Aside from bringing kilig to his Filipino fans during his fan meet, Park Seo Joon also shared about his forthcoming drama project and his fitness journey at a presscon, which was mounted hours before his fan event.
Through an English interpreter, the “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” and “Gyeongseong Creature” leading man recalled that he was at the same exact seat the last time that he visited the country in 2023. The press event was also held at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas.
“I guess this is like the official spot for events like this. So, I’m very used to this,” he said. “The fact that I’m here is making me so much happy but I’m also very sad because every time I visit here, (it’s only) for a short time. But I’m very glad to meet the people here, the Filipinos, but I’m also sad that we don’t get to meet (for) very long.”
If he had more time, he expressed his interest to explore the Philippines and visit its various tourist spots.
Although not revealing too many details on his upcoming drama, Park said that his role is something that he “can show my best.”
“It’s actually a drama that tackles the first love that we all experience. And I’m sure that even the common people can relate to the different story (that is shown) here because this is something that we all experience, especially for Koreans. This is the reason why I chose this role and said yes to the role,” he shared.
The South Korean actor has been in the entertainment business for 14 years, having starred in “Itaewon Class” (2020), “Midnight Runners” (2017), and in the superhero flick “The Marvels” (2023). The STAR asked him, “How do you see yourself in the next 10 years?”
“A little older, I guess,” he replied with a laugh. Kidding aside, he said that he will try his best to maintain his healthy lifestyle.
“Like I said a while ago, mental health is the most important thing. So, once you maintain your mental health, you’d be able to maintain your physical body right now (and) even a few years have passed. So, I think that would be my main focus and I would like to grow old as a cool man, cool dude in the future, too.”
Park added that after completing a film project, he takes some time off to detach from his character and prepare for the next one. “That’s why I do miss traveling to different places. And after I do a certain project, watching it (later) is also a way for me to reward myself.”
Fitness journey
Being one of the Century Tuna Superbods, Park opened up about his fitness journey and emphasized the importance of mental health.
He felt honored to be part of the brand’s campaign, he shared. “But of course, I kinda feel sorry for the Century Tuna team as well because with the current role that I am going through, I have lost a lot of weight.
“That’s why I’m not ‘Superbod’ right now, but seeing the brand, the direction that it is going and the causes that it’s supporting, I said yes to this and it was a great honor for me.”
Beyond physical fitness and health, Park pointed out that mental health is just as important to maintain a healthy body and mind. “For us to have a healthy mind, we must first have a healthy body (and vice-versa). We can start by walking or doing simple exercises. And through that, by maintaining our physical health, we may also maintain our mental health.”
At the event, Park was also given a Century Tuna Proud Sea Saver certificate for supporting the cause for plastic recovery and protecting the oceans.
Reuniting with Pinoy fans
Park expressed his enthusiasm at seeing his fans again, this time, at the Century Tuna’s “Ultimate Fan Fest” at the Araneta Coliseum, organized by Wilbros Live.
“Being here itself is something that excites me a lot and seeing every one of you. You, guys, are great. And currently, I am working on a very hectic and very busy schedule, but I’m very glad that meeting you, guys, today gives me energy so that I can go back and work harder,” he addressed the giddy crowd.
Event host Sam Oh, Anne Curtis and the brand’s Superbods welcomed Park on stage and handed him a Superbod jacket as a token.
Park made sure to reconnect with his fans by participating in the various segments of the program, such as the question-and-answer portion, fun games in “PSJ’s Says: The Last Fan Standing,” “Fit For Any Word” and the “Role Call with PSJ” trivia game.
Some fans also shared how they found inspiration in the actor’s performances in K-dramas during the pandemic.
A scene stealer at the event was when one fortunate girl had the chance to relive a K-drama fantasy in two special minutes with Park. The romantic encounter with Park had some audience members saying, “Sana all,” as they watched in amazement, wishing they could trade places with her.
Park also prepared a Century Tuna dish and shared it with his fans.
Before the event ended, Park took a selfie with the spectators and requested to turn on the lights so that he could get a glimpse of everyone’s faces.
“I’m very happy to see you all,” Park delivered his parting message to the eager audience. “First of all, thank you very much for coming here tonight. Although our time was short, I was very happy to meet each and every one of you. Please continue to support Century Tuna. And if we are able to continue this journey, I’m sure we will be able to meet again in the future.”