From Davao City to kwek-kwek: Here’s why the PH has a ‘special place’ in Hwang In-youp’s heart
Whether he’s Hwang In-youp or Ryan Leon, the Philippines—and its delectable cuisine—will always be special to the Korean heartthrob.
Tall, cat-eyed, and overflowing with charisma—it’s hard to believe that Hwang In-youp studied in Davao City prior to his debut. To recall, he spent his high school years at the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School and received his degree in Fine Arts at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao.
“I’m very happy to be back in the Philippines, a country that I love. [The Philippines] is close to my heart because it’s a place that I’ve lived in. So, to receive this kind of love from fans is fascinating and I’m so thankful,” In-youp told the media at a press conference organized by BYS Cosmetics and Wilbros Live prior to his fan meet.
Inyoup oppa, annyeong. 🥰 ‘True Beauty’ star Hwang Inyoup faces the media ahead of his BYS Fun Meet at the New Frontier Theater today at 6 p.m. #HwangInyoup pic.twitter.com/gIXRU3tRis
— PhilSTAR L!fe (@philstarlife) June 19, 2022
In-youp can’t help but gush about Davao City where he spent four years of his life. He added that he still keeps in touch with his friends even if it’s been 10 years since he saw them.
“I love Manila, but Davao has a special place in my heart,” In-youp said.
The heartthrob is also a foodie who loves Filipino cuisine. During the press conference, In-youp recalled how his English tutor would make him mango float which he “misses a lot.”
The True Beauty actor shared his love for local pineapples, halo-halo, dried mangoes, and fast-food restaurants Chowking and Jollibee.
“I miss eating boiled quail eggs (kwek-kwek) since I used to eat it in the streets,” In-youp added.
Inyoup says he looks forward to eating Filipino food, specifically meals from Jollibee, Chowking, Halo-Halo, and mango float. 🍽 He adds that dried mangoes, pineapples, and kwek kwek also have a place in his heart.#HwangInyoup #HwangInyeop pic.twitter.com/sWn7eaBoMp
— PhilSTAR L!fe (@philstarlife) June 19, 2022
And In-youp’s kilig fan meet proved how much he loves the Philippines. He even remembers the language as he introduced himself to fans in Filipino.
Hwang in yeop asked the interpreter what is the tagalog of i’m hwang in yeop and he really did said “hello. Ako si hwang in youp” 😭😭💕 with the wave so cuteee #HwangInYoup #HIYforBYS #HIYinPH #HwangInYoup_BYSFunMeet #황인엽 pic.twitter.com/tyWT1Vn7gD
— rimwyso #HwangInYoup (@xztaku) June 19, 2022
In-youp gained international recognition after portraying the role of Han Seo-jun in the rom-com True Beauty. Some of his notable K-dramas include The Sound of Magic and Why Her.