Two years ago, South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook held his first-ever fan meeting in Manila, and fans from far places flocked to the Mall of Asia arena to attend the event. Surprised at the turnout, he said, “I did not expect you to like me this much.”
On August 4, he returned to the Araneta Coliseum for his second fan meeting, organized by lifestyle and fashion retail giant Bench, a brand he endorses.
Hours before the event, I messaged my editor, who just had a one-on-one interview with Ji. My mom and I have been looking forward to it because we needed a break from dealing with the aftermath of the recent typhoon.
PHOTO: Eds Garcia
“How’s Wookie?” I asked, and she responded, “Ang guwapo niya ngayon, sobra.”
(He looked more handsome now). The follow-up question was about his arms, which looked more muscular based on the airport videos circulating on social media. When she said “Yes” I felt nervous. How can someone as good-looking as Ji, look even more handsome? But she was telling the truth.
“Hello, it’s nice to see you again!” Ji greeted his Filipino fans before singing the first lines of “Kissing You,” the original soundtrack from his 2017 web drama “7 First Kisses.” Wearing a simple white shirt and jeans and a smile brighter than the lights at the venue, Ji raised his arm to wave to the excited crowd as he sang. “My heart is beating like crazy. Loving you, you are all I see. I will be yours, only yours. Look at me, you’re the only one I love.” The upbeat tempo and sweet lyrics set the mood for the “Moments” in Manila fan meeting.
Halfway through, he walked towards the extended stage to get closer to the screaming crowd. He waved and bowed as a sign of respect and gratitude to the Filipino fans waiting for his return.
Unstoppable Ji Chang-wook
They welcomed him by saying, “We love you, Ji Chang-wook,” in English, Filipino, and Korean. He thanked them for the warm welcome and said he was happy to see them again.
Ji talked about his preference for a casual style, which matched his Bench campaign. He thanked the brand for the opportunity to reunite with his Filipino fans. He mentioned his upcoming projects, which include “Revolver,” “Queen Woo,” “Gangnam B-side,” and “Sculpture City.” He said the fan meeting was a moment of calm, given his full schedule.
While Sam Oh, the host of the fan meeting, was explaining his words, Ji casually crossed his arms, making the audience scream. Oh, noticed the reaction and asked, “What is it? Is it the arms?” The screams got louder, confirming her suspicion. It happened again when Ji reached for his tumbler to drink. He seemed oblivious that his tiniest movement was causing a commotion.
Ji Chang-wook Pinoy!
The first segment took inspiration from his hit drama “Healer.” Four lucky fans who needed counseling sat face-to-face with Ji. Exhibiting manners that looked as good as his face, each fan received a handshake and a bow before Ji asked them to take their seats. Because of the language barrier, he tried to be extra attentive to them. Ji did not rely solely on the translator.
He observed their movements and facial expressions. He made eye contact as he advised them so they could feel the sincerity of his words. But it made fan Anne Dela Cruz lose focus. She complained about Ji’s excessive handsomeness. The audience cheered when she interrupted Ji from looking at her. Ji gave a soft chuckle and continued to advise her, but she told him, “Yes na po agad!” (It’s a yes!) Maybe the segment should have been called “Killer” because of Ji’s killer gaze.
Those who withstood his mesmerizing gaze received his words of wisdom. He told one to overcome her shyness by being herself. He advised another to be in a relationship with someone who trusts and makes her comfortable. On how to help others, Ji shared that helping can take on various forms, like being someone who can be a resting place for others and a source of comfort and happiness, which he hopes to become.
Ji showed his playful side when he completed hand hearts with selected fans as he made them fall for him while saying Filipino phrases such as “Bagay Tayo,” “Gusto Kita,” “Mahal Kita” and more.
He was a wish fairy in the next segment. He went down the stage to take a selfie with a fan, made eye contact with another, and gave a 70-year-old fan a message. “I wish you happiness and good health. I will try my best to give you happiness.” The well-mannered actor known for being a filial son bowed to her twice. He also gave her finger hearts.
He interacted closely with more fans by reenacting scenes from his dramas. The euphoric crowd screamed at the “Welcome to Samdal-ri” back hug reenactment while Ji laughed as if he was being tickled. It was obvious he was having the time of his life.
His fans, led by Ji Chang-wook Philippines, serenaded him with Lee Juck’s “Laundry.” A personal favorite, he performed in Immortal Songs. Ji joined in singing parts of the song, to the delight of everyone.
Remarkable performance
He said he would love to come back so he could meet his fans more often.
“I’m overjoyed and gained a lot of energy from today because I can see you also loved every moment. I hope you look forward to my upcoming shows. I love you all.”
Everyone waited until Ji finished performing “Even Though I Loved You” before applauding and screaming, which he appreciated. The way he reached the high notes was remarkable.
For the finale, he sang ” I Will Protect You,” an original soundtrack from “Healer,” which he performed in his previous fan meeting, but it hit differently this time.
His gentle voice lingered like the scent of a brand-new day. The song conveyed the message of love, support, and gratitude to someone who was there for you and made you smile. “I’m here, you can always lean on me. I will protect you. Stay by my side forever.”
We did not have a closer interaction with him like the others, but somehow, it felt like the entire time, we were wrapped inside his arms, like a warm embrace. It was enough to recharge our batteries, which have been running low for the past few days. Ji Chang-wook is indeed the healer.
