For Kristel Fulgar, love wasn’t just about shared interests or emotional connection — it was about faith, patience and the quiet assurance that everything was unfolding according to God’s plan.

The former child star and now content creator recently tied the knot with South Korean businessman Ha Su-hyuk in a heartwarming ceremony held at Luna Miele Events Place in Seoul, South Korea, on 10 May. But long before the wedding, it was one selfless decision that solidified her belief that Ha was truly “the one”: his willingness to embrace her faith.

In an intimate interview with Toni Gonzaga on 18 May, Fulgar opened up about the deeply personal journey they took together — one that led Ha to convert to the Iglesia ni Cristo, her lifelong religion.

“That’s when I knew he was the one,” Fulgar said, recalling how Ha patiently underwent 11 months of Bible studies, church attendance and faith-based tests in Korea. “Even when I was away, he would still go to church on his own. That really meant a lot to me.”

It wasn’t an easy process. According to Fulgar, Ha’s dedication and consistency throughout the conversion proved his sincerity — not just toward her, but toward building a shared spiritual life. “He made a real effort to understand and believe in God,” she said in Filipino.

Their love story defied assumptions. Known for her love of Korean culture, many assumed Fulgar had always dreamed of marrying a Korean. But she quickly corrected the notion. “It’s a misconception. I just happened to be immersed in the culture because I stayed in Korea for a long time,” she explained. “What you see in K-dramas is very different from real life.”

In a country where dating culture tends to move quickly and courtship is rarely emphasized, Fulgar found something unexpectedly traditional in Ha. “He didn’t follow Korea’s modern style of dating,” she said. “He prefers the slow-burn, patient kind of love. He appreciates my values.”

That steady, thoughtful approach became the foundation of a relationship built not just on emotion, but on shared faith and mutual respect.

For Fulgar, Ha isn’t just a life partner — he is a prayer answered. “One of the reasons he believes in God is because he believes I’m a gift from God. And I believe he is my gift, too,” she shared, her voice filled with quiet conviction. “When he was courting me, he told me he wanted to marry me. And now, here we are.”

Though Korean culture dictates that women retain their surnames after marriage, the couple’s union stands as a testament to something deeper than tradition — an enduring faith and a love that took its time.

In Kristel Fulgar’s eyes, this is more than just a love story — it’s a divine narrative.