Cover Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
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‘Crash Landing on You’ star Hyun Bin made his Manila visit a memorable one for fans and K-drama enthusiasts alike
When the announcement spread that K-drama star and leading man Hyun Bin would be visiting Manila for the first time, fans across the country eagerly marked their calendars, prepared to welcome their beloved star with open arms.
His first official press conference in Manila, hosted by Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Pasay, offered more than an update on his latest projects—it provided a glimpse into the man behind the roles that have captured hearts worldwide.
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Whether you remember him as the steadfast yet tender Captain Ri in Crash Landing on You, the charming Hyun Jin-heon in My Lovely Sam Soon or the delightfully eccentric Kim Joo-won in Secret Garden, Hyun Bin continues to unveil new facets that make audiences fall for him all over again.
Visiting the Philippines had always been on his bucket list
Above Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
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The South Korean superstar made this long-held dream come true when he visited the Philippines on Friday, August 8, for a special meet-and-greet with his Filipino fans. “Thank you so much for the warm welcome here in the Philippines,” he expressed. “The Philippines has always been on my list to visit, and I haven't had much time yet to explore and experience it fully. But the way I’ve been welcomed here is truly heartwarming and more incredible than I expected.”
Meeting his Filipino supporters was a moment to cherish
Above Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
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For the award-winning actor, connecting with his Filipino fans in person was filled with excitement and significance. “I have fans here in the Philippines who love and support me so much. Finally meeting them in person is very exciting, and I look forward to creating memories together.”
And his favourite dish? Of course, adobo!
Above Adobo, a well-loved Filipino dish (Photo: Getty Images)
Adobo, a well-loved Filipino dish (Photo: Getty Images)
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When asked about local delicacies he tried, Hyun Bin was quick to smile. “I had a meal that was very delicious and amazing. I received a recommendation for Filipino food, and I tried adobo—it was truly delicious.”
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Continuing to be inspired and upcoming projects
Above Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
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Hyun Bin has brought countless unforgettable characters to life, each leaving an indelible mark on his fans. They admire him not only for his craft but also for simply being, in their words, “a really great person.”
When asked what continues to inspire him, he replied, “I get the inspiration from speaking to a lot of people—communicating with people, with strangers as well, each and every one of them. That’s when I get inspirations.” He then offered a glimpse of what’s next: “In the latter part of this year, I would be able to meet you guys again in a project on Disney+, the project is called Made in Korea.”
On dream roles and how Korean dramas connect globally
Above Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
Above Hyun Bin for Solaire Resort
Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
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Hyun Bin believes there are still many roles he hasn’t tried. “I can say there are roles I haven’t tried yet, and those are the ones I want to take on as a challenge—and, of course, try for myself.”
From his own aspirations, the conversation shifted to the broader reach of Korean productions. Hyun Bin not only delighted fans with his presence but also offered thoughtful insight into the enduring appeal of Korean storytelling. Speaking with quiet sincerity, he credited its universal draw to the audience’s deep connection to the narratives, the meticulous artistry of the crew and his own commitment to portraying each role truthfully.
“On top of that is the director, who produces the storytelling. I’m simply an actor, portraying and playing the role with sincerity to bring that story to the people watching. That’s how I see Korean storytelling.”
His advice to his younger self: “You can still enjoy the moment”
Above Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
Hyun Bin visited Manila for the first time and held a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque on August 8, 2025 (Photo: Solaire Resort)
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After more than two decades in the spotlight, Hyun Bin has firmly established himself as one of South Korea’s most enduring and versatile leading men. His advice to his younger self is disarmingly simple: you can still enjoy the moment.
“You can still enjoy that moment—that’s the one message I’d want to tell my younger self,” he said. “Now that I’m looking back at whatever has happened, I realise I’ve only been going straight, not minding whatever is on my side, but really focusing on the work. So I really didn’t have time to look around and enjoy whatever scenery I could enjoy. If I were to tell myself in the past, I would tell him to enjoy the moment and enjoy the crowd, the surroundings, rather than just going forward towards the goal.”
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Joan—“Anj” to some—first stumbled into the literary world through Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower. From then on, she knew she wanted to tell stories—for everyone to read or perhaps simply for her older self to find again someday.
In high school, her love for writing intertwined with her passion for media and entertainment, drawing her to the glossy pages of magazines and online features about her favourite British boyband and Canadian singer. By college, she had found her rhythm in article writing and never stopped chasing stories worth sharing.
As Social Media Officer for Tatler Philippines, she shapes stories that capture moments in entertainment, culture and society. For leads or inquiries, feel free to reach her via joan.chan@tatlerasia.com or @joanntrc on Instagram.
