The secret to ‘Hallyu’ success
Thirteen years since his first visit, South Korean star Lee Dong Wook visited the Philippines again last Oct. 5 for a fan meet to open the #LoveKOrea Culture and Travel Fiesta at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall.
The K-drama star first came here more than a decade ago to promote his then hit series My Girl. At that time, Filipino fans had just started getting caught up with the Hallyu (Korean Wave), also known as the Korean pop culture phenomenon.
Dong Wook said he was worried that his Filipino fans would not remember him.
“I’m so happy that you miss me and you’re so welcoming to me,” the 37-year-old actor said of his return to Manila.
The Goblin actor entertained questions from the press and fans from Lee Dong Wook Philippines group during the meet and greet organized by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). TV personality and the event’s host Sam Oh served as his English interpreter.
The cheering as well as the chanting of his name drowned out some of his answers that he playfully hushed the audience, who occupied all five floors facing the venue, saying they weren’t listening to him.
Nevertheless, as a response to a question from The Philippine STAR, he weighed in on the Hallyu fever, which has swept across and beyond Asia.
“Do you still remember My Girl?” he asked the crowd, whose screaming response suggested that they didn’t forget, of course.
“The secret to the Hallyu wave being strong is that (we don’t) stagnate,” he explained.
They keep innovating and trying new things, he added.
“Maybe it’s the constant innovation that keeps everybody interested,” he said. “As time goes by, the artists, whether they are singers or actors, they get better and better at their craft and I think that’s what the fans enjoy.”
Meanwhile, the event celebrated 70 years of friendship between the Philippines and South Korea.
Dong Wook said that he was very happy and honored to be part of the celebration.
He invited more Pinoys to visit his country. “As we all know the Philippines is a tropical country, it’s pretty warm all year round. Now is a really good time to visit Korea because it’s fall. You will experience autumn. (It won’t be long) before it will become a bit colder so it’s gonna snow and get colder. Now is really a good time to plan your trip to Korea.”
He particularly recommended the city of Gongju in South Chungcheong province for its heritage attractions. “The sites there are really different and you will get a good grasp of Korean culture if you go to Gongju.”
Go on a food trip, he also advised. “What I would recommend is, the Korean food in Korea is different from here because for sure the ingredients are different so make sure to have some Korean food.”
Nevertheless, Dong Wook feels that Filipinos know what to do already in Korea. “But safety is the most important thing. So when you’re traveling to Korea, please be safe,” he stressed.
For someone who has been in showbiz for 20 years now, Dong Wook also dispensed tips to aspiring actors.
“Trust in your abilities. If you trust in your abilities, when the tough times come, you will be able to overcome it because you believe in yourself,” he said.
It’s also very important, he continued, to “practice, practice, practice.”
The fan meet wouldn’t be complete without Dong Wook learning some Filipino words, telling all and sundry, “Ganda ka” and “Mahal kita.”
Along with Dong Wook’s visit was the launch of two promotional events in line with the ongoing #LoveKOrea campaign. First, KTO is inviting Filipinos to participate in a video-making contest until Dec. 15, wherein 70 prizes and a grand prize of P70,000 will be given away. The second promo asks Pinoys to share a photo or video from a trip to Korea showcasing any of these categories — K-Food, K-Beauty, K-Attraction, K-Wave or K-Culture — on their social media accounts. A total of 14 winners, including three grand prize winners of luggage sets, will be selected until Dec. 15. Details are on www.ktomanila.com.
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