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Celebrity Life

Kristel Fulgar's Korean husband experiences Pinoy New Year culture shock

By Kristine Kang
Published January 12, 2026 4:49 PM PHT

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Kristel Fulgar's husband, Ha Su-hyuk, spends his birthday and New Year in the Philippines!

Content creator Kristel Fulgar welcomes the year 2026 alongside her South Korean husband, Ha Su-hyuk.

As they celebrated their first New Year as a married couple, they chose to spend the occasion with Kristel's family in the Philippines.

In Kristel's vlog, the pair arrived at her family's home early in the morning. As they were about to rest, Su-hyuk was quickly in for a surprise as Filipinos welcomed the New Year as early as daytime.

"Napa-praning na siya sa mga tunog. Akala niya may gera," Kristel laughed, watching her husband get startled by the fireworks outside.

"I'm shocked. It was [really] a big sound, baby," Su-hyuk said.

As the day went on, the community grew even louder with excitement for the New Year.

"I love the Philippines but...aaaahh," Su-hyuk joked.

"Culture shock lang," Kristel explained. " Pero na-appreciate niya 'yung parang lively na daming tao sa labas, 'yung ganoon na ramdam mo 'yung [celebration]."

Su-hyuk admitted it's different in South Korea, with many people still working on New Year's Eve.

"Korea style is we just eat dinner with family," he shared.

Kristel added, " 'Yung iba, pupunta pa sa east side ta's mag-aabang sila ng sunrise."

As night fell, the roads became noisier with people celebrating outdoors, which Su-hyuk described as feeling like a club.

The couple also enjoyed a delicious dinner with Kristel's best friend, where she even encouraged Su-hyuk to the Filipino “Sharon” culture.

During dinner, Su-hyuk reacted, "I love the Philippines style of New Year celebration."

They eventually welcomed 2026 while watching a fireworks display at the Philippine Arena. They also celebrated Su-hyuk's birthday, which happens to fall on the same day.

Kristel and Su-hyuk tied the knot on May 10, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. The couple announced their engagement in February 2025.

Take a look at some of Kristel and Su-hyuk's snaps as they celebrated their first New Year here: