Everything we’ve learned from the South Korean celebrity on his first visit to the Philippines
In If You Wish Upon Me, he taught us that it would never be too late to heal. In The Sound of Magic, he showed us that if we believed in ourselves, anything would be possible. Now, on his first ever visit to the Philippines, South Korean superstar Ji Chang Wook makes us swoon in “Reach You,” a fan meet organized by Filipino fashion house Bench.
It has been a while since the last time the actor-singer met with his supporters in person, hence the “Reach You” theme of his Asian tour, an opportunity to bond with his fans. The other countries Chang Wook is slated to visit after the Philippines are Indonesia and Japan.
The day before the meet-and-greet at SM Mall of Asia Arena, Chang Wook spent a rainy afternoon at the Peninsula Manila.
“I’m very happy as I was welcomed by a lot of fans when I arrived in the Philippines,” says Wookie, as he is fondly called. “I thought the weather was going to be hot. But it was really nice, so I enjoyed my trip coming here.”
In his first few days in Manila, Chang Wook secretly strolled around Greenbelt. He was also able to try the Filipino staples sisig and halo-halo, which he confesses he loved.
The K-pop sensation admits to being a wanderer. He likes taking walks and learning about the culture of the places he visits. His favorite area, however, is the locale he is currently living at because “I feel comfortable there. I can’t think of other specific destinations since I’ve enjoyed all the places I have been to,” he says.
Asked about the areas he would like to visit in the Philippines, Chang Wook says, “I would like to relax in vacation spots like Boracay and Cebu. Also, I would like to walk around cities like Manila, have coffee, and be with different kinds of people.”
the venue to meet their oppa
Famous for his intensity, powerful performances, and acting versatility, Chang Wook have portrayed, among others, a tough-as-nails soldier-turned-bodyguard in The K-12, a passionate architect in Lovestruck in the City, and an aloof lawyer in Suspicious Partner.
“I am open to new opportunities, new genres. I’m into fun and new things,” enthuses the 35-year-old artist about choosing his projects. “Communication or harmony is a key factor that I consider when taking on a role. Whenever I have troubles with my character, I ask advice from writers and directors to help me get over them.”
Chang Wook describes his acting as “…nothing grand or huge. Just with my name Ji Chang Wook, when translated it is ‘pretty certain and clear,’” he explains, adding that if he were not an actor he would have been an office worker.
‘A person’s scent shows individuality, and I respect everyone’s individuality. But I personally enjoy woody and natural scents.’
From dapper suits to denim ensembles, even casual hoodies and oversized cardigans, Chang Wook rocks whatever outfit he’s in. His wardrobe is as diverse as his roles. He believes that the best thing to wear is what makes you feel comfortable. “I love to wear outfits that suit the time and environment. I personally think that it should be comfortable. I love perfumes too,” he says.
In 2019, Chang Wook became an endorser for Bench Fragrances, particularly the bestselling scents So in Love, Sure Blue, and Live Life with Flavor. “A person’s scent shows individuality, and I respect everyone’s individuality. But I personally enjoy woody and natural scents,” he muses.
Bench is the first company Chang Wook has ever worked with in the country. “Bench has been very hospitable and accommodating,” he says. “They never treated me as a worker, but as a family. They’ve given me a comfortable working environment, a very chill setting.”
In his latest drama series, If You Wish Upon Me, his character and volunteer team would fulfill the dying wishes of hospice patients. If he were on the other shoe, Chang Wook shares that he wouldn’t have a special wish and would instead request for a final meal. “I think it would be great to have a delicious meal with the people I love,” he says.
Chang Wook, who has over 22.1 million followers on Instagram, expressed his appreciation for his fans, saying, “I am only an actor in Korea. Having fans all over the world, in different countries, I am thankful for that. This drives me to work harder. You’ve welcomed me grandly, and have been cheering me for a long time so I will always be grateful… I hope everyone stays healthy.”
