South Korean heartthrob Kim Seon Ho's fan meet in Manila happened a few weeks ago, yet for his fans, known as Seonhohadas, it seemed as if it took place only yesterday.
On Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the Araneta Coliseum, Seon Ho had the opportunity to meet his Filipino fans at a fan-meet organized by Bench titled Love to Meet Our Good Boy.
This event marked his second fan event in the country for the year, following the successful Manila leg of his One, Two, Three. Smile Asia tour in January 2023.
Prior to his Bench fan meet, Seon Ho spoke to local media including PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at a press conference held at a hotel in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
During this event, Seon Ho said he's grateful to be able to reconnect with everyone through Bench during his visit.
“I really feel blessed and grateful that I am able to visit you guys again through Bench today,” Seon Ho said with the help of his interpreter.
KIM SEON HO: "GOOD BOY" OF K-DRAMA
Seon Ho also spoke about his acting career and how he is still recognized as "Good Boy" to this day.
Seon Ho earned this moniker from fans who were captivated by his performance as Han Ji Pyeong in the popular K-drama series Start-Up, which aired in 2020.
Underlining the cultural significance of "Good Boy" in Korea, the 37-year-old actor explained that the term is commonly used by older generations to describe the innocence and purity of younger individuals.
In his own words, as translated in English, "Actually with the K-drama Start-Up, in Korea, when we say the term 'good boy,' it is usually used by the elderlies to the young ones if you're innocent, you're naive, you're pure...
"So, it actually describes the internal character of a person who is kind, who is really pure-hearted.
"And with this character in the Start-up, Han Ji Pyeong... I was really into the character that I cried a lot in the K-drama.
"And since I was really into the character, when I hear the term 'good boy,' it really makes me emotional, as well.
"So through this character, Han Ji-Pyeong... He was culturally accepted by a lot of people and I [am] really happy about this and I'm grateful that it was accepted by everyone around the world."
But among the roles he portrayed, he said that he has a stronger personal connection to his character Hong Du Sik in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
In the series, he played a small town's handyman who is always ready to give a helping hand to his neighbors.
Seon Ho elaborated, "I have portrayed a lot of characters... I had portrayed a silly character, there were also sad characters...
"But the most similar character, I think, is the character in the Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
"I really like to talk to people... I would like to have conversations with a lot of people in a light environment and ambiance.
"So that's why I think it's a character that is similar to myself."
KIM SEON HO: PREPARATIONS
Seon Ho also fielded questions about how he prepares for a role, considering how he easily charmed viewers in his recent projects.
He told the press, "So before I actually go to the shoot, I really search for a lot of references so that I can get into the character.
"I also talk with the directors a lot to understand what they really want and how I can adjust myself to get into the character.
"It usually takes me about one or two months to get ready. And that's how I become deeply involved in my character."
He went on to say that he followed this method particularly for his role in the 2023 South Korean action movie The Childe.
"So, I had a conversation with the director, of course, to know what is really expected in this film and I looked into a lot of references, as well, like films by Stanley Kubrick...
"And of course, I had to prepare for the action scenes, as well. So, we had a lot of preparation for action moves, I had to study all the movements that's required."
Seon Ho continued, still with the help of his interpreter: "And, of course, I also had to get into the character so I read through the script to make sure that I doesn't miss any point in the script.
"So overall, I had a lot of practice, time, and, of course, effort and studied a lot for this film to be successful."
In spite of the success of his projects, Seon Ho acknowledged that he still has many things to learn about his craft.
He said, "I try to push myself to be a better actor today. I personally think that I'm a lazy actor. So there are a lot of room for improvement, as well.
"So, I am very optimistic for myself as an actor. I would hope you'd look forward to me, Kim Sean Ho, being a better actor day by day."
KIM SEON HO and his DREAM ROLE
Still talking about his acting career, Seon Ho underlined that he wants his roles to be as diverse as possible.
"I think that there are a lot of characters out there, and they offer so much versatility.
"However, it all starts with the character within me. It's like clothing – when you put on an outfit, it takes on a different appearance and style based on who's wearing it.
"That's how I see individuality in a character."
He also pointed out that he enjoys the process of building a character that will really resonate with the audience.
"Being an actor means I'm always up for new challenges whenever I take on a character.
"And that makes me a bit worried, a bit scared as well. But at the same time, quite excited, as well.
"So, as an actor, I'm constantly seeking out these new challenges to fully embody the character."
PEP.ph asked: Does he have a favorite genre to work on?
Eager to talk about his craft, Kim Seon Ho replied: "Actually, rather than talking about the genre, I want to talk about the scene.
"So, my favorite scenes are the ones that capture the essence of being approachable or relatable to the audience.
"These are the moments when the character feels most ordinary and closest to the people watching.
"Engaging in conversations and sharing experiences with various individuals within these scenes is what truly resonates with me.
"And these scenes create a sort of fantasy for the viewers, allowing them to connect the events in the film with their own lives.
"And that's why in conclusion, I think it's the conversations, the glimpses into ordinary life, that I find truly exceptional and close to my heart."
If it's up to him, what role would he like to portray in the future?
Seon Ho answered, "Now I want to go back to portraying a character where I can be ordinary, just like normal people. I want to have this kind of life in a film."
KIM SEON HO: OFF CAM
Seon Ho also showed enthusiasm when he responded to queries about his favorite pastime.
While the South Korean heartthrob admitted that he doesn't have a specific hobby at the moment, he said that he likes taking leisurely walks and going undercover to observe his surroundings.
He explained, "During those walks, I often find myself pondering my concerns and contemplating the upcoming events of the day.
"It's a way for me to plan out how I'll spend not only that day but also the following days and week.
"Additionally, as I walk, I'm constantly mindful of my role as an actor. I make an effort to observe the world around me – how society reacts to various situations and how people behave.
"To ensure that I don't miss out on any societal nuances, I even take rides on the subway train.
"This helps me stay connected to the pulse of what's happening around me."
As for his secret talent, Seon Ho said he's still trying to discover if he has any.
Through his interpreter, he said, "Actually, before, I thought I was good at drawing, but I realized recently that I'm not good at drawing so I don't have a hidden talent yet.
"Hindi ko pa masigurado kung saan [ang] aabutin ko sa tanong na ito, pero naghahanap pa rin po ako ng hidden talent ko."