ONG SEONG Wu ETERNITY FANMEET IN SINGAPORE
On 6th April, Ong Seong-Wu graced the sunny shores of Singapore for his first solo fanmeet. Previously a member of Wanna One, the charming artist made his appearance on stage with a cover of 'Treasure' by Bruno Mars. Loud cheers from his fans erupted as he effortlessly covered the upbeat track.
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After exchanging pleasantries, the fanmeet moved on to the first corner of the night, OngTalk. Questions from fans were displayed on the screen in a similar style to popular messenger app ‘KakaoTalk’, depicting an “active” chat group with messages. Although no help was needed for fans to stay focused on the star of the show, the creative and novel way of presenting questions definitely played a role in the engagement of the audience that night.
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Through that segment, fans got to know of details he never shared previously, like how he felt it was absolutely necessary before sleeping to "wrap himself up entirely in his blanket - up to his toes!", as he had a fear of someone grabbing his feet whilst sleeping when he was younger.
Ong also mentioned that he would go for onion flavoured popcorn, and was surprised, and perhaps even slightly disappointed, that Singapore didn't provide this option in their local cinemas. When asked about his cooking abilities and the best dish he could make, he wittily talked about the “tough decisions” one needs to make when cooking ramen (for e.g cooking with the lid on, the water level, etc.) and even mentioned that he would cook ramen for his fans one day, much to his fans’ delight.
Ong also mentioned that he would go for onion flavoured popcorn, and was surprised, and perhaps even slightly disappointed, that Singapore didn't provide this option in their local cinemas. When asked about his cooking abilities and the best dish he could make, he wittily talked about the “tough decisions” one needs to make when cooking ramen (for e.g cooking with the lid on, the water level, etc.) and even mentioned that he would cook ramen for his fans one day, much to his fans’ delight.
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Well-known for his popping abilities, the talented dancer also showed off his skills that night, in rhythm to 'Stay'. He further shared that his ideal travel holiday is one where he can experience happiness, and he also said that he hopes to return to Singapore soon! Thereafter, he showcased some of his unique quirks, such as his ability to bend his thumb backwards, and flip his ears inwards, which left everyone smitten and in awe.
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Ong described himself as 'Charming', 'Handsome' and 'Cute' (which were actually some words shouted out by the fans), but most importantly, also someone who is full of love for his fans. This was especially evident throughout the entire fanmeet. When asked where he envisioned himself to be in ten years, he replied "I hope to see myself as someone who will hit it big no matter what I do!". Ong, in our eyes you’re already there!
One would expect dazzling selfies from someone whose visuals are out of this world, and he definitely did not disappoint! To our surprise, he disclosed that he has 2000 to 3000 selfies in his phone, which lead a smooth transition into the next segment, Ongstagram. Pictures from his Instagram account and never before seen photos were flashed on screen. From aesthetic photoshoot photos to casual selfies, he went through in detail where each of the photos were taken.
One would expect dazzling selfies from someone whose visuals are out of this world, and he definitely did not disappoint! To our surprise, he disclosed that he has 2000 to 3000 selfies in his phone, which lead a smooth transition into the next segment, Ongstagram. Pictures from his Instagram account and never before seen photos were flashed on screen. From aesthetic photoshoot photos to casual selfies, he went through in detail where each of the photos were taken.
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Ensuring that fans left the venue that day with the best memories, a lucky draw segment followed, where five lucky fans had the chance to win signed postcards of photos from his photoshoots. Were you one of the lucky fans who got to walk away with such a masterpiece?
To return his generosity, Ong was also gifted with a Singapore-exclusive gift, a painting of his face atop the body of a Merlion, or what we call the ‘Onglion’. Ong looked visibly shocked, but also amused, and laughed it off by saying that he would bring it home and look up the Merlion online, to confirm that it looks like what was painted.
To return his generosity, Ong was also gifted with a Singapore-exclusive gift, a painting of his face atop the body of a Merlion, or what we call the ‘Onglion’. Ong looked visibly shocked, but also amused, and laughed it off by saying that he would bring it home and look up the Merlion online, to confirm that it looks like what was painted.
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Following Ongstgram, fans were then treated to an unreleased video of Ong on the way to the gym, showing a candid version of himself as he spoke to the camera. He spoke about his insecurities and doubts about his future as an artist and the sincerity and rawness of the video left our hearts aching but also anticipating his future as an artist in this industry.
Thereafter, he reappeared on stage for the next segment, 'One Play Music' where he had to dance to a medley of Wanna One's songs on shuffle (also known as 'Random Play'). He nailed most of the dance moves, but also got caught off guard by the staff, to which he teasingly said "Wow, you guys really chose songs and parts different from the previous fanmeets!". Considering that he did not rehearse it, he did really well!
Thereafter, he reappeared on stage for the next segment, 'One Play Music' where he had to dance to a medley of Wanna One's songs on shuffle (also known as 'Random Play'). He nailed most of the dance moves, but also got caught off guard by the staff, to which he teasingly said "Wow, you guys really chose songs and parts different from the previous fanmeets!". Considering that he did not rehearse it, he did really well!
