Ryan Bang welcomes 2026 in Seoul with parents he worked for a decade to support

• Ryan Bang welcomed 2026 by traveling back to South Korea to spend quality time with both his father and mother
• The holiday celebration took place partly in the new Seoul condominium Ryan purchased for his mother in November 2025
• The reunion marks a significant milestone for Ryan, whose family was separated by financial struggles over two decades ago
• Fans have praised the It’s Showtime host for his "unfiltered" love for his parents, noting how he has used his Philippine success to provide for them

For many, the transition from 2025 to 2026 was marked by grand parties and fireworks. But for Ryan Bang, the beloved South Korean host who has become a staple of Philippine television, the new year was defined by a quiet, full-circle moment of familial healing.

In a series of heartwarming social media updates posted this January 5, the It's Showtime star shared glimpses of his holiday retreat in Seoul, spent in the company of his father and mother.

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"Year end with my parents," Ryan simply captioned a photo of a cozy dinner, punctuated with a brown heart emoji.

For long-time followers of the comedian-entrepreneur, the image carries a weight far beyond a standard holiday greeting. It represents the culmination of a decade of relentless hard work in a foreign land to bridge a family gap once torn apart by financial hardship.

The backdrop for much of this trip is the modern condominium in Seoul that Ryan proudly gifted to his mother in late 2025.

In a recent vlog, Ryan toured the "small but happy" space, noting that while it is just right for his mother, it serves as a symbol of his gratitude for the woman who raised him solo following his parents’ divorce during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Ryan has often been candid about his difficult upbringing. Once a child of privilege who enjoyed golf and horseback riding, the financial crash forced his family into a studio apartment and led to his parents' separation when he was in the fourth grade.

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His mother took on grueling manual labor, washing dishes in restaurants, before ultimately sending a young Ryan to the Philippines for a chance at a better life.

Today, that gamble has clearly paid off. Not only is Ryan a household name in Manila, but he is also a thriving businessman, having recently expanded his culinary empire with the 2024 opening of Paldo Korean Fine Dining in Quezon City.

As he sat with his father for a meal and shared quiet moments with his mother this week, the "Drama King of Comedy" proved that success is sweetest when it’s used to take care of the people who first believed in you.

With his fiancée, Paola Huyong, often by his side during these reunions, Ryan is no longer just a son looking back—he is a man building a bridge toward a unified family future.

Often called the "Korean with a Filipino Heart," Ryan Bang (born Bang Hyun-sung) has successfully carved out a unique space in the Philippine entertainment industry as a multi-talented host, actor, and entrepreneur. His career began in 2010 when he joined the reality television phenomenon Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash, where his natural comedic timing and charm led him to a historic finish as the First Runner-Up. Following his reality TV debut, Ryan transitioned seamlessly into a professional hosting career, becoming a permanent fixture on the long-running noontime variety program It's Showtime. Over the years, he has evolved from a comedic guest to a vital part of the show's main family. His versatility has also shone on the big screen, where he delivered memorable performances in high-grossing films like the comedy sequel Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme and the action-comedy hit Beauty and the Bestie.

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In November of last year, amid persistent rumors regarding his personal life, Ryan Bang was recently seen actively assisting at a Siesta Horchata pop-up station during the vibrant "Hola, Escolta!" street festival in Manila. The It's Showtime host took to Instagram to reshare a candid clip of himself manning the booth, wearing the brand's official merchandise while serving drinks to the festival crowd. Concern from fans began to mount late last year after eagle-eyed netizens noticed that Paola Huyong had removed all engagement-related photos and no longer followed the Korean star on social media. Despite the intense speculation and Ryan's public display of solidarity at the event, neither party has officially confirmed whether their wedding plans are still proceeding for late 2026.

Previously, in a deeply personal YouTube update, Ryan Bang opened the doors to the South Korean condominium he purchased for his mother, showcasing the fruit of his years of labor in the Philippines. Ryan revealed that the unit serves as his primary residence whenever he returns to his home country, serving as a sanctuary for creating new, joyful family memories. The video tour featured intimate looks at the living spaces and kitchen, adorned with childhood photographs that represent Ryan's journey from Seoul to Manila. Reflecting on the financial struggles and domestic instability following his parents' divorce, the host shared that his primary motivation has always been to provide his mother with the security she lacked during his youth.

Source: KAMI.com.gh