Although the weather had been less than spectacular on our shores last week, the throngs of fans waiting for actor Kang Ha Neul at Waterway Point on Saturday were not deterred by it. Ardent fans of Kang Ha Neul started queuing hours before the scheduled event to catch a glimpse of him – even remaining in high spirits despite the delayed appearance of the 26 year old actor.
As Kang Ha Neul made his appearance on stage, he took in the huge crowd welcoming him with grins and looks of bewilderment never leaving his face. Ever the crowd pleaser, Kang Ha Neul waved in all directions to his fans, not forgetting to also acknowledge fans that were watching him from the second floor.
During the event, Kang Ha Neul revealed that he himself has yet to watch the drama – the drama was pre-produced 100% ahead of airing – and that he would probably watch it (for the first time) at the same time fans would be tuning in for the first broadcast.
When asked what the audience could look forward to in the drama, Kang Ha Neul mentioned that the scale and the aesthetics of drama would probably be something that the viewers will be continuously captivated by as they watch ‘Scarlet Heart’.
Five lucky fans were also invited on stage to carry out missions with Kang Ha Neul. The missions revolved around the number 8 as Kang plays the 8th Imperial Prince in ‘Scarlet Heart’. One of the missions required Kang Ha Neul to serenade a fan for 8 seconds, and he gamely got down on one knee to melodiously sing ‘I love you’ over and over again to her. The screams from the ground were deafening as the lucky girl turned red and was left speechless. Well, who wouldn’t be?
Another lucky fan, a fanboy, was given the mission to have an ‘intense and loving gaze for 8 seconds’. Both the fanboy and Kang Ha Neul had a hard time holding in their laughter as they looked into each other’s eyes, ending it on an enjoyable note.
During the autograph session, the fans were greeted with a huge smile by the actor – each receiving a sincere handshake that saw the actor standing up from his seat whenever he shook hands with them. Some fans even plucked up the courage to ask for a hug after their poster was signed on, and he happily obliged with a never waning smile.
Kang Ha Neul also remembered to turn the camera in every direction during the group selfie so that fans at the sides were not left unnoticed. Thereafter, he continued throwing little hearts and smiles in every direction to his fans who happily lapped up his fanservice.
As the event came to a close, Kang Ha Neul expressed his gratitude to the fans who came to see him, mentioning that he would probably return to our shores again, and was already anticipating his next trip here. As he left for the night, bowing to everyone to express his thankfulness, something he did quite often throughout the whole event. Fans were left with sweet memories, and hopes of seeing Kang Ha Neul again soon.
Also, big thank you to ONE TV ASIA for having us at your event!
Written By: Lee K.