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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider Song Joong Ki on family life, work, and Pinoy fans

Song Joong Ki on family life, work, and Pinoy fans

Published May 26, 2025 11:13 am  |  Updated Jun 3, 2025 02:42 pm

At A Glance

  • The South Korean idol was here recently to hobnob with fans.
Korean actor Song Joong Ki (Image courtesy of SM MOA Arena)
Korean actor Song Joong Ki (Image courtesy of SM MOA Arena)
Song Joong Ki, one of South Korea's a-list actors, visited Manila to meet with fans.
We were able to catch up with him ahead of the event and we got to talk to him about being a dad and husband.
When asked how he is able to maintain a good balance between family life and his hectic acting career, the 39-year-old said that it's all about proper time management.
"If there’s a shoot or when I’m working, of course, I’d have to be 100 percent focused on that. But when I’m given free time, I’d prefer to spend time with my family,” he said.
"That’s where I feel like my life is balanced," he added. "I feel healed when I spend time with the family." 
Song Joong Ki (Image courtesy of SM MOA Arena)
Song Joong Ki (Image courtesy of SM MOA Arena)
Joong-ki, who is married to British actress Katy Louise Saunders, said he intends to return to Manila for a family vacation.
He mentioned how much he would love to see the our world-famous beaches as with the local public markets.
"I want to go to supermarkets, places that Filipinos really go to on a daily basis, those are the places where I want to look around—public markets, local restaurants… That’s what I really prefer when I go to countries,” he said.
According to Joong ki, he went to Cebu 15 years ago, but he never got the chance to explore Manila.
"I was in Cebu for vacation. But Manila, I never have been. So I just wanted to visit here. Next time I really want to come here for a family vacation. Because I heard there are many beautiful islands,” he said.
Aside from that, he also mentioned that he and Katy have Filipino friends in Korea and Italy, describing them as "kind and friendly."
"I have some Philippine friends in Korea. When I stay in Italy with my wife, we have some Philippine friends there too. So the Philippine people for us, the image of the Philippine people is so kind always and friendly. So when I had that interview, I was telling myself that I really want to go to the Philippines because I have a good image of them from some of my friends," Joong ki shared.
A memorable night with his Pinoy fans
We were present when the Korean actor made his way to the Mall of Asia Arena, greeted by the loudest cheers by his Pinoy fans.
The visit was made possible by health and wellness company IAM Worldwide, which is being endorsed by Joong Ki.
Joong ki looked only too happy seeing the fans with their creative banners, headbands, and themed outfits.
To make the night even more exciting, Joong Ki participated in games, including charades.
He also answered a few questions thrown in by fans.
At one point during the event, Joong ki was tasked to do a flower arrangement as part of his upcoming K-drama “My Youth.”
The bouquet eventually went to actress Janice de Belen who was visibly moved receiving a hug from Joong ki.
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