South Korean actor Kim Ji Soo lands his third project in the Philippines via the movie Mujigae, co-starring with Alexa Ilacad and child star Ryrie Sophia.
He previously appeared in the now defunct GMA primetime series Black Rider, and he is the newest addition to the cast of the Kapuso afternoon drama series Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap.
Read: K-drama actor Kim Ji Soo officially signs with GMA's Sparkle
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Kim Ji Soo says he enjoyed working with co-stars Alexa and Ryrie.
Describing what it's like working with Alexa, he happily shares, "We don't have that much scene in the movie, but I saw her professional side.
"Even if she is younger than me, but I think she has a lot of experience, so she's good at acting.
"Even I watch here the trailer, Alexa and Ryrie, they're really good."
Smiling, Kim Ji Soo adds, "I'm just supporting them."
In the movie, he plays Park Ji Sung, the absentee father of Mujigae (Ryrie), a five-year-old Filipino-Korean, whose Filipino mother suddenly passes away while they are living in South Korea.
This unexpected turn of events forces Mujigae to migrate to the Philippines and live with her aunt Sunny (Alexa), who initially resents the responsibility of raising a kid.
Park Ji Sung later enters the scene just when Sunny and Mujigae have grown close to each other.
Talking about working with child star Ryrie, Kim Ji Soo relates that he made sure that she enjoys acting on the set.
"Actually, it's [my] first time to work with a kid, Ryrie.
"It was really fun. I tried to play with her. It was really fun working with a kid."
He believes Ryrie has the makings of the next big star as he finds her "really talented, "very cute," and was able to deliver "really good expression" in dramatic scenes.
He also notes how Filipino actors are "more bright" as they smile a lot, which, in turn, gives him positive energy as well on the set.
PEP interviewed Kim Ji Soo at the presscon for the movie, held on September 19, 2024, at 77 Limbaga Restaurant in Quezon City.
Read: K-drama actor Kim Ji Soo joins Ruru Madrid’s Black Rider
HOW KIM JI SOO GOT THE ROLE
Mujigae is produced by Unitel Straight Shooters, and it's the film company's President and CEO Maria Madonna Tarrayo who tapped the Korean actor to be part of the film.
At the presscon proper, Tarrayo tells PEP: "We were really searching for a Korean actor. I spoke to one of my co-teachers in Korean [school], he said, 'There's a Korean actor in town.' I asked him, 'What's his name?' 'Kim Ji Soo.'
"I watch a lot of K-drama. I'm familiar [with him].
"I called his management and that's where everything started. That's how everything unfolded.
"We're actually very lucky to find him because he's already here [in the Philippines]. It's not like we have to fly him in.
"His management is very easy to talk to."
The film's director Randolph Longjas also has nothing but good words for Kim Ji Soo.
"I'm very impressed. Table reading pa lang, memorized na [niya yung mga linya niya].
"Silang lahat, may script, siya wala.
"Sabi ko, 'Ji Soo, this is only table reading,' pero hindi. Yung discipline niya, sobrang bigay todo agad."
KIM JI SOO ON LIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES
Best known as a K-drama actor, Kim Ji Soon's works include My First First Love (2018), Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017), and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016).
He has been living in the Philippines since December 2023.
When asked about his stay in the country so far, he tells PEP, "I really love it here.
"I really love to take a walk on the street. I take a walk everywhere. Maybe you can see me running on the street."
He doesn't mind the hot weather, with him saying, "I am getting used to it."
Kim Ji Soo has been taking Filipino lessons, and he shows his know-how by speaking a few Filipino phrases like "salamat po."
When asked if he understands more Filipino now, he replies, "Konti lang."
He looks forward to staying longer here in the country.
"I'm still trying to [explore] new opportunities, from action to romantic, so I hope to more good projects here," he concludes.