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He then serenaded fans with his rendition of ‘Please’ (제발) by Lee Sora (이송라), mesmerising the crowd with his smooth vocals while hitting the high notes effortlessly. It was a refreshing contrast to his dance moves, and it showed the versatility of him as an artist.
Just to emphasize that there's nothing he can't do, he also showed off his skills as a claw machine master in the next segment, OngStar.
Just to emphasize that there's nothing he can't do, he also showed off his skills as a claw machine master in the next segment, OngStar.
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During the claw machine game, he succeeded twice consecutively, earning loud cheers of approval from the crowd. Although he failed in his next attempts, Ong appealed to everyone by giving puppy eyes and holding up a single finger, prompting fans to chant 'once more!', to let the MC give him a second chance. This time, it was a close shave, but the toy fell off the claw despite being picked up initially. He cheekily got the fans to chant 'once more' yet again, and this time, he successfully caught it!
It was really endearing to see that intense look of focus and concentration on his face and that he tried so hard to catch more plushies so that more of his fans could have a piece of the fanmeet to bring home. Of course, he even made sure to sign the plushies before holding yet another lucky draw, how sweet!
It was really endearing to see that intense look of focus and concentration on his face and that he tried so hard to catch more plushies so that more of his fans could have a piece of the fanmeet to bring home. Of course, he even made sure to sign the plushies before holding yet another lucky draw, how sweet!
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As an avid lover of caramel macchiato, several cups of coffee were placed in front of him where he had to test his luck and choose the right cup that wasn’t “tampered with”. The MC shared that in the previous fanmeets he never chose the correct cup, so fans were anticipating the same result tonight. To our surprise, he lucked out on his last fanmeet stop and picked the right cup! Just for thrills, he tried the other cups and said “how do people make coffee taste so bad?” causing the crowd to burst into laughs.
One of the highlights of the night was definitely when he learned Singlish. Much to our delight, he nailed the long passage taught to him! Of course korean romanizations of the words were provided, but what surprised us most was his ability to copy and add a little attitude and flair to the sentences, similar to how a native Singaporean would say those phrases!
One of the highlights of the night was definitely when he learned Singlish. Much to our delight, he nailed the long passage taught to him! Of course korean romanizations of the words were provided, but what surprised us most was his ability to copy and add a little attitude and flair to the sentences, similar to how a native Singaporean would say those phrases!
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As the night progressed, it reached an emotional turn, as a surprise fan video made by Ong’s Singaporean fans played on the screen. The video showed his efforts and progress from a Wanna One member to the person he is today, and fans also expressed that they would support him till the end. Touched by their words and unwavering support, Ong couldn’t help but shed tears during the video.
As the heartwarming video came to an end, you could see his eyes twinkling under the stage lights and tear-stained cheeks from the slight waterworks. He expressed how thankful he was towards his fans who “waited such a long time for him” and for “always cheering (for him) with the same energy and hearts”. “It’s because of your warm cheers, it’s because of you that I’m here, it’s because of you that I can walk these different paths” he said. He went on to promise that he would continue to work hard to repay the fans’ love and support.
As the heartwarming video came to an end, you could see his eyes twinkling under the stage lights and tear-stained cheeks from the slight waterworks. He expressed how thankful he was towards his fans who “waited such a long time for him” and for “always cheering (for him) with the same energy and hearts”. “It’s because of your warm cheers, it’s because of you that I’m here, it’s because of you that I can walk these different paths” he said. He went on to promise that he would continue to work hard to repay the fans’ love and support.
[#OSWETERNITYINSG #ONGSEONGWUinSG #ONGSEONGWU] He was so touched by the fan project □□ Don't cry □□ pic.twitter.com/jdG1HIBz47
— Korea Monthly (@koreamonthly) April 6, 2019
Following that heartwarming moment, it was as if he was replying to his fans’ words with a cover of Kim Jin Ho’s (김진호) Love This Moment (이 순간을 사랑해요). You could tell he was conveying every line of the song with such sincerity, and he even teared mid-song. If you pay close attention to the lyrics of the song, you’d know that he was genuinely telling his story and conveying how thankful he is for his fans. That it’s because of their presence, that “those days were possible”.
Because of this moment,
Because of your presence,
I know those days were possible
I love this moment.
He further expressed his gratitude by saying “for participating in this show, thank you. Let’s walk on this path together from now on”. To end the fanmeet on a high note, he put his own spin on the fun number ‘Thats What I Like’ by Bruno Mars.
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This fanmeet was such an emotional rollercoaster ride, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves throughout the night. One thing we can guarantee even in the far future is that the bond between Ong and his fans will only grow stronger as time passes. We truly enjoyed watching how an artist and his fans appreciates and repaid each others’ presence tonight and we left the venue hearts warm and with only happy memories to takeaway. We’ll be with Ong for Eternity, won’t we?
We would also like to extend our thanks to Hatchery for the opportunity to cover this event!
Writers: Neo Jing Yu (Emily) & Sng Kai Lin
Photographs: Neo Jing Yu (Emily)
Follow us for more updates and picture releases!
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We would also like to extend our thanks to Hatchery for the opportunity to cover this event!
Writers: Neo Jing Yu (Emily) & Sng Kai Lin
Photographs: Neo Jing Yu (Emily)
Follow us for more updates and picture releases!
