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Long before K-drama heartthrobs became a global craze, one tragic “bad boy-turned-hero” stole Filipino hearts, Tristan, the Tagalog-dubbed name of Han Tae-hwa, portrayed by Korean superstar Shin Hyun-joon in the 2003 hit Stairway to Heaven.

Nearly two decades later, Tristan's loyal fans are reliving their kilig days, thanks to the AI Gemini trend, with filmmaker Emille Joson recently going viral for her AI-generated photo featuring Shin's iconic character.

In her nostalgic post, Joson confessed she's “always been Team Tristan,” praising his quiet devotion and selfless love for Jodi (played Han Jeong-Seo).

She wrote on her post, "When I was young, the first Korean drama that truly got me hooked was Stairway to Heaven, the Tagalized version on GMA, and I even bought a DVD of it abroad afterwards. I remember rooting for Han Tae-Hwa [Tristan] because I saw him as Han Jeong-Seo's [Jodi] safe space, someone who wanted to protect her from every cruelty in life, and willing to be disowned by his own family for her. His love was so selfless and peaceful. Even now, I'm officially Team Han Tae-Hwa! PS. Thanks to AI Gemini for making this photo possible, and I hope that someday I get to meet you in person for real, @_shinhyunjoon_! Sending love from the Philippines, fan girl alert!

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A post shared by Emille Joson 🎬 (@emillejoson)

To fans' delight, Shin Hyun-Joon replied with a heart emoji and reposted Joson's photo on his Instagram Story, sending netizens into a frenzy over the nostalgic interaction.

Tristan wasn't the typical romantic lead, he was the man who loved deeply but never won. A brooding artist who sacrificed everything for the woman he loved, he became the ultimate symbol of “unrequited yet unconditional love.”

For many, he represented the softer, protective kind of affection, the kind that stayed even when it wasn't returned.

Fans recall how Shin Hyun-Joon's performance made Tristan unforgettable: his piercing gaze, his raw vulnerability, and his tragic farewell that left audiences in tears. Even years after the Stairway to Heaven craze on GMA-7, viewers still mention him as one of the most memorable second leads in K-drama history.

Now 56, Shin continues to charm fans with his humility and warmth, as seen when he reacted with a heart emoji to Joson's tribute and even shared it on his Instagram Story. The small gesture sparked waves of nostalgia among fans who grew up watching Stairway to Heaven, proving that some K-drama memories and characters truly last forever.

Related gallery: 'Stairway to Heaven' cast: Where are they now?