#FangirlGigs: Lee Hyeri's Manila fan meet was a healing hug to this 'Reply 1988' fan's heart
For Lee Hyeri's first Philippine fan meeting, the New Frontier Theater was filled with what the K-drama actress called "Manila Power."
At "Welcome to Hyeri's Studio" on July 26, the 31-year-old Reply 1988 star delivered an evening that left fans with a heart overflowing with joy and memories.
The fan meet kicked off with a powerful performance of aespa's Whiplash, followed by an exhilarating dive into "Adventure Land," a segment that saw Hyeri unleash her playful side.
The crowd cheered as she enthusiastically took on mini basketball and badminton—her athletic charm is just as captivating as her on-screen presence. The cheers intensified as she played the Bills Game in which she was blindfolded and grabbing paper bills.
One of the most delightful surprises came when Hyeri channeled her inner K-pop idol, performing Something, a song by her former group, Girl's Day. That moment took longtime fans back to 2014.
@philstarlife Lee Hyeri (@hyeri_0609) wowed Filo Hyerongs with a captivating performance of Girl's Day's "Something" at her first fan meeting in the Philippines, held at the New Frontier Theater. ?: Yoniel Acebuche | PhilSTAR L!fe #혜리 #HYERI #Welcome_to_HYERIs_STUDIO #Welcome_to_HYERIs_STUDIO_in_MANILA #써브라임 #SUBLIME #셋더스테이지 #SETTHESTAGE #ONworldwide @threeanglesproduction ♬ original sound - philstarlife
The fun continued with "Lucky Arcade," an interactive photo shoot game that captured Hyeri's adorable expressions as she posed with a sunflower bouquet and matching bandana.
A journey through Hyeri's Iconic roles
The evening then transitioned into "Cinema Village," where fans were taken on a journey through Hyeri's most memorable roles.
From the raw emotion of the Reply 1988 injured scene to her endearing "Student-nim" antics in Victory, and the captivating dynamic of Friendly Rivalry with Jaeyi, the segment was a powerful reminder of her remarkable range.
"I can feel your details here. I'm loving this corner since I am going back to myself. I want to work hard for my next projects," Hyeri told the Manila crowd.
As a devoted fan who fell head over heels for Sung Deok-sun, witnessing Hyeri look back at these iconic moments was akin to seeing an old, cherished friend.
That night, this writer's Reply 1988 heart was filled with warmth after the Hyeri in person. In case you haven't watched the hit K-Drama, Hyeri's Deok-sun is a girl who's not academically gifted but has a lot of heart—these imperfections made her relatable to fans. Avid watchers saw bits of themselves in her struggles, her triumphs, her everyday moments.
That's why, despite arriving at New Frontier Theater wet due to heavy rains that night, I didn't just cheer with fellow fans. I healed.
'Best reaction ever'
The fan meeting culminated with "Kingdom of Magic," a Q&A segment with Hyeri. The crowd erupted as she charmingly uttered Filipino phrases, "Mahal Kita" and "Kumusta."
Her genuine reactions to fan messages were priceless, with her exclaiming "Sana all!" and "Iiyak na 'yan" in response to a charming message, and declaring with a beaming smile, "I am the happiest person here!"
The night concluded with a touching parade to fans, as she gave out toys, creating truly intimate and unforgettable interactions with her Filipino fans. With these, she described Filo Hyerong's enjoyment, "The best reaction ever."
Welcome to Hyeri's Studio was organized by Three Angles Production, Sublime Artists Agency, Set the Stage, and On Worldwide.
