The author shows off her loyalty.
Every fangirl dreams to be noticed by her idol. I had that moment for two days. I am Mica and I am a huge fan of Wi Ha Jun. On May 21, 2023, Bench held Wi Ha Jun’s fan meeting, entitled Gameplay with Wi Ha Jun (#benchxwihajun) at New Frontier Theater, Cubao, Quezon City. Like in any fan meet, one would get to spend time with one’s idols, no matter that it’s in a packed cavernous theater. There would be interviews, games, videos, and the chance to see the idol face to face.
Wi Ha Jun fans at #benchxwihajun fan meet
Who is Wi Ha Jun? He is a talented Korean actor who has starred in Korean movies and drama series. What I’ve watched that made me love him were 18 Again, Squid Game, and Bad and Crazy—mostly action roles. In his presscon he described himself as a probinsyano, an island boy who comes from Soando, South Jeolla province in South Korea. He hopes some day to star in a romance set in the province where his character falls in love with a beautiful girl. I felt a connection with him when he said something about being probinsyano because I grew up in Rizal, which I think is akin to provincial life.
When I found out he was coming to Manila, I knew I had to see him. I mean how often would I get the chance to meet my favorite actor from abroad? And—he is my number one K-drama actor! I enjoyed how well he played his roles— usually kind-hearted guys yet Wi Ha Jun brings something different to them. I think he is a hard worker, who remembers his roots. I like celebrities who have depth and talent.
Getting a ticket was a nerve-racking experience. I was freaking out. My friend, a hardcore fangirl of Kpop idols and K-drama actors, told me what I needed to do to get a ticket. It was my first time doing it! My sister and I planned what we needed to buy from Bench to get a ticket. Then later, my TheDiarist.ph editor asked me if I wanted to cover this event! I said yes!
I was so excited to go to the presscon—it was intimate because there were less people and thus more chances for him to see me. I had to prepare myself mentally so that I could do a good job. If that was Wi Ha Jun’s first fan meeting, it was my first presscon. I was nervous to ask a question in front of everyone, but I knew I could do it. I think I did well. When my turn came to ask my question, he said Hi to me—now that moment lingers. Now he knows that I exist— a dream-come-true for any fan.
When Wi Ha Jun entered the presscon room I didn’t feel the fangirl’s need to scream. He seemed like an ordinary guy, or someone you could talk to. He seemed like a grounded person. How he looks on the screen was how he actually looked in person. His answers were short and seemed true to who he was. Among his answers what stood out for me was how in his free time he would exercise or hang out with friends in a cafe. He also said how he relies on family, specifically his parents, when he feels anxious. He seemed to value family and he did activities that people our age do. But what struck a lot of people during the presscon was his plan to give his fans hugs during the fan meeting. The next day he did just that.
The next day I went to his fan meet. I came on time and we were told us to line up before we could enter. I got my freebies and waited in line. Looking at the people around me, I felt happy. I suddenly realized I wasn’t alone fangirling him. He had so many fans who loved him. I used to feel that no one got me when I talked about him, but now there in the queue, I was with people just like me wanting to see and to be with him. I told myself this is the fangirl life—waiting just to see a talented man who makes me kilig.
Entering the theater, I was welcomed by a huge screen and I was amazed at how good the stage looked. The production quality was good, the graphics so cheerful. The setting gave off the vibes so different, of course, from Wi Ha Jun’s onscreen characters; instead it gave the vibes of the man himself—playful, welcoming, and young.
When Wi Ha Jun came onstage everyone was excited. Even the host, Sam Oh, was excited and kilig. She would say things that every fan would want to say. I appreciated that the host seemed someone who loves him. It was like she understands how we feel about him. Wi Ha Jun was energetic, charismatic, honest, and, admittedly, sexy. He would answer questions honestly, and was game to do any activities onstage.
One of the things he said which struck me was how he doesn’t like to exercise and diet! Yet he looks so fit! But he said that he’d continue to do such regimen for his fans. I could relate to that—I exercise and diet all the time, yet there’s not much result but I still do it. Hearing someone who means a lot to me, go through the same problems, leaves me amazed. But I also felt sorry for him because he has to do it for his job.
The video showed where he sat and put the marker— it was the girl right in front of me! That close
An exciting part of the show were the games that made the audience cheer on the participating fans, as if the audience imagined themselves in their shoes. Wi Ha Jun was so caring towards the fans joining the games. He made sure every moment was memorable for these girls and for the fans.
One portion where I honestly felt nervous about, was when he chose a fan to eat ramyeon with. Way before the show, he walked the empty theater, marked the lucky chair (the sign was put underneath). The chair’s occupant would be Wi Ha Jun’s lucky ramyeon date. I didn’t want it to be me, I was too shy for the stage. Yet another thought was, why shouldn’t it be me? I don’t know the answer to that. The video showed where he sat and put the marker— it was the girl right in front of me! That close.
It was a good show. Wi Ha Jun shared with us fans things we can’t find in Google. He was being himself. One thing I admit is that I like Wi Ha Jun because in some ways we are similar, but in other ways he can be a different kind of cool from me. In the end, what I really feel about my Wi Ha Jun experience is gratitude and happiness. I got to see my number one K-drama actor. I believe in Wi Ha Jun! As a fangirl, I know he will keep doing an amazing job.
