For fans of K-dramas, Ji Changwook is a household staple. Starring in fan-favorite dramas like Suspicious Partner and Backstreet Rookie, his fans adore him for his smooth acting and good chemistry with fellow leads. Recently, he returned to Manila for his “Moments with Ji Chang-wook,” fan meeting organized by lifestyle powerhouse brand Bench at the Araneta Coliseum. His last visit was in 2022 for his “Reach You” fan meeting. We were fortunate enough to have some time to talk about his future projects, his favorite hobbies, and things he enjoys about visiting the Philippines.

Filipinos are fond of Korean culture like K-pop and K-dramas. What makes you stand out from the crowd? 

I don’t know. I think that’s a question you have to ask the public since they would know better. Personally, I would choose the color of me, what is the color of Ji Chang-wook? That’s how I select dramas as well.

From the many roles you’ve played, which character did you enjoy playing the most? 

There were no characters most similar to me, I think. On the other hand, all characters were. The reason the answer is this way is because it all starts from me. It’s like (my) inner self would be the character in all the dramas and works I have done. That’s why I think it’s all me, like being myself is being all the characters I’ve done. There’s a very slight difference (in each one) and it cannot be answered in a specific way. All the works were difficult but all works were all fun as well.

What are some things or skills you’ve learned from the roles you’ve played? 

I learn a lot. Everything really changes, depending on the situation. It is difficult for me to explain in full how I would feel but when I’m at the shoot itself, it’s the communication I have with the people around me who I’m working with. When it comes to production, the actors, all the shoot staff, the way I would communicate with them is what I’m really working on and what I learn about.

What future projects can we expect from you? 

In the nearest future would be the release of Revolver and we also have The Queen Woo and, on Disney+, there will be dramas like Gangnam B-Side and Sculpture City. Last year was like a new year for me, where I would be finding new sides of me, a new self. It was really fun realizing how I am as an actor. I’m looking forward to all of these that I’ve worked on in the last year.

What do you do for fun and relaxation? 

When I’m resting or have some free time, I would just like to meet with my close friends to drink some coffee with or go out for a drink. We’d be riding motorcycles. I also like lying down at home reading books, comic books. That’s how I spend my free time.

What’s your favorite comic book? 

It’s a comic book that Japanese people also don’t really know, but I’ve read it three or four times already. (It’s about) ballet. The title is Subaru.

Are there any Filipino words or phrases that have stuck with you since your last visit? 

Salamat. Kamusta?

What Filipino dishes are you excited to try this time? 

When I arrived in the Philippines, the first thing I had was a burger and fried chicken with rice. I noticed Filipinos really like to eat chicken and rice. I also like to eat halo-halo. I want to eat and try more Filipino food.