things will fall into place.”
The press conference ended with Ahn thanking the media and an invitation to attend his fan meeting.
High energy
The “Boss” (a moniker by fans) opened the fan meeting with his rendition of Gajo’s “Start Over,” a soundtrack from the hit drama “Itaewon Class”, which propelled him to popularity. Ahn’s BBosiraegi (fandom name) joined in singing parts of the song, amplifying the energy at the New Frontier Theater.
The three-hour fan meeting had the usual segments but was overflowing with surprise events.
Photo by Wilbros Live
He impressed the audience with his vocal prowess by singing three more songs. “Until I Found You,” by Stephen Sanchez, “October Rain” by Yoon Gun, and his original song “I’ll Embrace Your Past,” a soundtrack from “See You in My 19th Life.”
The Boss is Ahn Bo-hyun
In “Bosstagram,” Ahn shared stories about his Instagram photos. Fans voted for their favorite moment in “Boss Awards.” He looked shy when he saw that almost everyone chose his half-naked photo with the “Takes shower after working out” description as their pick for his happy moment. Seeing the clamor for a glimpse of his toned body, he gladly removed his blazer to reveal his arms.
Photo by Wilbros Live.
Fans had closer interactions with him in “Boss Pre-Epilogue,” “Boss Relay” and “Boss Quiz”, a yes or no trivia game where he revealed things about himself, such as not having a favorite color or a plant at home.
The “Boss Neun Ahn Bo-hyun” (The Boss is Ahn Bo-hyun) is a wish box portion, where fans win signed Flex x Cop posters, shirts, a Polaroid photo with Ahn, and a signing event where winners can bring any item on stage for his signature, an exclusive segment to Manila.
The highlight was when he walked around the venue to get closer to the audience. His height enabled him to reach the hands wanting to do a heart or a high touch, and while doing this, he smiled, showed his dimples, made eye contact, and said these words: “Thank you, Hello, it’s nice to meet you.”
Natural side
Fans who went up the stage received more of his warmth. He initiated hugs, asked them to choose the color of pens for signing, and blew on the posters after signing so they wouldn’t smudge. Fans praised the boss for his generous fan service on social media.
He expressed his happiness repeatedly during the fan meeting. “I prepared hard to give you gifts, but I received more from you.” While touching his heart, he said, “I will cherish this feeling and the memories. I will be back. Philippines, Mahal kita. Thank you.”
During the press conference, he was asked to reveal a secret talent, and he said,
“I don’t have anything specific, but I participate in variety shows where my human and natural side can be seen.”
One of those shows was “I Live Alone” where his sincerity gained new fans and inspired viewers. Currently, he stars in “Backpacker Chef” Season 2 as Baek Jong-won’s trustworthy and efficient right-hand man.
That night at the fan meeting, Filipino Bbosiraegi had a first-hand experience of that no-filter version of Ahn.
It will make you utter the phrase he loves hearing, “He is starting to grow on me.”
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