Before he became famous, Korean heartthrob Hwang In Youp actually lived in the Philippines to study.
The new ambassador of BYS Philippines Skin revealed this in a pre-taped interview sent by the beauty brand to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on September 30, 2021.
He recalled, as translated in English, "I lived in the Philippines for about four years... I lived in Davao City for about four years."
The Korean actor has fond memories of the country.
He said, "The Philippines is always a beautiful country.
"Also, I really miss my friends who always treated me with a warm and friendly heart even though I was a foreigner."
If he had the chance to visit the Philippines again, where would he go?
"I want to go back to Davao City where I lived. If I can visit next year, I think it will be for the first time in 12 years."
As for what he would do during that visit, the 30-year-old K-drama actor said, "I really liked lechon. If I can visit again, I really want to eat lechon."
During his time in the country, In Youp went by his English name "Ryan Leong."
He finished his secondary education at Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School and even won Mr. Intrams of his school in 2008.
In Youp also graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Fashion Design from Philippine Women's College of Davao sometime in 2012.
Fine Arts and Design Students Organization of the Philippine Women's College of Davao confirmed in a Facebook post that In Youp was a member of their organization and is also a part of the Fine Arts program batch 2012.
Toward the end of the video interview, In Youp expressed how grateful he is to be given an opportunity to work for a brand based in the Philippines.
He said, "I'm very pleased. I think it's very thrilling and meaningful to be a model for a brand in the Philippines where I used to live."
In Youp also had a message for his loyal Filipino fans and thanked them for their overwhelming support.
The Korean actor said, "Although I'm incomplete but the fans support me a lot with their warm love.
"I sincerely thank you for your love. If there's an opportunity, I really want to visit the Philippines. Fans in the Philippines, I love you!"
In Youp rose to fame as the resident bad boy named Han Seo Joon in the 2020 hit K-drama series True Beauty, which also starred Astro member Cha Eun Woo and actress Moon Ga-Young.
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