Ahn Bo-hyun reveals his unfiltered self
South Korean actor Ahn Bo-hyun was in Manila in May for “Hello,” his first-ever fan meeting in the country organized by Wilbros Live.
At the press conference the day before the event, Ahn exuded authority in his dark khaki-toned ensemble reminiscent of his “Military Prosecutor Doberman” character. The actor is towering at almost 6’2”. He smiled at the cameras before taking a seat to answer 22 questions from the press.
The next day, at the fan meeting, he wore lighter-toned outfits that channeled his handsome character in “See You in My 19th Life.” He bent his body numerous times to lower his height, a gesture that allowed him to give his fans the warmest embrace.
He feels honored to visit the country for the first time to meet his Filipino fans. He shared a story about a missed vacation with his friends in Boracay due to a scheduling conflict.
As a beach enthusiast, he said he enjoys the warm weather in the country and would love to visit Boracay, Cebu or Palawan with family and friends. Born in Busan, Ahn recommends the stunning sunrise and sunset in Yeongdo and Songdo to fans traveling to Korea.
Versatile actor
A versatile actor who transforms into different characters, Ahn attributes his understanding of the emotions in his roles to age. He works on developing roles by studying the script and considering the new things he can show the audience. “I feel happy doing the job I love, but I am still growing as an actor,” he said.
He is thankful for the popularity of “Yumi’s Cells,” and cherishes “Flex x Cop” because it was well-loved by the viewers. He is interested in historical, noir, romcom and doing a very evil role in the future.
Ahn remains humble, recalling his experience as a newbie: “It felt like a dream to be in the same place working with my sunbaenims (senior actors) that I had only seen on the screen.” If he could give advice to his younger self, he said he would tell him to be more lenient and live according to his age. His memories about puberty were mostly about how hard he pushed himself.
Ahn was a boxer in middle school. He talked about working part-time when he was not getting acting projects in a “Knowing Bros” episode. An OG hustler, he delivered newspapers and worked in a food court and gas station. But he said he is grateful for everything because it molded him into who he is today.
At one point, Ahn showed a necklace he was wearing. It had a pendant with the words “initial mindset” engraved on it, to remind him of his determination when he was starting, playing characters with no names and lines. “If you never give up, there will be opportunities or things will fall into place,” he said.
Surprises
The “Boss” (a moniker given to him by fans) opened the fan meeting with his rendition of Gajo’s “Start Over,” from the soundtrack of the hit drama “Itaewon Class,” which propelled him to popularity. Ahn’s BBosiraegi (his fandom name) joined in singing parts of the song, amplifying the energy at the New Frontier Theater.The three-hour fan meeting had the usual segments but was overflowing with surprise events.
He impressed the audience with his vocal prowess by singing three more songs: “Until I Found You,” by Stephen Sanchez, “October Rain” by Yoon Gun and his original song “I’ll Embrace Your Past,” from the “See You in My 19th Life” soundtrack.
During a segment called Bosstagram, Ahn shared stories about his Instagram photos. Fans voted for their favorite moment in the Boss Awards.
He looked shy when he saw that almost everyone chose his half-naked photo with the “Takes shower after working out” description as their pick for his happy moment. Seeing the clamor for a glimpse of his toned body, he gladly removed his blazer to reveal his arms.
Fans had closer interactions with Ahn during the Boss Pre-Epilogue, Boss Relay and Boss Quiz, a yes-or-no trivia game where he revealed things about himself, such as not having a favorite color or a plant at home.
The Boss Neun Ahn Bo-hyun (The Boss is Ahn Bo-hyun) is a wish box portion, during which fans won signed Flex x Cop posters, shirts, a Polaroid photo with Ahn and a signing event where winners could bring any item onstage for his signature, a segment that was exclusive to Manila.
Generous fan service
The highlight was when he walked around the venue to get closer to the audience. His height enabled him to reach the hands that wanted to do a heart or a high touch, and while doing this, he smiled, showing his dimples, made eye contact, and said these words: “Thank you, hello, it’s nice to meet you.”
Fans who went onstage received more of his warmth. He initiated hugs, asked them to choose the color of pens for signing, and blew on the posters after signing so they wouldn’t smudge. Fans praised the Boss on social media for his generous fan service. Ahn expressed his happiness repeatedly during the fan meeting. “I prepared hard to give you gifts, but I received more from you.”
While touching his heart, he said, “I will cherish this feeling and the memories. I will be back. Philippines, mahal kita. Thank you.”
During the press conference, he was asked to reveal a secret talent, and he said, “I don’t have anything specific, but I participate in variety shows where my human and natural side can be seen.”
One of those shows was “I Live Alone,” where his sincerity gained new fans and inspired viewers. Currently, he stars in “Backpacker Chef” Season 2 as Baek Jong-won’s trustworthy and efficient right-hand man.
That night at the fan meeting, Filipino Bbosiraegi had a first-hand experience of that no-filter version of Ahn.
It will make you utter the phrase he loves hearing: “He is starting to grow on me.”
By Eds Garcia
