Lee Chae Min, today’s hottest global rising star, opened his Manila fan meeting with a breathtaking piano rendition of the Bon Appétit OST “Stay With Me.”

It may have been his first visit to Manila, but the explosive cheers and heartfelt welcome from Filipino fans instantly made him feel at home. He shared that he was already buzzing with excitement long before boarding the plane—but the love he received upon landing completely exceeded anything he had imagined.

When the host asked what “Chaem-Into You” meant, Chae Min explained that the “into” symbolizes fans falling deeper for him—an idea he effortlessly lived up to as he took on every challenge and mission to the sound of roaring applause.

During the TMI segment, fans were treated to adorable personal tidbits:
• He loves puppies and has two of his own.
• Snakes? Absolutely not.
• He only needs 10 minutes to get ready.
• He even talked about his shower routine.
• Ballads have his heart.
• He works out six days a week—including a solid 30 minutes of ab exercises.

When Manila was announced as part of his tour, he said he was thrilled—but seeing fans smiling back at him in person moved him in ways he didn’t expect. He confidently revealed that his charm point is his eyes and even gave a shy, giggly eye pose that sent the crowd screaming. He also delivered a message to fans using only his eyes—a moment equal parts cute and chaotic.

Chae Min also surprised the crowd with his determination to learn Tagalog. When he said, “Nagkaon kana ba, love?” in impressively clear pronunciation, the venue practically shook from the cheers. He later took on a dance challenge, an aegyo mission, and a fun Q&A segment—where everyone learned that his ultimate comfort food is tonkatsu.

Before singing another song, he stepped off the stage to be closer to the audience, saying the experience felt “different and amazing.” He shared that he loves walking while listening to music—a simple habit that grounds him.

The “Chaemission” segment brought even more laughs: he danced to “Marikit sa Dilim,” sampled Filipino favorites like leche flan for a guessing game, and acted out a hilarious scene involving the Bon Appétit black chicken. He revealed that the sweetest treat he enjoyed on the show was the macarons—and that this exact fan meeting moment was when he finally realized how famous he had become.

His favorite Bon Appétit scene? The final episode, especially his emotional reunion with Ji Yeong. Later on, he joined a guessing game with a fan, granted a wish from the message board, and even sang “Happy Birthday” while taking a selfie with the celebrant. Hugs, mini acting scenes, and his naturally gentle charm rounded out the segment.

The Champs then surprised him with a touching AVP that brought Chae Min to tears. As the event drew to a close, he performed “I Find You” and, overwhelmed with emotion, thanked his Manila fans with heartfelt sincerity. Through tears, he promised to work even harder as an actor—because of the love they showed him that night.

Event Covered by: Krishia Lyn Firmanes