Curious about the shared secret between Yoo Yeon Seok & Yeon Deokkies from “The Secret Code: Y” Fan Meeting?
Shhh…… we’ve got the inside scoop just for you!
If you’re wondering what secret it is, keep reading.
Our new MBTI , as graciously bestowed by Yeon Seokkie, is officially “cute and sexy” !
It completely lit up our otherwise mundane workday evening when Yoo Yeon Seok emerged on stage, decked in stylish black suit, perfectly radiating his iconic Baek Sa Eon vibes, as he crooned to “See The Light”.
We all love a suave man in black suit, don’t we?
Not forgetting when he switched it up to his cool, stylish denim ensemble for the 2nd part of the FM too!
Can you imagine Yeon Deokies’ excitement when they finally get to see their favourite actor in person after 2 decades?
It was a prelude to what Yeondeokies could anticipate for the rest of the evening: an absolute visual and auditory treat filled with swoon worthy moments, soul-stirring vocal, heartfelt interaction and fun games.
Our eyes were blessed and our ears serenaded by Yeon Seok’s warm, rich and soothing vocal, that wrapped around us like a comforting embrace.
It felt as the weight of the world had been lifted off your shoulders for those 2.5 hours.
他是被演艺事业耽误的歌手，歌唱水平不输专业歌手。完全有能力演唱音乐剧，实力不容小觑。
His singing skills are on par with professional singers, and he is fully capable of performing in musicals.
You have been warned.
It’s hard not to fall in love with Yoo Yeon Seok after hearing him sing LIVE.
To our sheer delight, he transformed the hall into a “Live House”, passionately belting out a captivating lineup of songs from his drama OSTs, musical and classic English ballads.
If we could get a sip of the house brew for this “live house” performance, it would be perfect.
While Yoo Yeon Seok may have been a household name to many K-Drama fans, it is the 1st time he embarks on an Asia Fan Meeting Tour in 22 years.
This was made possible by the resurgence in popularity from his successful, breakthrough Netflix Drama “When the Phone Rings”.
He shot to fame after “Reply 1994” in 2013, but I 1st saw him on the big screen, making a cameo in “The Beauty Inside” in 2015.
Charismatic, warm, mature, down to earth, sincere are some adjectives you can associate with this multi-talented artiste.
He possesses a unique charisma that effortlessly emits pleasant vibes, making him instantly likeable.
His calm, composed and more mature demeanour gives off a stable, “slow living” vibe, which resonates with me, especially at this stage in life.
He’s hands-on, street-smart and has good EQ – ticks all the boxes.
Yoo’s Quiet Charisma: A Versatile Actor with a Natural Gift for Connecting with Audiences
Yeon Seok is a versatile actor, who’s never confined to a single genre.
His forte not only shines in roles like a caring pediatrician, hot-headed but skillful doctor, cool-headed politician spokesperson, romantic lead, but also excels in portraying villainous and psychopathic roles that make you shudder, such as a ruthless samurai and psychopathic serial-killer.
His diverse range of character portrayal has solidified him as one of the most sought after powerhouse actors of his generation. There’s this natural ability to connect with audiences, drawing them into his performances with just his eyes and emotions.
Yeon Seokkie is also a musical actor, who boasts great vocal skills and commands stage presence. He plays a variety of musical instruments, namely the piano, drums, bass, guitar, saxophone.
This sparks excitement among Yeon Deokkies like us, who could not make it to South Korea for his FMs or musicals.
We could listen to him sing for hours everyday, especially when he graces us with the more sentimental ballads or soothing acoustic tracks.
3 Behind-the-Scenes Photos from “When the Phone Rings”
Other than opening the show with “See the Light”, Yeon Seokkie took fans of “When the Phone Rings” on a trip down memory lane, sharing 3 behind-the-scene photos, and personal stories during filming. He also performed “Numb” for the audience.
Yeon Seok was nervous and excited about 1st Fan Meeting in Singapore.
The host for the night was April Kim, who’s known to be bubbly, energetic, spontaneous and humorous. As always, she brought the fun, though she couldn’t resist teasing Yeon Seok several times.
She spoke our minds : “Men in suits are handsome, but Yoo Yeon Seok in suit is SO SO HANDSOME.”
