It was a night to remember for Hwang In Youp and his Filipino HIYILYs (Hwang In Youp’s Family, his official fandom name) as the actor returned to the Philippine stage on October 31, 2026 for his To You fan meeting at the New Frontier Theater.
Hwang In Youp rose to fame for his undeniable charm as Han Seo Jun in the webtoon-based Korean drama True Beauty (2020-2021). Although he played the second male lead, he captured the hearts of local and international viewers, paving the way for leading roles in subsequent projects, including The Sound of Magic (2022), Why Her (2022), and Family by Choice (2024).
His journey to stardom did not happen overnight, nor did he begin his acting career at an early age. Interestingly, he also shared a special connection with the Philippines, having spent three years studying in Davao. As he revealed at the very beginning of the fan meeting, he had missed the country so much that he immediately bought dried mangoes, banana chips, and other Filipino delicacies from a nearby supermarket upon his arrival.
Perhaps this personal connection made the evening even more meaningful. Throughout the fan meeting, In Youp looked back on his experiences in the Philippines, shared stories about his recent activities, and what lies ahead in his career.
The evening unfolded through four segments: Just To You, Close To You, Letter to You, and Together With You, each bringing fans closer to their beloved actor.
To His Heart
During the Just To You segment, In Youp shared insights and behind-the-scenes stories from his recently concluded project, Dream to You (2026), where he portrayed Woo Su Bin, a former high school student who dreamed of becoming a film director and eventually achieved that dream.
From his on-screen chemistry with co-star Hyeri to the challenging weather conditions they endured during filming, he gave fans a glimpse of what went on behind the cameras.
He even delighted the fans by delivering one of the drama’s memorable lines in Filipino: “Nasaan ka man, [pu]puntahan kita.”
He also encouraged fans to look forward to his upcoming drama, Human X Nine-Tailed Fox, scheduled for release in 2027. The project promises something different for the actor as he takes on another villain role and shares the screen with his admired sunbae, Ji Chang Wook.
Beyond his upcoming projects, In Youp also expressed his interest in starring in a Filipino series should the opportunity arise. He hopes to explore more mature and masculine roles, moving beyond the familiar schoolboy characters he has often portrayed.
To Your Heart
In Youp took things a step closer to his fans during the second segment, Close To You. Three lovely fans were selected by fate to join him onstage and act out different scenarios. The theater erupted in laughter and screams as In Youp effortlessly took the lead, making each interaction even more entertaining.
He also serenaded the fans, wrapping up the first half of the fan meeting with his soothing voice as he performed “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
To Our Heart
What made the fan meeting particularly special was how In Youp made an effort to keep the experience as interactive as possible.
During Letter to You, fans were given paper to fold into airplanes, each carrying a letter for the actor. In Youp also made his own paper airplane, making the exchange a sweet and memorable moment between him and his Filipino HIYILYs.
The fun continued in Together With You, where In Youp and his fans played a preference game. He had to choose between two options, such as halo-halo or calamansi juice, while the fans tried to guess his answers.
But perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the evening was seeing In Youp join not just one, but three dance challenges! He took on Youngjun’s “Ice Cream,” GOT7’s “Stop Stop It,” and, to everyone’s delight, his iconic “Okey Dokey” challenge—a dance he had not performed at any of his recent fan meetings. Talk about special treatment for Filipino HIYILYs!
The ten finalists also had their moment onstage, where they got to share a selfie with the actor. And In Youp’s fan service did not stop there. He went around the theater to greet fans up close, making sure more of them got a chance to see him beyond the stage.
Even those waiting outside the theater after the event were not left out. He took time to greet them. Indeed, the #TeamLabas got their own special moment!
To Next Time
He ended the evening with a familiar Filipino expression, “Hay naku!” before dedicating a song that translates his love for his fans: Promise by Wonstein.
What a shame that the night had to end. But as In Youp shared, the Philippines will always hold a special place in his heart. He will carry the love he received from his Filipino fans with him as he makes his way back home to South Korea.
And surely, the HIYILYs will carry that same love with them. It’s such a beautiful reminder of a night spent celebrating not only the actor they admire but also the connection they share with him. After all, some memories are too special to keep only in our hearts.
The To You fan meeting, presented by L-Squared Productions PH, was certainly one for the books.
Photos: L-Squared Productions
