Hyun Bin lands in Manila, ‘now closer’ to Filipino fans

Hyun Bin crash-landed into our hearts with his many iconic roles on television and the big screen. But fans, especially Filipinos, look up to him beyond that.

The South Korean superstar was in the Philippines last 8 August for his first much-awaited fan meeting at Solaire Resort Entertainment City.

“Now that I’m here in the Philippines, I got to meet the fans as well. And I would like to think that we’re closer now. I would like to give kind of like a comfortable vibe as well to the Filipino fans,” he said during a press conference with the local media.

Hyun Bin, born Kim Tae Pyung, made his acting debut in 2003 in KBS’ Bodyguard. The same year, he was also cast for MBC’s Nonstop 4.

In 2004, he landed a lead role in the drama Ireland. What probably catapulted him to popularity was his role opposite Kim Sun Ah in My Name Is Kim Sam Soon, a drama considered to be one of Korea’s highest rated shows.

Hyun Bin further took roles in the films A Millionaire’s First Love and I Am Happy.

In 2008, he was cast in Worlds Within with Song Hye Kyo. He appeared a year later in Friend, Our Legend, a remake of the 2001 movie Friend.

Hyun Bin also acted in the Korean-U.S. produced film Late Autumn, a remake of the classic 1966 Korean movie of the same name.

One of his memorable roles was in the SBS romantic-comedy Secret Garden with Ha Ji Won. The show, which received positive reviews from viewers, follows their characters in an unusual plot twist: body swap.

An authority in Korean entertainment, Hyun Bin has also portrayed characters in Harbin, Memories of Alhambra, The Snow Queen and Hyde Jekyll, Me.

Hyun Bin portrayed a villain for the first time in The Negotiation wherein he stages a terrifying hostage situation for 12 hours. The crisis negotiator was played by Son Ye Jin whom he also acted with in the global hit K-drama Crash Landing On You.

Their chemistry continued off the screen, with their agencies confirming their relationship in 2021. They got married the in an intimate ceremony in 2022. Their son was born November of the same year.

As this is his first time in the Philippines, Hyun Bin couldn’t help but be surprised by the Filipino fans’ passion and support.

He said, “You know, no words can explain how I feel. I’m very speechless about the amount of love and support I receive. And, of course, I’m very grateful, 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 that the fans give me is definitely going to be a strength for all of my career.”

Hyun Bin also shared his excitement about sampling Filipino food, particularly crispy pata and adobo — a dish that had been highly recommended by his Korean friends who previously visited the country.

“It was very delicious—rich, flavorful, and definitely something I’d like to try again,” he said. “I’m looking forward to tasting more of the local dishes while I’m here,” he said.

He added that he had heard many good things about Manila but experiencing it for himself is even more wonderful.

Beyond the luxurious amenities of Solaire, it was the people who left the deepest impression on Hyun Bin. “What makes the experience even more special is the warm hospitality, especially from the staff who go above and beyond to make me feel at ease. Their kindness and attentiveness truly make me feel at home here.”

The actor also took time to meet lucky raffle-winning fans at a special fan event. He added, “It’s very touching. Meeting my fans here in person and feeling their energy, their smiles, and hearing their cheers —it’s truly overwhelming, in a good way. Their support, even from so far away, has always meant so much to me.”

When asked what continues to fuel his passion as an actor, Hyun Bin emphasized his drive to grow and take on new challenges. “Each project teaches me something new about life and emotion. I’m preparing for my next project now — can’t share much yet, but I’m excited for fans to see a new side of me soon.”

Hyun Bin is currently filming another K-drama, titled Made In Korea, for Disney+.

“With that unconditional love and support that I receive from Filipino fans, I’m grateful and honored. With that, I’d like to return the love back to the Filipino fans with more projects and as a better actor as well,” he concluded.