Updated: February 13, 2023
Thai fans filled Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok for a two-day fanmeet with Kim Seonho on February 11 to 12, 2023.
On the evening of February 11, Kim Seonho stood in front of a huge crowd in Bangkok and conveyed his heart of gratitude, “You gave me strength as an actor.” Perhaps his first visit in Thailand in 2022 turned out to be a pivotal moment in his life—a life-changing turning point that enabled him to believe in himself again as an actor. Now that he is back in the country, he is giving back all the love and the ultimate fan service through his “One, Two, Three, Smile Asia Tour” event.
The two-day event was attended by 10,000 Thai fans—from young adults to women to groups and fan boys, some arrived in bridal gown attire and one fan came in a dinosaur costume while holding a giant ring. The crowd went wild as soon as Kim Seonho entered the stage, singing the song, “Every Day, Every Moment” by Paul Kim that talks about strength and comfort during tough times, “In my anxious and suffering life, you came to me like a ray of light and made me smile.”
It was a fun-filled evening with talk sessions about his dramas, his first visit in Bangkok, his walk in the park, favorite food to eat and place to go to in Thailand. He played games with selected fans, recorded a morning call, and drew the view from his hotel room, which includes an elephant, on a white shirt on the first day, and drew a little fan on a white cap on the second day, and gave them to lucky fans. He also revealed that he likes to scroll across social media during his free time and that he has seen everything that his fans uploaded online (oopsss). He smiled, laughed a lot, and looked so happy while engaging with Thai fans.
On the first night, Kim Seonho learned that Thai fans call him “Sukhumvit Boy”. It is a name inspired from Sukhumvit Road, a long and popular street in Bangkok where people often go to for mall shopping, night markets, with restaurants, hotels and more. Kim Seonho was often seen freely walking in this long road like a real local during his first visit in the country. He also mentioned that he feels so warm when he is in Bangkok and that his first stay in the city is one of the happiest moments of his life.
Back in March-April 2022, Thai fans were surprised to see him in the city, freely roaming around in casual attire and filming for his movie, The Childe (2023). It was his first public appearance after months of hiatus and Thai fans were so quick to prepare a massive welcome for the actor in various ways, from giant billboards to tuktuk posters to graffiti art to heartwarming messages that express comfort and endless support—becoming a tangible expression of love and the voice of all Seonhohada fans across the world—at such a time when he was at his lowest point in his life and reported to have declined all project offers as if he has given up his career.
Kim Seonho who did not expect the lavish welcome from his Thai fans during his first visit in the city must have experienced some healing, peace, and regained confidence as an actor. It is no wonder why he feels so warm and at home in Bangkok, and has decided to hold a fan meeting across Asia to appreciate all his fans who stayed with him, fought for him, and made him feel that he is still loved.
When the surprise video was presented during the last part of the fanmeet, Kim Seonho could not help but shed tears while reading messages of encouragement and appreciation from fans. Some words that moved him to tears include, “Thank you for coming back”, “If you want to repay us, just be happy, Seonho”, and “Do not give up”. He reacted, “Yes, I won’t give up because of you.”
He also thanked his fans and mentioned that he and his family were so grateful to know that he has his fans support, “During my first visit in Thailand, I received a lot of encouragement that it made me want to go back. The gifts and warm welcome gave me strength. Thank you so much for the support and love. In return, I will do my best to become a better actor.”
Fans from Thailand and other parts of the world also became emotional while scrolling photos and videos from the Bangkok fanmeet, feeling grateful that Kim Seonho is truly back, smiling again and enjoying a new life.
Kim Seonho went home to Seoul right after the second fanmeet and cheerful fans filled the airport in Bangkok for another memorable send off.
Cover image: Kim Seonho
KORB 