The Liberty Times of Taiwan on June 9th detailed an incident involving Korean actor Byun Woo-seok, known for his role in ‘Lovely Runner’, who had an uncomfortable experience with over-enthusiastic sasaengfans during his fanmeeting in Taiwan. The report says, “Byun Woo-seok, who had a fanmeeting with thousands in attendance, was troubled by sasaengfans” on the scene.
Sasaengfans, displaying extreme behavior, not only arranged for a motorcade to tail the actor on the day of the fanmeeting but also took extreme steps like making reservations at Byun Woo-seok’s hotel and tampering with the elevators. This invasive behavior was aimed at pinpointing Byun Woo-seok’s room, causing distress to both the actor and his genuine fans.
Despite the earlier incident, after the fanmeeting ended, Byun Woo-seok chose to visit and personally thank his fans gathered at a nearby hot pot restaurant, an action that didn’t fail to become a trending topic.
On the preceding day, June 8th, Byun Woo-seok had enjoyed a successful fanmeeting at the Taipei University Sports Center, sharing precious moments with his Taiwanese fans. Additionally, he hosted a live broadcast prior to the event, which drew an impressive 260,000 viewers.
Byun Woo-seok, openly anxious, said during the live session, “I’m feeling quite uneasy. Today marks my first Asian fanmeeting here in Taipei. It’s surreal to be here doing a live show.” He paused to take a breath and shared, “The nervousness is still strong.”
Addressing speculations that he used an AI robot to interact with fans online, he clarified, “That wasn’t AI; it was actually me replying to every single DM,” showcasing his genuine effort in engaging with his fans. He stressed, “No robots, it’s me, Byun Woo-seok.”
“I may be overwhelmed, but I really wanted to see everyone before the fanmeeting. With 20 minutes to spare, I’ll try to calm my nerves,” he concluded as he wrapped up the broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Byun Woo-seok?
Byun Woo-seok is a South Korean actor recognized for his roles in various Korean dramas, including ‘Lovely Runner’.
What happened with the sasaengfans in Taiwan?
Sasaengfans followed Byun Woo-seok in a motorcade, booked rooms at the same hotel he was staying in, and interfered with the elevators to figure out his room number, causing him discomfort and disturbing his fans.
How did Byun Woo-seok react to his supporters’ efforts?
Despite the discomfort, he personally thanked his supporters by visiting them at a hot pot restaurant they gathered at after the fanmeeting, expressing his gratitude in person.
Did Byun Woo-seok address the rumors about using AI for fan interaction?
Yes, he clarified in his live broadcast that he did not use AI bots, but personally replied to fans’ comments to stay connected with them.
How did fans respond to Byun Woo-seok’s efforts to communicate with them?
Fans were appreciative and touched by his efforts to personally interact with them, both through the live broadcast and his surprise visit after the fanmeeting.