[FANMEETING RECAP] Ju Ji Hoon’s Manila Fan Meeting Was Everything Fans Dreamed Of, And More!

The Newport Performing Arts Theater was abuzz with palpable excitement on August 2 as K-drama royalty Ju Ji Hoon finally graced the Philippine stage for his first-ever Manila fan meeting. For fans who have waited nearly two decades to meet their idol, it was more than just an event—it was a magical journey into the “Juniverse,” a testament to enduring admiration and a celebration of a truly beloved star.

The evening began on a high note as Ju Ji Hoon took the stage, his presence immediately captivating the audience. He serenaded the cheering crowd with a soulful song, setting a warm and intimate tone for the hours to come. “I’m so happy to meet you all tonight. I hope we have a wonderful time together,” he said, his signature smile melting hearts across the theater, a clear sign that this would be a night of genuine connection.

Diving Deep into the “Juniverse”

The fan meet was cleverly segmented, allowing fans to get closer to Ju Ji Hoon’s multifaceted personality.

JUTUBE Time! kicked off the interactive fun, with Ju Ji Hoon answering questions inspired by fan-selected keywords. The first keyword, “MUKJIHOON,” immediately turned the spotlight to his appetite. When asked about trying Filipino dishes, he shared his habit of visiting local markets in new countries. He fondly recalled sampling fried rice, chicken with rice, and, to the delight of the crowd, the iconic crispy pata. As for maintaining his famous physique, he laughed, “I still eat a lot of meat! My current role needs a more defined body, so… more meat it is!”

Next up was “TAGALJIHOON,” igniting a flurry of kilig (a Filipino term for romantic giddiness). Ju Ji Hoon effortlessly charmed everyone by uttering popular Tagalog phrases like “Miss na kita” (I miss you) and “Ang ganda mo” (You’re beautiful), sending the audience into a frenzy.

A few lucky fans were even invited onstage to showcase their aegyo (cute acts), to which Ju Ji Hoon responded with hilarious Tagalog reactions, proving his quick wit and dedication to interactive fan service. The segment rounded out with “CHILLJIHOON,” where one exceptionally lucky fan scored a selfie with the star while mimicking characters from the animated hit Zootopia, much to the delight and envious squeals of the audience.

Awards and Insights: The JUNIVERSE AWARDS

The energy continued to soar with the JUNIVERSE AWARDS, a segment where fans participated in fun polls, and Ju Ji Hoon reacted live to the results.

The first question, “How do you feel when you see Ju Ji Hoon in person?” drew a roaring response, with the top answer being: “If you make eye contact with him… SYSTEM ERROR!” Ju Ji Hoon chuckled, acknowledging that people often comment on him looking “too big and too dark” in person. He playfully added, “The good thing about being tall? I can reach the top shelf. The bad thing? Clothes don’t fit me well!” This led to a fan being brought onstage for a height comparison, and another brave soul enduring a 5-second eye contact challenge – a moment that, predictably, caused a delightful “glitch” for the fan.

The second question, “What’s the most iconic line you want to hear from Baek Kang-Hyeok?” saw an overwhelming vote for “Shut up!”—a line he good-naturedly delivered, much to the audience’s wild enthusiasm. When asked about his personal favorite drama line, he brought back a classic: “You’re the first woman who made me feel like this,” from Princess Hours, eliciting a collective sigh of nostalgia from his long-time fans.

Finally, “What genre do you want to see Ju Ji Hoon in next?” revealed that fans overwhelmingly desire a romantic comedy, while he personally leans towards black comedy. He elaborated on his character-building process, explaining how he incorporates feedback from directors and colleagues: “I like hearing how others see the role. It helps me a lot.”

Heartfelt Connections and Unforgettable Moments

The THINKERVERSE segment brought a wave of emotion as fan messages and questions were read aloud. One particularly touching moment saw Ju Ji Hoon sing “Happy Birthday” to a fan who had traveled all the way from Bangkok to celebrate with him. When asked, “What little thing makes you happy these days?”, he looked out at the adoring crowd and simply said, “You.” The fans’ reaction was, as expected, thunderous. A Japanese fan’s query about his upcoming work prompted a reveal that he’s currently filming two projects: a dark, political piece and a webtoon adaptation, promising exciting times ahead for his diverse range.

After a short break, Ju Ji Hoon returned for Juniverse: Part 2, taking the fan experience to another level. He moved through the venue, personally greeting fans, shaking hands, and even pausing for selfies, making an ultimate dream come true for many. The night then shifted into a lively game segment, with fans joining Ju Ji Hoon onstage for Pirate Roulette, One Mind, One Body, and a Three-Legged Race. Laughter echoed through the room as fans and “Oppa” (a Korean term of endearment for an older male) competed together. The fun continued with “Jutorial,” a trivia game that tested fans’ knowledge of Ju Ji Hoon, with winners earning coveted onstage selfies.

A Memory Sealed Forever

The evening’s penultimate moment saw Ju Ji Hoon pose solo on stage for a photo opportunity, allowing fans to capture their perfect shots. This was followed by a truly touching surprise: a video compilation of heartfelt messages from his Filipino fans played on the big screen. The outpouring of love and support visibly moved Ju Ji Hoon. “I realized I’m doing my best now,” he said, his voice laced with emotion, “but seeing that video made me want to do even better.” The night culminated with a grand group photo of Ju Ji Hoon with the entire audience, a precious memory sealed forever.

To bring the legendary night to a close, Ju Ji Hoon performed a heartfelt song from a musical he cherishes, a song he reserves especially for his fans. “This song is my message for all of you,” he shared, a final, poignant farewell.

Ju Ji Hoon’s first-ever Manila fan meeting transcended expectations. It wasn’t just a fan meet; it was a masterclass in genuine connection and exceptional fan service. From the engaging stage games and spontaneous interactions to the sweet glances, shared laughter, and tear-jerking surprises, it was a full-course experience that fans will undoubtedly cherish forever. Ju Ji Hoon didn’t just meet his fans; he embraced them, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and solidifying his place as a true K-drama icon.