Lee Dong Wook woos tourists to Korea
By Cecille Santillan-Visto
KOREAN actor Lee Dong Wook is no stranger to the Philippines. He first came to Manila 13 years ago to promote his blockbuster K-drama, My Girl, which he top-billed with another celebrity, Lee Da Hae. During his first visit, he even guested in the noontime show, Wowowee, and gamely accepted a lei from the gyrating Luningning and held the hands of Mariel Rodriguez during an interview.
His visit to Manila early this month was a bit more sober but no less exciting, with his fans trooping to the SM Megamall Fashion Hall to see the Goblin star. The event, dubbed as LoveKOrea Culture and Travel Fiesta, was among the major activities for the year of the Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations of Philippines and Korea.
“It has been 13 years since my last trip to Manila and I honestly wondered, ‘Will they still remember be?’ I am so happy that all of you came to welcome me,” he said through host-interpreter, Sam Oh.
“I am so happy to be celebrating with you 70 years of friendship between Korea and the Philippines and honored to be part of an event like this. I hope this will be a meaningful time for everyone,” he added.
The 37-year-old, who is also the official tourism ambassador of Korea’s Gangwon Province, together actress Sue Ramirez, who is the appointed Korea tourism ambassador in the Philippines, encouraged Filipino tourists to visit some of the scenic spots in the Land of the Morning Calm.
He acknowledged that many Filipino visitors are more familiar with the famous destinations in Korea. However, when asked for recommendations, he suggested travelers feast on the local delicacies when in Korea.
“The Philippines is a tropical country and warm all year round. Now is a good time to visit Korea as it is fall and you can experience autumn. Later, it will get cold and there will be snow. That will also be a great experience so it’s really a good time to plan your trip to Korea,” said Mr. Lee.
Due to the popularity of Goblin, in which he co-stars with Gong Yoo of Train to Busan fame, fans have made pilgrimages to some of the drama’s shooting locations. He added that he welcomes the “positive effect” that the blockbuster hit has on Korean tourism. However, he highly recommended a trip to Gongju, a city in South Chungcheong province, which is a heritage city rich where one can immerse in Korean culture.
Aside from wooing Hallyu enthusiasts to consider Korea as their next vacation spot, Mr. Lee — who is also known for his roles in Scent of a Woman, a romantic tearjerker, Hotel King, romcom Wild Romance, and the movie, Heartbreak Library — also took the opportunity to interact with his followers by holding a press conference cum fan meeting.
Sporting long and deliberately unkempt hair for his current drama, Strangers From Hell, Mr. Lee entertained questions from both media and his supporters.
As one of the prime movers of Korean dramas worldwide, Mr. Lee said the secret why audiences worldwide continue to be enamored by K-soap operas is that the dramas “don’t stagnate.” The constant innovation has kept viewers interested and glued to their televisions, if not their mobile devices.
While already in his late 30s, he is also well-liked by young groups of K-pop fans since he was designated as the emcee of the talent survival show, Produce X 101. As host, he was given the opportunity to mentor young artists. The actor-model, who celebrates his 20th year in the Korean entertainment industry this year, said he is grateful for the chance to guide budding K-pop idols.
“Trust in your abilities as this will pull you through some of the toughest times and it’s also important to always practice,” he advised, adding that his staying power can be largely attributed to his ability to challenge himself over the years to do what may seem like difficult tasks.
He shared that there are many roles that he has not yet been able to play but he looks forward to taking on more diverse characters in future projects.
“There is much work to do but I want the fans to know that I still want to keep doing this job,” Mr. Lee said.
Lee Dong Wook is an actor who has sustained his drawing power since his first drama in 1999. He has come a long way since and is now an in-demand actor, model, and host. Audiences also look forward to his guesting in variety shows given his wit, humor and substance.
During his recent Manila visit, fans professed their love for Korean travel and culture, and the promoters have to thank Lee Dong Wook for his wonderful wooing.
