Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Unveils K-Drama Heartthrob Ahn Hyo Seop in Limited Showcase: A Cultural Tourism Spotlight

In a move set to captivate both K-drama fans and international tourists, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, part of Merlin Entertainments Group, has officially launched the wax figure of South Korean star Ahn Hyo Seop. Debuting at the world’s largest K-Wave Zone atop The Peak, the figure invites visitors to immerse themselves in the visual storytelling and romance of Korean dramas through an ultra-realistic celebrity encounter.

This unique display, running until November 16, 2025, positions Madame Tussauds Hong Kong as a cultural touchpoint for fans and travelers exploring Asia’s entertainment tourism trail. Following the Hong Kong showcase, the wax figure will move to Madame Tussauds Singapore in December 2025, further expanding the K-wave tourism circuit in Southeast Asia.

A Romantic K-Drama Experience Comes to Life in Hong Kong

With his signature “charismatic CEO” persona made famous in hit series like “Business Proposal” and “A Time Called You”, Ahn Hyo Seop’s wax figure captures his timeless allure in the very suit he wore during the filming of Business Proposal—a personal donation by the actor himself.

The wax figure’s debut has been carefully designed to evoke the fantasy of a romantic K-drama proposal. Visitors can pose alongside the dashing wax figure in a fully immersive setup meant to feel like a live scene from a beloved series. It’s a dream come true for fans seeking the perfect photo op or travelers drawn to Hallyu culture.

Ahn Hyo Seop’s rising international profile includes roles in two major projects this year: the Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” releasing in June, and the much-anticipated “Omniscient Reader”, slated to premiere in July 2025. Both releases are expected to fuel even more tourism interest in Korean pop culture, especially among younger travelers.

Fan Engagement Drives Pre-Launch Excitement

Ahead of the wax figure reveal, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong launched a social media engagement campaign featuring an Ahn Hyo Seop trivia game. Fans who answered correctly were eligible to win exclusive autographed memorabilia, further igniting buzz in the days leading up to the unveiling.

This approach reflects a larger trend in destination marketing—leveraging interactive fan-based experiences to deepen emotional engagement and drive foot traffic to cultural attractions. It also builds anticipation among overseas fans planning a visit to Hong Kong.

Cultural Partnerships Expand the K-Wave Zone

To elevate the K-Wave Zone experience even further, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has teamed up with the Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong to create a Limited Light Stick Display, running through August 22, 2025. This unique exhibit showcases more than 30 iconic light sticks from Korean pop acts, allowing guests to explore another dimension of Korean fandom culture.

Guests can photograph the light sticks, interact with curated digital displays, and deepen their understanding of K-pop’s visual identity—all while enjoying an intimate experience that connects celebrity, music, and cultural expression in one immersive space.

Travel and Tourism Implications for Hong Kong and Singapore

Madame Tussauds’ strategic use of K-Wave branding aligns seamlessly with Hong Kong’s tourism recovery goals, particularly its efforts to attract Millennial and Gen Z travelers from across Asia. The presence of high-profile wax figures like Ahn Hyo Seop enhances Hong Kong’s appeal as a must-visit destination for K-drama and K-pop enthusiasts.

By relocating the wax figure to Singapore in December 2025, Merlin Entertainments strengthens regional cultural tourism synergy, encouraging fans to explore both destinations as part of a broader Hallyu-themed travel itinerary. This aligns with the rising trend of pop culture pilgrimage tourism, in which fans actively seek out places connected to their favorite celebrities and series.

Tourism and destination takeaways include:

• Enhanced attraction value through exclusive, limited-time exhibits
• K-drama tourism appeal draws high-engagement visitors, especially in the 18–35 age range
• Regional tourism collaboration between Hong Kong and Singapore boosts cross-border visits
• Fan experiences generate shareable content, amplifying reach through organic social media

Spotlight on Cultural Storytelling and Experience-Based Tourism

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong continues to evolve its offerings to reflect changing audience interests. From interactive displays to multi-sensory exhibits, the brand’s latest rollout reinforces the shift toward experience-based tourism—where storytelling, emotion, and social sharing drive visitor satisfaction.

Ahn Hyo Seop’s inclusion in the wax museum’s prestigious K-Wave Zone enhances its status as one of Asia’s most dynamic tourist stops for celebrity-focused experiences. Positioned at The Peak, one of Hong Kong’s most scenic and visited attractions, the location further enhances the figure’s draw for international guests.

What’s Next for Madame Tussauds and Hallyu Tourism

With South Korean cultural exports continuing to flourish worldwide, Madame Tussauds is well-positioned to serve as a bridge between fans and their favorite stars. The scheduled transfer of Ahn Hyo Seop’s figure to Singapore ensures that the K-wave momentum is sustained through year-end, providing additional incentives for travelers to continue engaging with Korean pop culture beyond borders.

Future expansions of the K-Wave Zone could include new additions from the worlds of music, drama, and fashion—transforming Madame Tussauds into a living museum of Hallyu evolution and cross-cultural exchange.

Final Word from the Brand

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ahn Hyo Seop to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong,” said a spokesperson from Merlin Entertainments. “His wax figure perfectly captures the essence of Korean drama, offering fans a unique chance to connect with their favorite star in an unforgettable setting. This launch is more than just an unveiling—it’s a celebration of cultural storytelling and fandom.”

Plan Your Visit

Visitors can find Ahn Hyo Seop’s wax figure in the K-Wave Zone at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong until November 16, 2025, before it moves to Madame Tussauds Singapore in December. Don’t miss the Limited Light Stick Display, available until August 22, 2025, in partnership with the Korean Cultural Center.