Can we have a part 2 of the Dara X Nam Joo Hyuk event?

Nothing really prepared the K-drama, or more specifically, “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo” fans, nor the Blackjacks, for this Penshoppe Fan Con that took place last Sunday, July 29, 2018. Ever since global fashion retail brand Penshoppe announced that it will bring the two Korean actors in Manila, Filipino fans rushed to secure their passes, with a hopeful wish that they’d be chosen for the meet-and-greet/photo opportunity.

Jeff Bascon, Penshoppe Brand Director, notes that this was clearly the biggest event of the year. “After we announced the event, tickets were wiped out in just 5 days! We’re ecstatic about the overwhelming support that we got from the fans.” Considering that this was a fan con and not a full-blown concert, the response was pretty amazing. The arena – from the Patron seat, all the way to the General Admissions level – was full.

He then thanked everyone who supported the event, saying, “We share the excitement that everyone felt on seeing the two (Sandara Park and Nam Joo Hyuk) together on stage for PENSHOPPE FANCON! Thank you all for being part of PENSHOPPE FANCON featuring Sandara Park and Nam Joo Hyuk!”

I’m just incredibly grateful *I’m still thanking my lucky stars* that I got to attend this event. I’ve been crushing on Nam Joo Hyuk during WFKBJ days, and I liked him even more when I found out he was part of YGE.

In case you missed it, here are the TOP, UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS from the Penshoppe Fan Con: 

The special performances 

The fans were there for Dara and Joo Hyuk, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the solid performances of the country’s hottest talents and Penshoppe’s very own ambassadors. Keiko Necesario, Khalil Ramos, Ronnie Alonte, Maris Racal, Loisa Andalio, DJ Tom Taus, and IV of Spades were also there to spice up the event.

Nam Joo Hyuk, and Sandara Park – live in the flesh

I can’t really say how long the cheers and screams for the two went on when they came out from the backstage. All I remember is that it was deafening. The arena just went bat-shit crazy after the fashion show, and it’s not really an exaggeration.

Gracing the stage was Dara and Joo Hyuk, in seemingly matching striped outfits, both looking as flawless and gorgeous as they do in paparazzi shots.

Quick interview portion 

Curious about the stars of the night? So am I! The Q&A revealed what emojis describe Dara and Joo Hyuk’s personalities, their weird hidden talents, dream job, favorite superhero, dream super power, who motivates them, the next big thing they want to achieve, the most memorable gift from a fan, and more!

Their answers were brief, but it was sweet, funny, and simply candid. If you ask me what my favorite part is, I’d say the chant that made Joo Hyuk gush! Read the full Q&A segment here.

ALSO READ: Q&A: Sandara Park and Nam Joo Hyuk

Awesome games

Joo Hyuk is known for his role in the K-drama “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo,” as a swimmer, but being in the water isn’t exactly his favorite sport. He favored the hoops. During the Basketball game, he put his and his fans’ skills to the test with the 30-second shooting challenge. The winner was the person with the score closest to Joo Hyuk, with 16 points. Oppa scored 21.

On the other hand, Dara’s game focused on modeling, which definitely leaned on her fashion queen persona. She did a couple of poses (“Sumasayaw ako pero dapat maganda pa din ako-pose,” “Uupo ako pero dapat sexy pa rin ako-pose”) and asked her fans to copy her exactly as she did it.

The final round was a treat for the fans. Joo Hyuk served as the wall that the fans needed to complete the pose. The winner of this game was the amusing, and sassy gay fan – a.k.a. crowd favorite – who looked real confident and on point at every pose. Whoever you are, you’re amazing!!

Too good to be true drama reenactment

There is no fan luckier than the four who got to play in the Drama Game and play-pretend that Joo Hyuk and Dara are their love interests!! What good deed did it take to be given a chance like this?? They were all trying hard to contain their kilig! Just imagine! They got to touch, hug, and look the two stars in the eyes! Who could ever keep their cool?

Meet and Greet of 200 fans

After the interview and fun games came the most-awaited part of the event. 200 lucky fans, chosen randomly by the organizers, were called to have a photo opportunity with Dara and Joo Hyuk! This should be a good thing, no? They’re supposed to treasure a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Sad to say, this has easily become one of the most embarrassing parts of the Fan Con. I definitely understand the excitement of being a hardcore fan. Heck, if that was G-Dragon, I’d probably want to drag him home. But still, Joo Hyuk wasn’t just an actor. He was human. He didn’t deserve to be harassed by the girls.  Watch it here.

To give you the visuals, some inappropriately touched him as they tried to feel his abs, some embraced him tight that he was unable to move, other fans tried to make him hold their hand, etc. It was a mess! If this was the other way around (boys trying to harass a female star), it would, almost automatically, attract the attention of a protective crowd.

Dara was also pushed aside by the fans who wanted to pose next to the actor. They didn’t bother to say sorry when they hit her, nor did they acknowledge what they did. They were so fazed, they forgot that they’re already being pushy. Literally.

No wonder this earned the ire of the netizens. It lacked respect for personal space. I don’t mean to end this blog in a bad light. But this is what happened, and it’s truly unforgettable. For what it’s worth, fan groups of Dara and Joo Hyuk issued a letter of apology on behalf of these fans.

What do you think is the most unforgettable part of the event? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Featured photo from Penshoppe