Lee Min-ho still setting hearts a-flutter in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Thousands of screaming Lee Min-ho fans recently gathered at the Greenhills Theater Mall after the Korean superstar breezed into town to grace the opening of the third Kyochon restaurant in Manila.

Min-ho is the brand ambassador of Kyochon, one of Korea’s leading chicken restaurant chains.

The theater mall briefly descended into chaos as hyperventilating teenagers pushed a barricade near the makeshift stage, but was immediately controlled by security personnel.

Min-ho’s fans, who arrived early at the venue, have been standing for eight hours to catch a glimpse of the Korean heartthrob who first broke into the public consciousness via the Korean drama Boys Over Flowers.

“I came here and I lined up as early as 9 a.m. even though I know he will come at 6 p.m. because I want to get the best spot where I can see Min-ho up close. I wanted to see him now because it could take long before he comes back again since I’ve heard he will soon enlist in the military,” Jennifer Guiang, a die-hard Min-ho fan, said in an interview.

When the Korean dreamboat finally came out, fans let out ear-splitting screams to the delight of Min-ho who welcomed the warm reception.

He then greeted the frenzied crowd with Tagalog phrases “mahal ko kayo” and “na-miss ko kayo” which made the fans more wild. TV personality Sam Oh was the night’s host and the interpreter during the short Q&A session.

First, Min-ho was asked how he feels about being the commercial endorser of Kyochon.

“Kyochon is really my favorite restaurant and in Korea, Kyochon has 950 branches all over the country. I am really happy to represent a well-loved brand in Korea,” said a smiling Min-ho, sporting a long-sleeved black and white polo, printed washed-up jeans and black sneakers.

He also said his favorite chicken depends on his moods. If Min-ho is stressed, he eats the spicy chicken but on ordinary days, he likes to eat the honey chicken.

“Actually, there are a lot of food choices in Kyochon, but I personally recommend the double fried chicken and the Soonsal series — deep-fried boneless chicken breast strips coated in a special rice batter,” Min-ho said in Korean.

During the Q&A, Min-ho also talked about his movie Gangnam Blues, which will be shown in the Philippines on March 4.

“I know that Filipinos will enjoy Gangnam Blues because it has a universal message that will resonate with everyone,” he said.

He said he’d love to visit the Philippines again and hopes to do a concert for the fans.

“It’s my fourth time here and the last time I performed in a concert and I really enjoyed doing that for the fans,” he said.

During the fun meet, San Juan City Vice Mayor Francis Zamora presented Min-ho with a plaque of appreciation. The winners of the Kyochon Facebook Meet Lee-Min-ho promo were also able to take pictures with the actor.