A fall can be both painful and embarrassing.
Student Lim Qi Hui’s spill yesterday was both, but she barely noticed the pain or discomfort.
That was because the comforting arm that patted her shoulders as she picked herself up and the voice that offered words of concern was that of Korean actor Park Hae Jin.
The 15-year-old student was among the hundreds of fans who swarmed Park’s public media conference at West Coast Plaza.
The 32-year-old actor was making his rounds to shake his fans’ hands before leaving and the crowd was pushing to get close to their idol when Qi Hui fell.
The baby-faced actor crouched next to her to help her up.
A visibly-shaken and tearful Qi Hui, who suffered minor injuries, said: “He was very kind.
“He asked me if I was fine and wished for me to get well soon.”
This is Park’s first visit to Singapore and he is here as an award presenter for the Mediacorp Star Awards, which took place last night.
The hour-long event at West Coast Plaza drew about 1,000 screaming fans, filling the mall’s first to third storeys.
At the event, Park was taught by the host to say Singlish terms such as “chio bu” (meaning “pretty girl”).
He also answered questions from the press and fans on his projects, favourite co-stars, love life and hobbies.
Another fan, Stephanie Tan, 16, had her dream come true when she managed to shake hands and snap a picture with Park.
Stephanie, who was also part of a 300-strong crowd that welcomed Park at Changi Airport on Saturday, said: “It was super exciting and I am not going to wash my hands for some time.
“He is my favourite celebrity not just because of his acting skills, but also because he has a kind and admirable character.
“He inspires me to lead community service projects outside of school.”
CHARITY WORK
Park, who recently donated all profits from a live broadcast on Chinese video website Youku to underprivileged children in China, is known for participating in charity work.
While this is his 10th year in acting, Park only recently gained fame through hit dramas such as My Love From The Star and Cheese In The Trap.
Recently revealed to have been single for six years, the 1.86m-tall actor said: “It would be a lie to say that I don’t feel lonely at times.
“But I have been busy and have been living with my mother, niece and nephew since five years ago.”
Park, who kept depicting a heart with his fingers – to the delight of swooning teen girls – said that his ideal partner does not need to have a specific appearance, but would preferably be similar to him in terms of character.
Park’s agency has confirmed that the actor is in talks to star in the movie version of Cheese In The Trap.
He is also set to star in the Korean drama Man to Man, which is written by one of two writers behind the massively popular drama Descendants Of The Sun.
“Nothing has been confirmed yet,” Park said.
“But if the artist of the webtoon that Cheese In The Trap was based on participates in the movie, then I would be happy to take part.”
This article was first published on April 18, 2016.
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