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Metro Exclusive: Korean Singer-Actor Yu Hyun Woo

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Korean actor-singer Yu Hyun Woo

Lance Joseph Martinez

<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769143053688embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_526.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Yu Hyun Woo, as photographed by Miguel Alomajan | On Yu Hyun Woo: Veronica by Sophie Flores rust colored blazer, Kelvin Morales tie neck top and Barrel trousers, Ha.Mu crown, and Elemental by Sela rings</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Every artist has their own way of finding inspiration for their craft, and for South Korean singer and actor <strong>Yu Hyun Woo</strong>, creativity is deeply rooted in everyday life. Like many artists, he draws from personal experiences—but more specifically, from human connections and the emotional currents that move through them.</p><p>For Hyun Woo, inspiration often comes from simple moments: relationships with people, fleeting conversations, or even a passing expression. These seemingly ordinary encounters can unexpectedly transform into melodies or lyrics, becoming the foundation of his music. He shared how emotion plays a central role in his creative process, explaining that what he feels in the moment often guides his creations.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769143223587embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_637.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769143251467embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_506.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Hyun Woo began his career as a model before officially <span>entering the music industry with the release of his digital single, “<strong>Analog</strong>,<strong></strong></span>” in 2019. Since then, he has steadily built his presence in the industry, contributing songs to several official soundtracks for popular <strong>K-drama </strong>series.</p><p>If there is one project that truly reflects who Hyun Woo is at this stage of his life, it is his single “<strong>No Control</strong>,” released in September 2025. The song, he revealed, was gradually shaped toward the latter part of 2024, becoming both a musical and personal turning point.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769144276941embed_face of the philippines_9999_156.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769144183981embed_face of the philippines_9999_265.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769143593171embed_face of the philippines_9999_212.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">On Yu Hyun Woo: Kelvin Morales chartreuse jacket and embroidered silk shorts, Archival Raf Simons madras shirt, Rod Malanao knitted top, A.Kin sunglasses, Gucci loafers, Elemental by Sela jewelry, and Craig Green bucket hat</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>“This new single is the most honest reflection of who I am right now. I started working on it little by little toward the end of last year, and it became a process of finding a new direction—both musically and personally. In terms of sound, you’ll be able to feel a deeper layer of emotion and a more refined atmosphere than before,” he revealed in an exclusive interview with <strong>Metro.Style</strong>.</p><p>The track represents a moment of self-exploration, allowing listeners to experience a more mature and emotionally nuanced side of the artist. According to Hyun Woo, the song carries a sense of vulnerability that mirrors his current mindset, making it one of his most personal releases to date.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769144467421embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_136.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769144563260embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_172.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769144641321embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_176.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>On his current favorites and role models</strong></div><p>As a performer, Hyun Woo continues to draw inspiration from fellow artists—particularly those who possess an intense emotional presence on stage. He shared that what resonates with him most is how artists express their emotions through performance, from vocal delivery to visual storytelling.</p><p>When asked who he looks up to the most right now, Hyun Woo expressed deep admiration for Canadian singer-songwriter <strong>The Weeknd</strong>, who is known for his signature falsetto and alternative R&amp;B sound.</p><p>“The intensity of emotion and the sense of artistry he shows on stage are truly overwhelming. I’m always inspired by how his music, visuals, and performances come together in perfect harmony,” he explained, elaborating on why The Weeknd continues to influence him creatively.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769144760459embed_face of the philippines_9999_288.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">On Yu Hyun Woo: Sher William denim blazer and striped button down shirt, Kelvin Morales shirt embroidered corduroy trousers, Lorico flower brooch, Gucci loafers, and Elemental by Sela jewelry </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">In addition to The Weeknd, Hyun Woo also named several Western and South Korean artists he has been listening to lately—musicians whose subtle emotional expression has left a lasting impression on his work.</p><p>“I’ve been listening to a lot of Frank Ocean, DEAN, and TAEYANG. When I listen to artists who express emotions with such subtlety, it naturally inspires and influences my own work,” he added.</p><p>While Hyun Woo initially entered the entertainment industry as a model and later as a singer, acting soon became another meaningful avenue for creative expression. His performance in <strong><em>Tinted With You</em></strong> marked the beginning of his acting career, allowing him to explore storytelling more visually and emotionally.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769145043820embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_276.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769145098441embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_305.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769145126799embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_311.