The Korean actor basked in his fans’ adoration at a recent event in KL, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
WHEN Korean actor Lee Kwang Soo saw thousands at his recent fan meet in Kuala Lumpur, he was clearly amazed. He stared, wide-eyed in disbelief, at the hysterical audience members who were screaming his name.
He laughed in awkward embarrassment when a fan screamed at the top of her lungs.
Lee rose to superstardom after being featured in the popular Korean variety game show Running Man.
“Thank you so much for coming,” Lee said, looking appreciatively at the crowd. “ It was raining so heavily today, but I hope you’ll have a lot of fun tonight.”
The event, held at Kenanga Wholesale City earlier this month, kicked off with a montage of photos of Lee including from his childhood, and clips that showed his hilarious antics on Running Man. Lee then appeared on stage with a shy smile, looking dapper in a blue blazer. When he sang the pop number Hug, made popular by Korean boy group TVXQ, he sent the crowd into a frenzy because he had never displayed his singing skills before — and he did a good job that night.
He also performed his signature dance moves in between verses, making the audience laugh.
Event emcee TV personality Baki Zainal, who had to crane his neck to look at the tall actor, complained of a neck ache. Good-naturedly, Lee grinned and spread his legs to appear shorter, drawing laughter from the audience.
“Don’t you think he’s cute?” Baki asked the crowd, who replied with a thunderous “Yes!” and made Lee bashful.
“Anda comel (You are cute)!” Lee told them in return with a grin.
FUN AND GAMES
Four audience members were selected via a lucky draw to participate in a game. Each of them selected a character for Lee to mimic.
The talented actor didn’t have problems getting into character. He elaborately portrayed “tough”, “fashionista”, “aegyo (cute)” and “romantic” and ended up laughing shyly after each portrayal.
The four fans tried their best to follow what he did, despite their embarrassment.
The second game had Lee showing five different actions including his signature move — pumping a fist in the air — and making a heart shape with his arms.
Facing away from him, five contestants tried to guess Lee’s moves. A young boy, who managed to make correct guesses till the end of the round, got a hug from Lee.
For the third game, Baki stated facts about Lee, and the participants answered by making an O shape for “yes” and an X for “no” with their arms. Lee then determined if it was correct and those who got the wrong answers were eliminated.
Many fans got the answers right, resulting in Baki asking many questions until only 10 participants remained.
The true facts included “Kwang Soo’s height is 190cm”, “Kwang Soo’s shoe size is 10” and “Kwang Soo’s hobby is painting”.
When Baki called out “Kwang Soo started his career as a model”, Lee couldn’t stop grinning at the many who answered correctly.
“I feel great! You seem to know a lot about me. I’m very grateful!” he said excitedly. “It’s supposed to be a game, but I’m so touched right now. Saranghamnida, Malaysia! My heart is yours!”
The 10 winners received an autographed T-shirt each. One girl commented that Lee looked handsome, and he bashfully joked, “She’s lying!”
CLOSER TO FANS
Before the second game, Lee performed romantic ballad Because Of Love by Yoo Jae Ha. He also wowed the audience when he played the keyboard.
“I’m here to thank you for all of the support you’ve given me but I’m more touched when I see your love in person. I’ll forever remember you,” Lee said.
He also thanked those who took part in Running Man, which set him on the world map. “I love the members (namely Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Kang Gary, Haha and Song Jihyo). I have a new family now.”
He burst out laughing when he was told that he is a role model. Dubbed Prince Of Asia by his fans, he said: “Thank you for calling me that. I’ll live up to that name.”
Lee, who acted as a romantic man in the drama Dating Agency: Cyrano admitted he is one in real life.
His ideal girlfriend is someone who is petite and has a great smile. “You!” he shouted, pointing to the screaming crowd.
While he has played evil prince Im Hae in Goddess Of Fire, Jung Yi, he would like to play a Casanova in the future. “So far I love both acting and participating in variety shows.”
TRIBUTE VIDEO
The third song he sang that night was another romantic ballad I Believe by Shin Seung Hun.
Some fans gave him gifts — most of them were giraffe-related (his height earned him the nickname Giraffe), be it plush toys or scarves with giraffe motifs.
To show appreciation for their idol, the fans made a tribute video that showcased pictures of Lee and their heartfelt messages to him.
Lee watched the clip silently with a smile and by the end of it, he seemed very touched and even shed tears. “Thanks for welcoming me with so much love. I’ll never forget tonight,” Lee said, giving the audience a formal Korean-style bow.
“I’ll tell the other Running Man cast members I had so much fun here. I’ll tell them that Malaysia is awesome! I love Malaysia!”
Lee posing with his signature move.
Lee in super spy mode, sending fans into laughter.
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