Over 3,000 fans attended actor Joo Won's first meet-and-greet here
Some 3,000 fans pack Suntec City to see Korean actor Joo Won, star of The Gang Doctor
Last evening, deafening shrieks and screams erupted at Suntec City.
More than 3,000 fans and shoppers, predominantly female, thronged the North Atrium at Tower 1 and 2, some armed with posters and banners, just to catch a glimpse of their idol.
South Korean actor Joo Won was holding his first free, public meet-and-greet session in Singapore.
The 28-year-old South Korean heart-throb was in town to promote his latest drama series The Gang Doctor, which recently concluded its 18-episode run on ONE (Singtel TV channel 513 and 604, and StarHub TV channel 124, 820 and 823).
When Joo appeared on stage, looking rather awed by the huge turnout, everyone immediately snapped away furiously with their camera phones.
Those who could not get near the stage positioned themselves on the second and third level.
Three lucky female fans were called up by host Danny Yeo for a brief encounter with the star - one got to take a selfie with Joo, another hugged him and the third, bank executive Sheena Koh, 29, got to stare into his eyes for five seconds.
Following the meeting, Ms Koh told The New Paper on Sunday that the minute she knew she was going to see Joo in the flesh, her "heart started to beat really fast".
"During that five seconds on stage, when we were staring at each other, I told him I really liked him," she said.
"He didn't look away until I broke eye contact.
"I love his acting, it is unparallelled."
The Gang Doctor stars Joo as medical mercenary Kim Tae Hyun, who makes illicit house calls to treat corrupted plutocrats so that he can pay for his sister's (played by Park Hye Soo) medical bills.
AUTOGRAPHS
Joo and Park, 21, signed autographs for selected fans yesterday. Park, a former contestant on reality singing competition K-pop Star 4, also sang Please Only Remember Me, which is on The Gang Doctor's soundtrack.
Viewers can catch a repeat broadcast of the series every Saturday at 4.30pm on ONE starting Nov 7.
Joo's charm was not lost even on children.
Housewife Leysy Chong, in her early 40s, took her six-year-old son, who is also a fan, to the meet-and-greet session.
Ms Chong told TNPS: "My son first noticed Joo in the 2013 drama series Good Doctor.
"When we watched The Gang Doctor together, he thought Joo was very cool."
Another fan, Chinese college student Christina He, 22, flew here from Shanghai on Friday just to see him in person.
"Along with Park Yoo Chun (actor and member of K-pop group JYJ), I think Joo is the best actor in South Korea," she said.
Won over by Joo Won
At a group interview before his first meet-and-greet session with Singapore fans, The New Paper on Sunday asked South Korean hunk Joo Won (JW) and co-star Park Hye Soo (PHS) a load of questions, including the one on every fan's mind - is he really that hunky off-screen?
Joo Won, your doctor character treats criminals for money so he can pay for his sister's medical bills. In real life, would you do the same?
JW Knowing myself, I am not the sort of person who would do anything illegal.
However, if I am placed in a situation where I have to save a loved one and I have explored all other options and failed, I just might make the same decision as my character.
Of course, I'd do it secretly and with full knowledge of the consequences of my actions.
Hye Soo, what is Joo Won like on set? Is he all serious or does he goof around a lot?
PHS He is extremely cute and sweet. (Laughs.)
He might look tough and masculine on screen, but when we are filming, he is the one who always brings the laughs. He is like the designated member on set to be cute and make everyone laugh.
That said, when cameras start rolling, he instantly becomes a comforting, reassuring presence. I feel that he is really like my older brother and as a rookie actress, that definitely helps ease my nerves.
Joo Won, you are the dreamboat of many women. Do you find yourself handsome? What do you think is your best feature?
JW Honestly, I have never ever found myself good-looking. Seriously, it is the make-up, hairdo, and styling that improve my looks a little. (Laughs.)
I like my eyes and I am very thankful to my parents for giving me nice eyes which have helped me express myself better as an actor.
On the plane to Singapore, I looked in the mirror, and it hit me that I look very different from how I looked five years ago when I made my acting debut in the melodrama King Of Baking, Kim Takgu (2010).
It is not a bad thing and I am actually glad that the experiences I have had are showing on my face, be it wrinkles or acne scars. It is part of growing up.
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