It’s been three years since his first fan meet in Manila, and South Korean heartthrob Hwang In-Youp is back in the country he considers his second home. The 34-year-old actor had previously revealed spending four years of his life in Davao, where he went to the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion design at the Philippine Women's College of Davao. “Nakatira ako sa Davao before and I haven’t revisited so gusto ko mag-try mag-Davao ulit,” he admitted.

In the event organized by Viu Philippines, the Family By Choice star reminded his fans of his longtime love for Filipino food, especially a specific popular fast food chain. “Actually I was going to find it here today pero wala masyado kwek-kwek dito. Gusto ko yung sinigang and nakita ko rin yung lechon. When it’s a little bit hot, there’s halo-halo and there is also pineapple and coconut. That’s what I’ve tried,” he shared through an interpreter during the  2024-25 Hwang In Youp Meeting Tour [In Love] in Manila last January 25 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.

READ: Here are Hwang In-youp’s top 5 must-watch K-dramas

Unlike other idols, Hwang In-Youp revealed why he has made it a habit to take photos  of his fans during interactions such as when he arrives at the airport. “Kasi sa airport pa lang marami nang fans na nag-we-welcome kaya. Wala kasing point of view from me to the fans kasi may mga pictures na ako lang pero walang pictures ng mga fans. So when I meet them, I just take a picture of them and then when we meet in person, may ipapakita ko sa kanila, parang ganun,:” he explained. 

Since his acting debut in 2018, Hwang In-Youp’s popularity has continually risen as more and more fans got to see his natural charm and acting talent. Best known for his breakout role as Han Seo-Jun in the 2021 series True Beauty, he continues to prove his growth onscrreen in his latest drama, the Viu Original series Family By Choice. 

During the fan meet, Hwang In-Youp reacted to all the fan comments mentioning how good he looked wearing a school uniform onscreen. “Sabi kasi sa akin ng mga fans na bagay sa akin ang school uniform kaya tina-try ko magsuoot ng school uniform. Pero may tanong ako sa inyo, why does it look nice on me guys?” he said.  

The Family By Choice actor admitted he has gained more muscle since meeting his Pinoy fans in 2022 and that there are plans to flaunt more of it soon in his next project. “It’s true that I’ve been working out. It’s not that I work out just for this scene but I’ve been working out as well. Baka yung gusto niyo makita na scene it will come very soon?” he teased. 

Before ending his event, he did several song performances and fun interactive games with some lucky fans. Hwang In-Youp also made sure to show his gratitude to his fandom. “Please give us a lot of love and support in our next project. Maraming salamat din sa inyong warm support and reactions. Yung next project ko medyo sexy siya. I’ll really try my best to show you guys what you want to see from me. It was really fun. Thank you all so much for your precious time. I was really happy today. We’ll meet again next time. I wish and hope that everyone here tonight will come next time as well,” he said.