In response, Yeon Seokkie playfully asked, “You guys SHIOK?”
He probably meant that fans enjoyed seeing him in suit. He was aware of his “sexy frown” which many audience love,and explained that it just comes on naturally whenever he stays focused.
Oh yeah, we totally get it – he’s a naturally sexy man.
He shared that he wore a black suit to channel similar vibes as Baek Sa Eon, given how well “When the Phone Rings” was received by international fans.
From the commentary of his co-stars in “When the Phone Rings”，Chae Soo Bin, Heo Nam Jun, Jang Gyu Ri, Im Chul-soo and his co-host, Yoo Jae Suk in “Whenever Possible“, it’s clear to see that Yeon Seok has great interpersonal relationships.
Being her hilarious self, April went on to tease him: “We want to get stuck in between that sexy frown”.
We learned that Yeon Seok’s MBTI was ISTP, but after April complimented him for his “sexy frown”, he cheekily declared his new MBTI as “Sexy and Cute”.
1) Yeon Seok reading a script
April: What was your 1st reaction when reading that part?
Yeon Seok: I thought my writer gave me a big pile of homework.
When I first got to film, I immersed myself in the role and the lines. Naturally, the cringey lines came to me, but as an actor, I kept myself engrossed with the lines.
If I don’t believe in the dialogue, I don’t think the audience would either. So I try to adopt that mentality and executed the lines with conviction.
2) Yeon Seok Reading Another Script
Yeon Seok: “I think the audience may think that my character is like an onion, with many layers of complexity. The way that he loves 1 woman passionately, is probably what most audience would remember. You will remember me for my sexy frown.”
3) Wefie with Hee Joo
April: “What do you want to tell Sa Eon if you could go back to the time of taking this photo?”
Yeon Seok: You suffered a lot. Most of the scenes in “When the Phone Rings” were focused solely on Sa Eon, so I had to endure many hours of long filming and maintain my focus. There were many tough scenes, including enduring cold, wet weather and other challenges.
April: Any Favourite Sa Eon and Hee Joo couple moment?
Fans echoed: Argan!
Yeon Seok: “Why everyone say Argan?”
April: “Cos of your arms maybe, I mean the muscles.”
Yeon Seok: ” Ya, I also love that scene in Argan.”
“That scene was very hard to film cos it was very cold in Jeju. We had to wear summer clothes. There were so many scenes, some were CGI, but many loved that particular scene. Maybe that’s why it’s my favourite too.”
He loves Baek Sa Eon the most because of Hee Joo.
It took Yeon Seokkie some time to warm up, so it’s of no surprise that he’s a more “introverted” person by nature.
He seemed more reserved than when surrounded by people he’s familiar with on variety shows.
Nonetheless, the general audience would come to discover a more bubbly, chatty side of him in variety shows such as “Coffee Friends” and “Whenever Possible”.
Q&A Session
1) If you could switch lives for a day, which character would Yeon Seok like to experience?
- “Hospital Playlist” Ahn Jeong Won
- Genius Baseball Player Chilbong (Reply 1994)
- Ordinary Office worker Ha Sang Soo (The Interest of Love)
- Expert negotiator Baek Sa Eon (When the Phone Rings)
He choose Baek Sa Eon, because he has a beautiful wife like Hee Joo. He possesses many other admirable qualities and is deeply passionate about protecting the one he loves.
2) Which hairstyle did Yeon Seok like the most?
- “When the Phone Rings” Baek Sa Eon’s Ban-ggan (Half-up, half-down)
- “Hospital Playlist” Ahn Jeong Won’s full fringe look
- “Mr Sunshine” Goo Dong Mae’s long hair
- “A Bloody Lucky Day” Geum Hyeok Soo’s perm
With a chuckle, he mentioned that many people said he resembled “Jesus” in “Mr Sunshine”, so he believed that character would have the least votes.
April : “You are the Jesus of our hearts”.
It seemed like Sa Eon had a little more votes.
He typically sports a more familiar hairstyle like Jeong Won, but he prefers Baek Sa Eon’s look more since it’s a more unique and fresh concept for him.
3) When planning an overseas vacation, what does Yeon Seok consider the most important?
