'What I remember most is the love I received': Ji Chang Wook visits Manila for 3rd time
MANILA, Philippines — It’s been years since Ji Chang-wook first met his Filipino fans but their warmth and energy remain unforgettable to him.
“This is my third visit to Manila,” the Korean actor said during his appearance for I Am Worldwide at The Peninsula Manila on Sunday, October 19.
"I've been actually visiting here for my fan meets and also like brand events just like now I'm doing for the event of I Am Worldwide. And I think the thing that I really remember up to now is the love that I received," Chang-wook said.
The Hallyu star said what stood out most from his previous trips was the affection he felt from the fans who continue to support him.
"I think the one that I can really remember is the board of directors that actually gave the unconditional love for me and also the fans who were giving the huge amount of love for me to be invited to this event," he said.
Chang-wook arrived in Manila a day before the event and, true to his candid humor, confessed that the first thing he wanted to do was “sleep.”
"After sleeping, I actually wanted to have a walk around but I could not do that," he said with a laugh. "So I believe I just had some meetings instead for the programs."
Despite his packed schedule, Chang-wook made it clear how grateful he remains to his Filipino supporters.
"To be recognized and to be loved by our fans abroad, that fact itself is already amazing and surprising to me," the Korean actor said.
"So actually that gives me a mindset that I want to be a better actor and work on better projects as well," he added.
Chang-wook also shared how his fans around the world continue to inspire him to grow and stay grounded, even after more than a decade in the industry.
"I think all the complementary things that were able to make me sustain or maintain my career for more than 10 years, such as having a mind control and also having a very sound mind and heart, and also not really giving up when actually the environment is sad," he said.
"And also my precious people around me. All those factors were part of the reasons why I could maintain for a long career, which I have right now," he added.
Chang-wook is in Manila for the 8th anniversary show of I Am Worldwide, which will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
He will be sharing the stage with P-pop sensation BINI and new K-pop group NTX.
Chang-wook first rose to fame with his lead role in the daily drama "Smile, Dong Hae" (2010–2011), which earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. He solidified his status as a Hallyu star through his roles in "Empress Ki" (2013–2014), "Healer" (2014–2015), "The K2" (2016), "Suspicious Partner" (2017), among others.
His versatility on screen catapulted him to global fame, making him one of Korea’s most beloved actors with a strong fan base worldwide, including in the Philippines.
@philstarnews South Korean actor Ji Chang Wook is honored to share the stage with BINI and NTX in IAM World's DOMIN8, 8th Anniversary show in Manila, Philippines, Sunday, Octocber 19.
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