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769145148660embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_360.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><br/></div><p>When asked about his role model in acting, Hyun Woo did not hesitate to name one of Hollywood’s most iconic performers: <strong>Leonardo DiCaprio</strong>.</p><p>He shared, “[Leonardo’s] ability to completely transform into a different character in every project, along with his depth and delicate acting, is something I truly admire and want to learn from as an actor.”</p><p>As for his dream role, Hyun Woo shared that he is less concerned with genre or labels and more focused on emotional depth. He hopes to portray characters that feel real and relatable—individuals who reflect the complexities of human emotion.</p><p>“Not someone who’s simply cool or perfect, but a person who’s imperfect yet sincere. It’s my dream to portray stories like that. If viewers can see a part of themselves reflected through my acting, I don’t think there could be a greater happiness,” he added.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769145597541embed_face of the philippines_9999_408.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">On Yu Hyun Woo: Novél shirt, Kelvin Morales cropped button fly trousers, Lorico brooch, Elemental by Sela Rings, and (as seen below) Gucci loafers and Frency &amp; Mercury eyewear</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>On his experience visiting the Philippines</strong></div><p>Having visited the Philippines for the third time, Hyun Woo shared that each trip continues to leave a strong impression on him. According to the artist, every visit offers something new—whether in terms of energy, atmosphere, or personal connection.</p><p>From his first trip to the present, Hyun Woo noted that the country has evolved significantly, describing it as more sophisticated and trendy than before. Despite these changes, one thing has remained constant for him: the warmth of the people.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769145741579embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_379.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769145775541embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_420.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769145791480embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_435.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769145819462embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_460.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">For Hyun Woo, the Philippines truly lives up to its reputation for hospitality.</p><p>“Not just because of the weather, but also because of the people’s smiles, kindness, and positive energy. From the moment I first visited, I felt at ease,” he shared, speaking fondly of his experiences in the country.</p><p>When asked about his most memorable moment in the Philippines, Hyun Woo recalled a touching encounter with fans, which left a lasting impact on him.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769148665101embed_face of the philippines_9999_96.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">On Yu Hyun Woo: Viktor denim blazer, Comme Des Garçons at One Rockwell knotted shirt, Kelvin Morales denim barrel trousers, and Elemental by Sela rings</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center">[[PHOTO ALBUM]]</div><div><br/></div><p>“The moment that left the biggest impression on me was when fans called out my name at the airport and personally handed me handwritten letters. I realized that even if we speak different languages, sincerity can still be felt—and that warm gesture has continued to give me strength for a long time,” he recalled.</p><p>As a heartfelt gesture to fans, Hyun Woo also offered a recommendation for those planning to visit <strong>South Korea.</strong> He suggested <strong>Seoul Fores</strong>t, a sprawling urban park in Seongdong District known for its scenic walking paths and seasonal beauty.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769146862556embed_face of the philippines_9999_794.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">On Yu Hyun Woo: Veronica by Sophie Flores baby blue blazer, Carl Jan Cruz pique tank top worn under a Novél striped cotton top, Kelvin Morales balloon trousers, Song for The Mute x Adidas ponyhair sneakers, and Elemental by Sela jewelry </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">“It’s a place where you can feel nature even in the middle of the city, and it’s great for organizing your thoughts while taking a walk. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall are truly beautiful, so I often recommend it to my foreign friends,” he concluded.</p><p>South Korea may be his home, but with the memories and new friends he made in the Philippines, the latter has gone beyond a mere destination—it&#x27;s a warm place that can feel like a home away from home. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769147311959embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_690.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769147516319embed_embed_face of the philippines_9999_719.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Photography by <strong>Miguel Alomajan</strong></p><div><strong></strong></div><p>Creative direction by <strong>Vince Canlapan</strong></p><div><strong></strong></div><p>Styling by <strong>Geno Espidol of Qurator Studio</strong></p><p>Grooming by <strong>Myckee Arcano</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Set design by <strong>Rocket Sets, Rocky Legaspi</strong><strong></strong><br/></p><p>Assisted by: <strong>Miel Castro</strong>, <strong>Jam Russiana</strong>, <strong>Cyzmond Saljob</strong>, and <strong>Uriel Matthew</strong></p>

<p>In this exclusive fashion editorial, photographed by Miguel Alomajan, we get to know up-and-coming Korean singer-actor Yu Hyun Woo through his creative pursuits. </p>

In this exclusive fashion editorial, photographed by Miguel Alomajan, we get to know up-and-coming Korean singer-actor Yu Hyun Woo through his creative pursuits.

Metro Exclusive: Korean Singer-Actor Yu Hyun Woo on Music, Acting, and Personal Growth

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Metro Exclusive: Korean Singer-Actor Yu Hyun Woo on Music, Acting, and Personal Growth

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published January 23, 2026 02:00 PM PHT

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Updated January 23, 2026 02:15 PM PHT

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