Lee Min Ho mania sweeps Manila

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Korean superstar Lee Min Ho’s return to the country – a visit that lasted three days, from March 21 to 23 – drew an estimated crowd of 10,000 fans to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a meet and greet organized by clothing brand Bench.

Photos: BENCH

Fans lined up for hours just to see the Korean actor in person, with some getting lucky enough to be chosen to come up onstage and have their “selfie” taken with Lee.

In the interview portion of the event conducted by show host Sam Oh, the host said Lee would say “Always be happy” — on as he tries to say in Filipino, “Maging masaya kayo” – when he would sign autographs or end a show here. She also taught him a few Filipino phrases like, ”Pakasalan mo ako,” “May sasabihin ako sa iyo,” “Mahal na mahal kita,” “Gusto ko akin ka lang” and “Mahal mo rin ba ako?”
The actor went on to serenade fans with “Painful Love,” a track from the original soundtrack of the Korean drama “The Heirs.”

Glenn Llamas of Wilbros said that last Sunday, Lee had three mall tours: one in Trinoma, attended by about 2,000 fans; Glorietta, which drew about 1,500 fans; and Mall of Asia, which saw about 2,500 of his loyal followers.

Llamas said Lee was very happy to see his Minoz – a term of endearment for his loyal fans. ”He really has a soft spot for the Philippines and wishes to come back in the near future… He took a selfie with his fans on stage during these events to remind him of his visit here,” he related.

Lee left Manila for China at 4a.m. on March 24.

Lee rose to fame after starring in the hit Korean drama “Boys Over Flowers” in 2009. This opened the door for him to become a multiple product endorser.

After “Boys Over Flowers,” he starred in the dramas “Personal Taste” in 2010, “City Hunter” in 2011, “Faith” in 2012 and “The Heirs” last year.

His next project is “Gangnam Blues,” his first movie since 2008.

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online: 
http://www.mb.com.ph/lee-min-ho-mania-sweeps-manila/
To contact the author, send email to sangchusan(at)gmail.com