Dannyka Manangan

Ji Chang-Wook on returning to PH: 'I think the biggest factor is the love from the fans'

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>South Korean actor Ji Chang-Wook once again captured the hearts of Filipino fans as he returned to Manila for IAM Worldwide’s DOMIN8 anniversary show, where he was one of the headline performers last Sunday, October 19.</p><p>During a press conference ahead of the event at The Peninsula, the <em>Suspicious Partner</em> star greeted members of the media.</p><p>”Annyeonghasaeyo! Mabuhay! Namiss ko kayo! Salamat po!” Ji Chang-wook greeted in Filipino. “Thank you so much for inviting me. It’s an honor to be invited to this event. I think this is my third visit to Manila. I’ve been actually visiting here for my fan meetings and also brand events just like now that I’m doing for an event of IAM Worldwide.”</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2FPushAlerts%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02f2GvjiNRm2irgtdAvwCjmEXn41LX6wh5a1PmiJZTELnBBtLrNuDaEVTjSV5xFTD6l&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="635" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Now on his third visit to Manila, the Korean star shared that every trip has been memorable because of the genuine affection he receives from Filipino fans.</p><p>“The thing that I really remember (from Filipino fans) is the love I received. I also remember the IAM Worldwide board of directors that actually gave unconditional love for me and also the fans who are giving me the huge amount of love for me to be invited to this event,” he expressed.</p><p>The actor admitted that he still gets nervous when facing the media in the Philippines, but the warm welcome always makes him feel comfortable.</p><p>“It’s not like a short thing for me to have a press conference in the Philippines, and you know that is one of the factors I’m nervous about right now but at the same time because you are here for me, so I am very thankful as well,” he stated.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761023522709Ji Chang-Wook on returning to PH I think the biggest factor is the love from the fans.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><strong></strong></div><div> </div><p>Before preparing for the local wellness brand’s anniversary celebration, he said he wished he could have explored Manila more: “(After landing in the Philippines) I wanted to sleep. After sleeping, I actually wanted to walk around but I wasn&#x27;t able to do that, so I had a meeting for the fans.”</p><p>He also expressed how much he enjoyed working again with IAM Worldwide, saying he loved the concept of his latest campaign. “I really love biking, and I enjoyed the vibe of the shoot. It was a fun experience,” he shared.</p><p>Reflecting on his more than decade-long career, Chang-Wook said the unwavering support of fans continues to motivate him to become a better actor.</p><p>“To be recognized and be loved by fans abroad, that fact actually is amazing and surprising to me. It gives me a mindset that I want to be a better actor and work on better projects,” he explained.</p><p>He also shared the values that helped him sustain his career through the years.</p><p>“I think all the complimentary things that were able to make me sustain or maintain my career for more than 10 years are having mind control and also having a very sound mind and heart and also not really giving up when actually the environment is set so and also with precious people around me. All those factors were part of the reasons why I maintain a long career that I still have right now,” he said.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Freel%2F784483811066353%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div> </div><p>When asked what keeps drawing him to the Philippines, he was quick to answer that it was the people.</p><p>“I think the biggest factor is the love from the fans whenever I see their faces of love for me, that actually brings the desire for me to come back here in the Philippines and also looking how hospitable they are and their positive looks and their cheers whenever I encounter them, I feel that I always wanted to come back here in the Philippines,” the Korean actor remarked.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1780838232635423%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>As one of the main stars of the IAM Worldwide DOMIN8 anniversary show, sharing the stage with Filipino girl group BINI and Korean group NXT, he said he was most excited to meet his Filipino supporters once again.  </p><p>“It’s really an honor to stand up onstage together with other artists (like BINI and NXT) and my message to the fans is always stay healthy,” he said.  “I think I am mostly excited and looking forward to meeting my fans (during the event).”</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQADIvNk1Lq/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A16983050.799999997%2C%22ls%22%3A368289.6%2C%22le%22%3A368909.20000000007%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="567" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Before wrapping up the press conference, Chang-Wook expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made his visit possible.</p><p>“I want to actually say that I am very thankful for your unconditional love for me. I want to meet you guys more often. For the IAM Worldwide family and for the media who invited me for this occasion, thank you so much and I love you all.”</p>

<p>Ji Chang Wook expresses appreciation for Filipino fans whom he hopes to meet more often.</p>

Ji Chang Wook expresses appreciation for Filipino fans whom he hopes to meet more often.