There’s something magical about seeing an actor you’ve admired for years step onto a stage — not as a character in a drama, but as himself. Yoo Yeon Seok did just that at The Theatre at Mediacorp last Friday, creating an evening that felt like seeing an online friend in real life for the first time. The atmosphere was casual yet intimate — you think you know him from his dramas, but throughout the night, he revealed new sides of himself. 

A Warm Welcome and Musical Prelude

The night opened with a special VCR: “Start our own secret party? Secret Code: Y.” With that, Yoo Yeon Seok emerged, looking effortlessly suave in a suit, setting the tone with a live performance of ‘See The Light’ from When the Phone Rings. It was a perfect reminder that beyond his well-loved acting career, he is also a gifted singer.

What made the night even more personal were the surprise video messages from his When the Phone Rings co-stars and longtime industry friends, including Yoo Jae-suk. The warmth of their words highlighted just how amiable he is in the entertainment scene, while also offering a glimpse into the kind and humble personality fans have long admired.

A Deep Dive Into His Craft

For fans who wanted a behind-the-scenes look at his acting career, the commentary segment on When the Phone Rings was a treat. Yoo Yeon Seok shared three never-before-seen photos from the drama set, revealing his techniques for memorizing lines, the challenges of filming in Jeju’s winter while dressed for summer, as well as the effort he put into portraying an announcer—meeting real-life news anchors to better understand the role. This was followed by a heartfelt performance of ‘Numb’, a song that held deep meaning for both him and his audience.

Next, the “2025 Yeon Seok Awards” segment brought lighthearted fun, where he answered fan-voted questions, such as which character he’d like to switch lives with (Baek Sa-eon), his favorite hairstyle (also Baek Sa-eon), and what he prioritizes when planning an overseas vacation (food). He laughed at how well fans knew his preferences.

Exploring New Experiences for Fans

The night also showcased Yoo Yeon Seok’s fun, adventurous side. A special VCR titled “Into Yeon Seok’s World” showed him trying new trends, from experimenting with MZ fashion items like face jewelry and lip cuffs to whipping up a quirky ice cream sundae named ‘Yeon-A-Jeong’ and a Cotton Candy Latte that was “411% sweetness overload” (Definitely a Nutri-Grade D from the way he added all the sweet treats!). His participation in the viral ‘APT Challenge’ may have been awkward, but it was a moment of genuine effort that made fans cheer even louder.

A Musical Showcase Like No Other

One of the most unforgettable segments of the night was an acoustic live session with music director Lee Jun. Stripping it all down to just his voice and a guitar, Yoo Yeon Seok performed ‘Love of My Life’, ‘To You’, and ‘’Desperado’, proving that his musical talents are just as compelling as his acting. The raw emotion in his voice left many in awe—if there were any doubts about his ability as a singer, they were erased that night.

Playful Side Shines in Fan Games

The energy shifted with the high-stakes “Whenever Possible!” game segment, where he had to complete five mini-games in under four minutes. He kept saying how difficult it was, but fans saw how earnestly he tried—adding an extra dose of charm to his already lovable persona. At one point, he even kissed the ping-pong balls from the game before tossing them to the crowd, much to their delight.

Another interactive segment, “Secret Code: YYS”, involved mass voting, where fans had to correctly guess Yoo Yeon Seok’s answers to unlock secret codes. He playfully dropped hints but was still baffled when some fans chose the wrong options. Eventually, they got all five answers right, and Yoo Yeon Seok drew 10 lucky winners for signed posters.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

As the night drew to a close, Yoo Yeon Seok took a moment to express his gratitude. “The single beam of light in the darkness. It was you.” The sentiment hit home for many in the audience, making his performance of ‘Say My Name’ all the more moving.

A VCR, created by fans, reflected on his numerous roles over the years, as he took in the journey he had been on — the characters he had embodied, the challenges he had embraced, and the new experiences he had fearlessly stepped into for his fans.

The emotional weight of the moment carried into his last set of songs: Roy Kim’s ‘If You Ask Me What Love Is’, an acoustic rendition of ‘The Origin of Love’ from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and an unexpected yet mesmerizing cover of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’.

More Than Just an Actor

Yoo Yeon Seok’s Singapore fan meeting offered a rare glimpse into his personality beyond his on-screen roles. More than just an actor, he’s also a talented singer and an incredible performer, presenting himself with a sincerity that truly resonated with the audience. His moments of shyness and a hint of awkwardness only added to his charm, making the event feel relaxed and deeply enjoyable. It revealed a new side of him, and as the lights dimmed and he left the stage, one thing was certain: I can’t be the only one who’s already looking forward to catching him in his next musical, right?

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Much thanks to FriedRice Entertainment for extending the concert invite.

All images credit to FriedRice Entertainment.