How EXO’s Chanyeol impressed us in Singapore

Photos: Tammi Tan

Here’s something we learned first-hand - literally - about EXO’s Chanyeol when he was in town for last night’s (Apr 5) Prada Spring-Summer 2019 Party: he has a nice, firm handshake.

It’s no trivial observation. A strong grip is a sign of warmth and confidence (plus a whole load of other positive traits), which the 26-year-old South Korean singer-rapper-actor displayed during our brief group interview in a cosy private space within the boutique.

Now, our chat almost didn’t happen. We, as well as several other local media, were supposed to have a doorstop interview with Chanyeol on the black carpet at the atrium of Paragon Shopping Centre. However, overwhelmed by the massive turnout of fans that had gathered to catch a glimpse of the idol, his manager decided to pull him away prematurely for what we were later told was for the sake of the crowd’s safety.

Thankfully, the event’s organisers (shout-out to Directions Group!) managed to convince Chanyeol’s handlers to allow us and a few other previously shunned reporters a few precious moments with him (thank you, manager). Soon, we were being escorted into the aforementioned cosy private space within the boutique, where Chanyeol quickly stood up to politely greet us.

That sight alone already left a fantastic first impression on us, long before we shook hands.

(Continued on next slide: What we learned from our chat with Chanyeol)