Over three months have passed since South Korean actor Choi Bo Min signed on with Universal Records Philippines and GLXY Talent Management, setting his sights on a flourishing career in the Philippines.
So far, the 18 Again actor is grateful for the chance to establish his career here.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and fellow members of the press met up with Bo Min at his press conference at The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City, where he was launched as the latest ambassador for BlueWater Day Spa, alongside Teejay Marquez.
When asked about how working in the Philippines compares to his experience in South Korea, Bo Min remarked that there's not much of a difference.
He said: "I think Korea and Philippines are very similar... but the difference is the Philippines is more energetic and, like, a chill vibe, light.
"I think that's just the little difference with Korea, but I like it, too."
CHOI BO MIN: MANY FIRSTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Since signing with Universal and GLXY, Bo Min has been actively working on his first project in the Philippines: the series Beauty Empire.
Directed by Mark Sicat dela Cruz, this primetime drama is a collaboration between GMA-7 and Viu Philippines, and stars Bo Min alongside Barbie Forteza, Kyline Alcantara, and Sam Concepcion, among others.
Bo Min feels immensely grateful to be working with such an outstanding cast and crew on his debut acting project in the country.
He told PEP: "Honestly, I'm very confused and nervous, and I'm very worried about it because it's my first time in the Philippines, and I can't speak English very well.
"But GMA, Viu, and the Beauty Empire staff, Kyline, Barbie, Sam, and also Direk, all of them are very kind to me and they're very nice so I was very thankful.
"It is very meaningful to me, it's a very good experience working with kind people. And also, I like my role Alex Jang. I think I have a very good time in here."
Bo Min is particularly thankful to Barbie and Kyline, who have been guiding him throughout the project.
They've helped him with the language, as he acknowledges that he's not yet proficient in Filipino and English.
He said: "I'm shooting with Barbie and Kyline, and they're so kind and they're so nice.
"I was thankful about it because they always help me because I can't understand Tagalog very well, and also English, too.
"But they help me a lot so I like them, Barbie and Kyline."
Besides participating in his first Philippine drama series, another milestone for Bo Min is recording his first full Filipino song, titled "Nakaraang Buhay."
Working on this song posed a challenge, particularly due to the language barrier.
But Bo Min is very much satisfied with how it turned out.
He said: "It took me a long time.
"It's a little TMI [too much information], but I recorded it, like, for eight hours but it was a very good experience to me.
"It's my first time in the Philippines and my first time to do a Tagalog song. I hope everyone will like my song, it's my hope."
After Beauty Empire, will he continue working in the Philippines?
Bo Min confirmed and expressed that there's much more to look forward to.
"I have an upcoming project in Korea and also in the Philippines, too. So stay tuned, please."
BUSY SCHEDULE
When asked by the press about his favorite "me time" activities amidst his busy schedule, Bo Min shared that escaping the bustling city life for a nature trip is invigorating for him.
And he also finds a simple massage to be equally refreshing.
He said: "When I have a rest time, I usually... I like nature, natural... like something, no noise and a quiet place.
"So, and also my staff, like the quiet place too. And also, I usually go to, like, massage something and relax my body.
"And I want to the quiet place. And so I usually go to massage."
If he doesn't have much time, Bo Min still manages to relax in the comfort of his home.
"I usually bring the compact massage machine, like for my legs and my neck. And also, I love the skin pack, the skin pack, right?
"The mask pack. I usually use that. And I usually use the moisture cream."
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