Hallyu fever hit Singapore on Saturday evening (27 August) as South Korean actor Kang Ha Neul met with fans for a special date, organised by #1 Korean entertainment channel ONE. More than 3,000 excited fans turned up to show their support for their favourite imperial prince at Official Mall Waterway Point earlier today at 5.45pm.
The public meet-and-greet session was presented by ONE, a channel under Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, which will be premiering Kang Ha Neul's latest drama Scarlet Heart on Monday 29 August, 9pm at the same time as Korea. The actor's visit to Singapore celebrates this unprecedented K-drama milestone in the region, and further cements ONE's commitment to deliver the best of Korean entertainment and experiences beyond the screen.
Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President & Head, Content, Production & Marketing, Networks, Asia, Sony Pictures Television said, "This is the first time that a South Korean artiste has come to this part of the world for a promotional event before the show premieres. We are thrilled to be the first to bring such an invaluable experience to our fans and viewers. The event has been a resounding success and we look forward to continue delivering premium programming and spearheading events that bring fans closer to their favourite artistes."
While it was standing room only at the mall's atrium, there was no bad seat in the house as Kang Ha Neul charmed every single fan with his warm personality and award-winning smile. This being his second time in Singapore, Kang Ha Neul remarked that he was happy to meet with his friends in Singapore again, some of whom had turned up as early as 7am to get up-close and personal with the star!
The meet-and-greet session was peppered with chants of "Kang Ha Neul, saranghaeyo!", and even screams pledging support to Wang Uk, the name of the dashing 8th prince that he plays in Scarlet Heart. Fans latched on to every word and wink that the actor threw their way, adding on to the electrifying atmosphere during the hour-long event.
Kang Ha Neul showed glimpses of his charming on-screen character as he gamely took part in on-stage games with some lucky fans, who each got to enjoy 8 magical seconds on a date with the 8th Prince. With activities such as hugging a fan from the back and gazing lovingly into the eyes of another fortunate fan, the crowd was driven into an excited frenzy as the dashing actor shyly performed each request. The 26-year-old musical-actor-turned-screen-beau also signed autographs and took group photographs with fans, who expressed their excitement in catching Kang Ha Neul in Scarlet Heart.
Scarlet Heart is one of the most talked-about TV series of the year amongst industry insiders as well as audiences, and is an adaptation of the similarly titled Chinese series, which was said to be the most popular Asian romance period drama to date. For the first time ever, ONE viewers will be able to watch a South Korean drama series at the same time as it is telecast in Korea with subtitles in English, Chinese and Malay - marking a ground-breaking milestone for the top-rated television channel and K-drama fans in the region.
Kang Ha Neul plays the role of the 8th Prince Wang Uk in Scarlet Heart, with whom female lead IU falls in love after she is transported back in time. The scene-stealer has been making waves in the Korean entertainment scene, and recently clinched several Best New Actor awards for his hilarious and charming lead role in the movie Twenty. Kang Ha Neul is joined in the drama by other princes of Goryeo, who are played by Lee Joon Ki, Hong Jong Hyun, Baek Hyun of K-pop boyband EXO, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Ji Soo.
Fans can continue their date with Kang Ha Neul, and the rest of the imperial cast, on ONE. Scarlet Heart will air exclusively on the channel every Monday and Tuesday at 9pm. ONE is available in Singapore through Singtel TV Ch 513 & 604 and StarHub TV Ch 124, 820 & 823. For more information the series, visit www.ONEtvasia.com/ScarletHeart.
The event was proudly organised by ONE with the support of Official Mall Waterway Point.
