MANILA, Philippines — “I have prepared a lot to have a great time with my fans. So, I hope you, guys can expect to have a great time with me.”
That was K-superstar Park Hyungsik speaking about his Asia Tour Fan Meet dubbed “SIKcret Time in Manila” on Feb. 17, 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in a recent virtual group chat. It’s the anticipated follow-up event to his successful visit in 2019.
“It has been a long time since I last visited the Philippines, and I am hoping that it will be an event where many of my fans can actually participate,” he said in Korean, translated into English by his management team.
Although he has previously met his loyal Pinoy followers, who keep track of the latest goings-on in his career via social media and support his work, Park couldn’t help but have jitters. He will be meeting them again after the pandemic and in the new normal.
“I feel very nervous right now,” shared he, wishing to scuba dive in the country if given any opportunity or a window for some rest and relaxation. Park is aware that the Philippines has nice diving sites.
Asked about his fondest memories from the last visit, he had this to say: “The memory I have of the Philippines is that the fans are very passionate. The food was really nice. The weather was perfect as well. I actually got the feeling that I would not like to go back to Korea. So, I’ve had good memories of the Philippines.”
As for the place where he would like to spend a long vacation, Park had the country on his list.
“Of course, if we think about countries, there are a lot of countries that come to mind, especially the Philippines since there are many good islands that I could visit in the Philippines,” said he. “I could try fishing, scuba diving, and also many other stuff (things) to try out. So, if given the opportunity, I would like to try to spend a long holiday in the Philippines.”
At the moment, his 16-episode drama titled “Doctor Slump” is now streaming on Netflix. In the series, Park plays a brilliant doctor who gets reunited by chance with his rival in school who is now also a brilliant doctor. Both deal with “life’s worst slump” and find “solace in each other.”
Another piece of information given to this paper says that “the show currently holds the No. 1 spot for the Top 10 TV shows on Netflix across 11 countries, including the Philippines.”
“First of all, ‘Doctor Slump’ actually carries a message regarding people who are in a slump. In this kind of busy and modern society, there are a lot of points that people can actually be comforted,” said Park of the show. “And they have portrayed the word ‘slump’ in a funny way and deeply.”
Park considered his recent TV series the most memorable.
“I think this is the drama that I relate myself to the most and I laughed too much while filming it. So, I guess you, guys can expect much from it,” said he.
“Every character that I actually acted as during my projects somehow portrays my character (as a person) in parts. But I guess the most relatable character that actually has my personality is Yeo Jeong-woo from ‘Strong Girl Bong-soon’ because the way that he jokes around portrays myself when I am with my friends.”
From the time he jumpstarted his acting career in 2011, Park has done a number of projects that include dramas and a reality show. It’s safe to say that he enjoys essaying diverse roles, from heir, king, lawyer, prince to a doctor.
“So, there are a lot of roles that I would like to try. But recently I watched a series called ‘Moving.’ While watching it, I thought it would be great if I could try to be a person with a superpower,” said he.
What are the goals he has set for himself to accomplish this year?
“The goal for me this year is to finish my fan meeting successfully, and if given the opportunity, I would like to showcase myself more to you, guys through more projects,” answered Park.
The virtual interview also saw him share the kind of music that is on his playlists.
“I actually listen to a lot of playlists. I like listening to Bruno Mars. I love listening to his songs while I am driving,” said the actor.
As for the best advice he has ever received, Park shared that there’s a lot that he keeps to himself, and he uses them in navigating his career and life, if one may add.
“I think the best ones I can think of right now are the teachings from my parents. They are the largest influence to my values,” said he.
The event, featuring Park Hyungsik, is presented by Smart and organized in the country by MQLIVE in partnership with P&STUDIO and TONZ Entertainment [Korea]. For details, visit https://bit.ly/42BaQBo and https://smart.com.ph/Pages/smartlive.