Hyung‑Suk’s Singapore Surprise
Picture this: a Korean star lands in Singapore and expects the usual “K‑show” vibes, only to find himself suddenly the talk of the town. That’s exactly how actor Kang Hyung‑suk described the trip—from a “no‑expectations” mindset to a “wow‑fact!” mindset.
What Singapore Fans Sented
- “They knew me even before we met.”
- “They cheered, they waved, they screamed ‘Hyung‑suk!’ like I was the 900‑fan stadium.”
- All of that, all in one weekend.
Hyung‑suk tells AsiaOne that the surprise hit him hard—he was “not aware of the reception from overseas” before taking off. But as soon as he stepped onto the Singaporean streets, the locals were practically lining up for selfies and autograph requests.
From the Set to the Heart
It wasn’t just the crowds. Acting in the film Ajoomma (or “Auntie”) added a fresh layer of complexity. Hyung‑suk portrays Kwon‑woo, a tour guide who can slot in his Korean verses and mandartin lines with equal ease. But the film’s true hinge is on his interaction with Hong Huifang, the seasoned 61‑year‑old who takes his tour group on an unexpectedly wild detour.
Language Lock‑down
The actor admitted at the start of production, “I was worried that our bilingual mishaps would turn into a snore‑fest.” He worried that his Mandarin might be “not enough” for a seamless dialogue.
But once the crew was in the bus and the cameras began rolling, something magical happened—mismatched tongues began to weave together in a meme of gestures and facial cues. “It turns out a look can speak louder than words,” Hyung‑suk said, laughing.
Huifang chimed in with, “Just by looking at his eyes, I’ll know what he wants.” She claims her motherly instinct feels he is speaking to a child her age—so basically the same language people use on a parent‑child level: “You’re about to do that, alright?”
Script‑Mastered, Yet Socially Unplugged
Hyung‑suk went from “I can’t even read the script in Chinese before rehearsals” to “I know the line, the beat, the punchline” in record time. That left him a smooth operator on set but a social‑so‑caller in his own mind. “I wish I could talk to my co‑stars about their lives and jokes—I can’t exactly round them off with a full-fledged Mandarin laugh.”
Huifang is quick to reassure him: “Don’t stress; I’ll learn Korean so we can roast each other properly.” Picture a grandma and a boujee Korean star—they might be unexpectedly cozy.
Why It Matters
It’s not just about one weekend’s fan shoutouts. Hyung‑suk’s Singapore adventure demonstrates that cultural exchanges can amplify an actor’s confidence. Through language mix‑ups, shared humor, and the universality of a good look, both actors stepped out of their comfort zones and into another chapter of their stories.
And it’s a reminder that sometimes the best moments happen when you expect nothing and let the world surprise you. If you’re planning a global wrap‑up or a conquest of foreign tongues, you might just find that the journey is the real show. Happy Travelling!
Our own ’emotional support’ Ajoomma
Ajoomma: A Heartwarming Tale That Touches Every Soul
When it comes to storytelling, Hyung‑Suk believes that Ajoomma is more than just a film—it’s a lifeline for anyone who has felt the pangs of separation from loved ones.
Why the story matters
- Relatable themes: The film delves into the bittersweet journey of young adults drifting from home and the loneliness that can follow.
- Emotional support: It shows how the protagonist—portrayed by Yeo Jin‑goo—offers comfort to her aunts and peers, echoing a message that you’re never truly alone.
- Younger generations: For those on their first steps toward independence, the movie captures their struggles and triumphs in a very relatable way.
“My mother watched the film and she found it moving,” says Hyung‑Suk.
“When someone is on the cusp of their own life, the process of stepping away from parents can feel isolating,” he adds.
“Ajoomma helps people like us get the emotional lift they need,” he concludes.
Cast highlights
- Yeo Jin‑goo – the film’s charismatic lead
- Jung Dong‑hwan – delivers heartfelt drama
- Shane Pow – adds a touch of humor
Release details
The movie will be screened in Golden Village theatres across Singapore starting October 27. Don’t miss the chance to laugh, cry, and maybe even discover a bit of yourself in the story.