- Landmark
- Accommodation
- Food
- Weather
“I really love food. Whenever I go to somewhere nearby, I always try the local food. So the answer is 3. You know me so well.”
April misheard the fans saying “Dang-Yeonhi”(meaning “of course”) as “Saranghae” (“I love you”).
Q: If you come to Singapore for a trip and not a fanmeeting, what would fulfill as the food for you?
Ans: I really enjoyed Chilli Crab, and Ba Ku Teh (meat bone tea). I thought the soup was really delicious.
Kaya toast made it to his top 3 choices. He made kaya jam before on the variety show “Coffee Friends”.
April was surprised to find that Yeon Seok is more Singaporean than she is. She has never made kaya toast despite living in Singapore for 10 years.
There was a video titled “Whenever There’s a Gap” , whereby he made some milk, desserts and then danced to “APT”.
He even did a bit of LIVE dancing for the audience,though looking slightly awkward and clumsy.
Yeon Seok returned to the stage with a fresh look, sporting a stylish 2-piece denim ensemble, that featured an embellished denim shirt paired with distressed jeans.
This new outfit brought a youthful, casual flair to the FM, complementing the laid-back atmosphere while exuding an effortlessly cool and sophisticated vibe.
Challenge! Whenever Possible
He was given the challenge to complete 5 tasks in 3 minutes.
Round 1: Coin Flicking Game
Round 2: Balloon Goal Shooting
Round 3: Cocktail Blow Challenge
Round 4: Yeon Seok in Glasses: Guess the title
Round 5: Photo Quiz: Singapore Edition
“It’s too hard for me!”, exclaimed the actor.
He easily completed did the cocktail blow trial by blowing the ping pong ball from one cocktail glass to another.
When it came to trial for the balloon goal shooting game, Yeon Seok joked that he had “terrible foot”, which meant he wasn’t great at soccer.
Pointing to his right foot, he said, “This is really terrible”.
“I’m screwed for this one. Can I just put the balloon in the net with my hand?” “Andwae?”
It was hilarious how he could kick the balloon high up, but always in the same upward direction without moving towards the goal.
April had to lift up the net to help him get the balloon in.
Since he was nervous, it took him several tries before he could get the ping pong ball to the other cocktail glass.
It took almost 30 seconds to guess which dramas he starred in while wearing glasses.
He nailed the names of 3 local Singaporean dishes, chilli crab, kaya toast and laksa, in under 20 seconds. (with some help from the fans).
He got it just in time, with only a few seconds left.
Yeon Seok liked laksa, which he found the noodles to be especially delicious.
In a playful move, he kissed the ping pong balls and tossed them to random fans in the hall, as if pitching a baseball in “Reply 1994“.
He attempted to send them to the 2nd floor, but his shoulders weren’t quite up for it at that moment.
Unlocking the Secret Code: YYS
The audience was invited to vote using a QR code, and those who answered all the questions correctly would not only win a gift for Yeon Seok, but also receive one themselves.
That gift was later revealed to be “Say My Name” from “When the Phone Rings” OST.
1) Which floor does Baek Sa Eon live on?
Ans: 4th Floor
The cheesy lines in “When the Phone Rings” initially felt like a big task and homework to him.
However, if he didn’t believe in those lines, it would have been difficult for him to deliver his dialogues convincingly.
2) On the way to the workshop, which expression of affection did Baek Sa Eon learn from Manager Kang Young Woo?
A. Hand Kiss B. Cheek Poke
3) On what date was the highly anticipated first episode of “Weekend Yeon Seok Drama” where you can see Yeon Seok’s many charms – uploaded?
A. 27 February 2021 B. 6 March 2021
4) Yeon Seok’s MBTI?
A. ENFP B.ISTP
It’s easy to tell that Yeon Seok must have an “I” in his MBTI.
This guy definitely has got the gift of gab. Not only did he jokingly claim his MBTI should be changed to “cute and sexy”, but also ascertained that it should be the NEW MBTI for all Yeondokies too.
Is that what we call “togetherness”? =X
5) What hobby “Multi-hobbyist” Yeon Seok would like to recommend to the fans?
A. Gardening B. Photography
He’s been into gardening lately. With it being spring right now, he’d recommend it to everyone.
He has great culinary skills, is creative and skilled with crafts.
We can deduce that he’s likely a homebody, who enjoys unwinding at home, whether it’s through gardening or simply relaxing.
Fun fact: He even makes his own skincare and furniture in the house too.
This is probably his way of escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, by embracing a “slow living” lifestyle.
The final task was to ask him to connect the phrases displayed on screen together to form a line in a song. The words came together to reveal “Say My Name”.
“The single beam of light in the darkness it was you” and started pointing at audience from all directions.
The crowd erupted, chanting “Yoo Yeon Seok”. In response, he sent finger hearts and expressed his heartfelt gratitude with “Saranghaeyo” and “I Love You Lah”.
“Each and everyone of you have been a light in my heart. Thank you very much.”
Fanmade Video & Birthday Song from Audience
Visibly touched when he saw the fan-made video, it was a realization hitting him that he had taken on so many fondly remembered roles over the years.
“Thank you for remembering all the characters that I played and for creating such a touching and moving video for me.
The way you have remembered each and every one of my character means so much. I promise that I will remember each and everyone of you in the theatre today.”
Soon after, the hall erupted into a surprise mass sing-along for a birthday song, celebrating the Aries in the room: “Saengil Chuka Hamnida…”
He quipped in English: “Thank you so much. I really enjoyed the show today with my fans. Love you guys lah.”
With a warm smile, he added, “You know, I really enjoyed today. Thank you for being here with me tonight. I will never forget this night. I will make an effort to come back to Singapore and see you all again one day.”
A Homebody Who Finds Joy in Simple Pleasures and Slow Living
It felt like he’s a homebody who would escape from the hustle and bustle of life on his off days. You can imagine him gardening, crafting furniture at home, wile playing soft rock ballads as his BGM.
Perhaps, he’d whip up a meal, sip coffee by the window and watch the world go by, embracing a slower pace of life.
He seems to appreciate slow living, the art of being present in the moment, taking a more mindful approach to daily life, savouring experiences ,and appreciating the simple things. He has a deep love for nature and prioritizes relaxation and self-care.
Whether engaging in his hobbies indoors or outdoors. you can picture him taking his pet dog, Rita, for a stroll in the park, soaking in the fresh air.
When he travels, it’s likely for the experience, capturing memories though taking photos along the way.
We hope he would soon find a “Hee Joo” in his life to share all these simple but wonderful moments with.
Showcasing His Outstanding Vocal
Anyone familiar with Yoo Yeon Seok knows that he has an exceptional singing ability. For those who didn’t, there was no turning back after hearing him sing just one line – it was enough to sweep anyone off their feet.
However, unlike his Korea Fan Meeting, where he played the drums and other instruments, it’s a pity he didn’t showcase his instrumental talents in Singapore.
Yeon Seok had prepared a fantastic setlist, showcasing his versatility, sincerity and dedication to his fans.
The setlist featured 9 songs, comprising of racks from his drama OSTs,The Hedwig Musical, and a selection of English Classics.
1) See The Light (When the Phone Rings OST)
2) Numb (When the Phone Rings OST)
3) Love of my Life (Queen)
4) To You (Hospital Playlist OST)
5) Desperado (Eagles)
6) Say My Name (When the Phone Rings OST)
7) Roy Kim – If You Ask Me What Love Is
8) The Origin of Love (Hedwig Musical)
9) Radiohead – Creep
The songs were seamlessly woven into the performance after each segment, creating a beautiful narrative that illustrated the various chapters of his career.
Much like his comparison of acting to peeling an onion revealing many layers, this FM allowed the audience to discover more hidden talents and surprises that Yoo Yeon Seok had in store.
His multifaceted career as an actor and musical talent made the FM more than just a chance to see a Korean star; it was an opportunity to experience the many layers of his artistry.
Through the songs he performed with genuine emotions, you got a deeper sense of who he is, not just as an artiste, but as a person.
Based on his song choices, it’s clear that he has a sentimental side, with a preference for older English soft rock ballads that resonated deeply with the audience.
His voice carries a sense of maturity and strength, yet maintains a softness that feels tender and relatable.
It’’s a voice that lingers long after the performance ends, leaving a lasting impression.
From Screen to Stage: Yoo Yeon Seok Brings Drama OST Songs to Life
He personally contributed to the lyrics writing in “Say My Name”, in order to infuse it with more emotions and a personal touch from Baek Sa Eon’s perspective.
This added depth which allows a more lasting and impactful connection with the audience.
He shared with the audience, “You are all our lovers,” before introducing a special treat for the Singapore fans: the first-ever acoustic version of “To You” from the Hospital Playlist OST.
Awww, we miss Ahn Jeong Won. Can’t wait for Season 3!
Yeon Seokkie enchanted us with a moving performance of Roy Kim’s “If You Ask Me What Love is“, striking a deep emotional chord with the audience.
Classic Charm: Yoo Yeon Seok’s Soulful Rendition of English Ballads
Although we were hoping for a cover of Richard Marx’s “Now and Forever” like he did in Bangkok and Taipei, we got to savour another classic soft rock ballad, Eagles’ “Desperado”.
It felt like a journey back in time, to the slower-paced and carefree days of the ’70s.
All the stress seemed to melt away with his heartfelt rendition.
With raw emotions shining through, Yeon Seokkie also captivated hearts with “Love of my Life” by Queen, creating an atmosphere of vulnerability, which deepened the emotional weight of devotion and regret.
Yoo Yeon Seok & Hedwig Director: A Musical Partnership Across Asia
Yeon Seok invited “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” Musical director, Lee Joon, to join him on his Asia Fan Meeting Tour, creating a special collaboration.
In a thoughtful gesture, he bought a new acoustic guitar so that Director Lee Joon can play for him.
The two shared a moment of mutual admiration, playfully looking at what each other was wearing during the tour. Director Lee Joon couldn’t help but praise Yeon Seok, highlighting his impressive vocal ability, good looks and stamina.
Despite the difficult nature of the role, Yeon Seok was the only one capable of running throughout the musical. However, the physically demanding performance took a toll on him, as he injured his ankle from wearing high heels.
Nonetheless, Yeon Seok expressed his happiness about the experience, especially enjoying the opportunity to sing acoustic songs while traveling alongside Director Lee Joon. 
He even treated us to glimpses of songs from his “Hedwig” performances.
“The Origin of Love” was a standout, as it was featured during the “Expresso Scene” in “Hedwig”, adding an impactful presence..
The night concluded with a powerful rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep”, leaving the audience with an unforgettable and moving final moment.
Memorable Hi-Bye Session with Fans
It was a mere 1 to 2 seconds as fans walked by, so you had make sure to look him in the eye, wave goodbye and utter a word or two, if you wished to.
He seemed pretty tired and on zoned mode (probably due to frequent flying) as we attended the “Hi-Bye” session.
He was tall and fair, and he sounded as good without a microphone.
I was lucky to have him reply a “Thank You”, as I wished him “Happy Birthday” while waving bye to him.
Hope he had more time to savour local goodies before heading back to South Korea.
Beyond the Stage: Our Takeaway from the Fan Meeting
Yeon Seok’s real personality may resemble Ahn Jeong Won, kind, sensitive, attentive and lively.
While he still carries his boyish charm, he exudes a more grounded and down-to-earth presence in his 40s.
The FM title “The Secret Code: Y”, left us eagerly anticipating some exclusive scoops – perhaps personal photos, stories, or other hidden talents that Yeon Seokkie might showcase. However, that wasn’t exactly what unfolded.
While it could have been better planned with more engaging activities, such as interactive game segments with fans on stage, or a deeper dive into his personal photos and stories, but the more pared down FM fostered a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
His FM is much simpler, and might seem “boring” compared to others – just singing and some Q&A.
The event didn’t have the high-energy vibe of younger stars like Park Bo Gum and Kim Soo Hyun, back then in their 20s. Instead, it allowed fans to get an intimate glimpse into Yoo Yeon Seok’s true, sincere self.
At 41,Yoo Yeon Seok radiates a completely unrivaled aura and charisma.
How many men in their 40s still look this good while being so talented?
You could feel his sincerity with every word, every smile. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a heartfelt connection.
This was a night to remember.
We were grateful for such a memorable evening, and we hope that he’ll bring his musical to Singapore some day.
