AO EXCLUSIVE: Jung Ilhoon Shares His Heart, Music, and Gratitude with Filipino Fans
Following his successful 1st Philippine Fancon: 1-DAY ART CLASS, held on July 18, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Skydome, Jung Ilhoon sat down for an exclusive media interview on July 19. Annyeong Oppa was honored to be one of the official media partners who were given the opportunity to interview him.
As we entered the room, Ilhoon and his team warmly greeted us with bright smiles, which instantly created a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. His approachable personality immediately put our team at ease. Before the interview began, he even invited us for a photo opportunity—a thoughtful gesture that reflected his genuine kindness.
Our conversation started when I shared that I had been supporting him since 2017. He was so surprised that it had already been so many years. He then smiled and sincerely thanked me for my continued support.
With the warm introductions, we began our exclusive interview with him, where he talked about his music, his love for art, and the deep appreciation for the unwavering support of his fans. Here are some of the highlights from our exclusive interview with him.
Moved by his Filipino Fans
As the fancon marked Ilhoon’s first solo fan event in the Philippines, we asked him about his first impressions of his Filipino fans and the energy he felt from them.
Ilhoon shared that Filipino fans are incredibly passionate and enthusiastic. He expressed that he could still feel the same warmth and energy from them.
He also recalled being moved especially by the video shown near the end of the event. With a laugh, he added that he managed not to cry that time because, as he jokingly put it, he had already “cried so much” since making his return.
A Song That Touched Hearts
We told Ilhoon that many fans were moved to tears during his performance of “Spoiler.” He responded that he noticed how emotional the fans were and jokingly said that he felt like a “bad guy” because he was the only one who did not cry.
Of course, we reassured him that it did not make him a bad guy, telling him that he is a “joeun saram” (a good person). He then responded with a playful laugh and sincere appreciation for the kind words.
If Ilhoon Were a Canvas
Knowing his passion for painting, we asked Ilhoon a more personal question: What colors would best describe Jung Ilhoon on a canvas, and why?
He immediately answered, white and gold. For Ilhoon, the two colors symbolize elegance, purity, and sincerity. He also added that this is the reason why he dyed his hair gold. Additionally, Ilhoon said he wants to remain pure and honest toward the people who matter the most to him—his fans, family, and friends.
“I just want to show my heart—innocent and pure,” he said. “I just want to be honest. I think white and gold match that feeling.”
A Portrait of His Song
Continuing the conversation about his passion for art, we asked him which of his songs he would turn into a painting and what it would look like.
After taking a moment to carefully think about his answer, Ilhoon answered that he has always enjoyed painting portraits of people. However, if given the chance to paint or draw one of his songs, he would choose “MICHAELANGELO.” He imagined it as a piece that would capture a more natural version of himself.
On Trying Filipino Food
During our interview, we also asked him if he had the chance to try any Filipino food during his visit. He shared that he was able to try Jollibee and was looking forward to having dinner at Manam, a popular Filipino restaurant, later that evening. He was very excited to try garlic fried rice.
We also recommended some Filipino favorites, including kare-kare, sinigang, and adobo. Since Ilhoon is Korean, we mentioned that there is also a version of sinigang that incorporates kimchi. Surprised by the combination, he curiously asked whether the flavors would actually match well together, sharing that he finds some fusion dishes—such as kimchi pizza in Korea—quite unusual.
Song That Brings Him Comfort
We asked him if there was a song he would recommend to Filipino fans—perhaps a hidden gem that holds a special place in his heart. Before answering, he clarified, “Like, except my songs? Or any song?” We told him that any song would do. After thinking carefully, he shared that one song he always listens to during difficult moments is “How to Love” by Lil Wayne.
He explained that the song has brought him comfort whenever he has been going through a hard time. Ilhoon said he can still remember the lyrics as he’s been listening to it since his younger years. With a laugh, he added that he does not even remember the lyrics of his own songs as much as he remembers the lyrics of “How to Love.” For him, the song carries a warm feeling and a sense of comfort.
We also recommended “Rainbow” by SouthBorder, a Filipino song that he can play if he feels sad or needs some encouragement. Ilhoon immediately searched for it. He said that the band looks cool and he would give it a listen.
Message to his Filipino Fans
Here’s Ilhoon with a special message for his amazing PH Loonees after a memorable weekend.
A Fan’s First Conversation with Ilhoon
As someone who has admired Ilhoon for a long time, having the opportunity to sit down with him for my very first interview felt incredibly meaningful.
When I first found out that we were one of the official media partners, I thought it would be a press conference-style interview where we would sit down with other media outlets. However, I was told that it would be an exclusive one-on-one interview. (though I was accompanied by another member of our group—thank you, Nadine). At that very moment, I was already panicking.
Still unable to comprehend what had happened the night before the interview, I headed to the location wearing my tinyark shirt just before our scheduled time. I can’t even explain the nervousness I was feeling that day. I was so anxious that I couldn’t even get the camera I brought to install properly on the tripod.
It was already past 1 PM, and finally, it was our turn. We were welcomed by the handsome Jung Ilhoon. We introduced ourselves, and I told him that I had been a fan since 2017. Before the interview started, he asked to take a picture first. I was shaking badly at that moment because what do you mean it was “The Jung Ilhoon” who asked for a picture?
Our interview with him went smoothly. Throughout the 20-minute conversation, we felt how warm, kind, and appreciative he was as a person. Even his team was just as welcoming as he was.
As our interview came to an end, I took the chance to ask if he could sign my albums, “Big Wave” and “The Adam,” and he kindly said yes. When I handed him the “Big Wave” album, he jokingly asked if I got it from a museum (since the album was released in 2018). I also told him that I got “The Adam” when I attended his first fancon in South Korea in May 2025.
Just a little trivia: I wasn’t able to secure a 1:1 session and a fansign top-up benefit for his fancon. Sad is an understatement, but little did I know, the universe had a much better plan for me. Aside from being able to interview, take a picture, and have my albums signed, I was also privileged to personally tell him how grateful I am, and how grateful all of his fans are, that he came back.
I had a moment where I almost cried at the end (thank God I managed not to), but he told me that I shouldn’t cry because if I did, he would become a bad guy. Most importantly, I was able to claim my “FREE HUG” from him.
It was truly a full-circle moment for me. My 2017 and 2020 self would never have believed that, in 2026, I would have the chance to interview my first K-pop bias. This experience reminded me that not everything happens the way we hope it will. But God always knows the right timing. We just have to wait and trust in Him. And when the moment finally arrives, it becomes so much sweeter, more meaningful, and more worth the wait.
Special thanks to SBTOWN and Carpenterz for this opportunity.
