At his first U.S. fan meeting tour, Seo In Guk greeted his Los Angeles fans, known as Heartriders, with a thoughtful event full of performances, games, and unforgettable experiences. Taking place in Beverly Hills’ Saban Theatre, the Thursday evening event brought in Heartriders from all over the world, eager to see their favorite K-drama actor.
Though Seo In Guk first made his debut as a singer, most people know him as an actor. Designed to showcase all of Seo’s singing and acting talent, the event’s festivities began as early as 3:30pm and went on until about 9:30pm, allowing fans to spend a good portion of the day with the star. Fans were given the opportunity to win access to a press conference in which Seo answered media questions, and following that, VIP fans were treated to selfies, group photos, and a soundcheck session. The tour management team credited Seo himself for many of the activity and gift ideas throughout the evening, making the event even more personal.
The fan meeting itself was split into three segments, with each featuring a performance or two, and a game or activity. Beginning with the “Fallen for Talented Seo In Guk” corner, the MC hosted a Q&A session and five pre-selected fans could ask one question each as well. Questions ranged from serious ones inquiring how he remains humble despite his obvious success, to silly ones such as asking how the coconut crab on reality show, Law of the Jungle, tasted. The rest of this segment was spent with Seo discussing his latest album and dramas. While the tidbits of information were interesting, this segment was undoubtedly the least engaging of the three. Some fans could be heard expressing their desires for more, with many hoping for props or costumes from set, or even some highlight videos or key images from the discussed dramas. Nevertheless, this was only the start of the show, and the activities improved from then on.
Segment two of the show was preluded with performances of “Even If There’s No Miracle” from the Death Game OST and “Out of time.” The first song was an intense power ballad, while the latter song was R&B and jazz-inspired, showcasing the artist’s versatility and range. Taking no pause in-between, the next corner began right away, titled “Fallen for Charming Seo In Guk.” The event thus far has been somewhat calm and subdued, but this is when things began to change. Directly engaging with fans, Seo turned some K-drama fantasies into reality.
Three pre-selected fans joined Seo on stage to spin a roulette wheel to determine what activities they’ll do together. The first two fans landed on TikTok dance challenges: one to “Feels” by Calvin Harris and the other to “Michino Timothy Kimino Kimochi” by Chitose Morinaga. And the third and final fan may have been the luckiest of all. As the wheel slowly spun and came to a stop on the word “acting,” fans throughout the venue couldn’t hold back their loud cheers of excitement as it was revealed that the actor would be acting out a scene from one of his dramas. As the wheel slowly spun and came to a stop on the word “acting,” fans all throughout the venue couldn’t hold back their loud cheers of excitement as it was revealed that the actor would be acting out a scene from one of his dramas. The scene featured Seo and Park Boyoung, from the drama Doom at Your Service, as he saved Boyoung’s character from jumping off a building by pulling her into his arms. The lucky fan jumped in excitement after portraying the scene with the actor, and with the energy at a peak, Seo retreated backstage for a quick break.
Coming back once more, he changed out of his sparkling silver suit for an all-white one to match the theme of the next game, giving fans a glimpse into his musical journey. This part of the show kicked off with performances of “Calling You” from his singing competition days on Superstar K, and another track that was one of his first songs after signing with his company. This led into the last game of the night, in a corner titled “Fallen for Romantic Seo In Guk.” Five pre-selected fans were brought onstage and given wedding veils, as they played the red light green light game with the actor. The winner received a bouquet from Seo, which he sprayed with his personal cologne, and took a wedding photo with him.
While all the aforementioned activities were planned and created by Seo and his team, what came next was sweet and meaningful, planned by his fans. As the artist sat down on the floor in preparation to take a group photo, a video message from U.S. Heartriders began to play on screen. Showing clips from various projects throughout his career along with heartfelt messages of gratitude and encouragement, fans could be seen crying while the artist himself gleefully and humbly smiled in gratitude. Following an actual group photo, a performance of his song “Love U,” during which the singer ran into the crowd to closely greet his fans, and an encore performance of “My Baby U,” the night officially came to an end.
Showing off three sides of Seo, his talent, charm and romantic side, the fan meeting was designed to give fans an opportunity to get to know him better. Engaging in unique activities to create unforgettable experiences and memories, the show even ended with a “hi wave” session for every attendee, and a surprise gift at the end that was personally requested and put together by Seo himself.
Seo’s proven himself as a talented singer and actor on the stage and screen, but it was also heartwarming to see how much thought and care was put into the event. The event gave fans a glimpse of who Seo is as a person, not just an entertainer. Though it was short in duration, the memories created will certainly be enough to last a lifetime.
Click on the photo below to view our photos from the event:
