BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ
Lee Min-ho is back in Manila after seven years as SMDC‘s latest “Good Guy.” The bedimpled 36-year-old Korean actor, who serves as the real estate giant’s brand ambassador, also opens up about his love for Filipino fans, lechon and supporting causes for children.
He may already have starred in a string of popular K-dramas such as The King: Eternal Monarch, City Hunter and Legend of the Blue Sea, but for many of his Filipino fans, Lee Min-ho is still best remembered for his breakout role as the handsome, curly-haired bad boy Gu Jun-pyo in Boys Over Flowers.
“There are still people who call me Gu Jun-pyo and I’m very surprised by this because Boys Over Flowers aired more than 14 years ago. But it’s really amazing to see how a project from this long ago can still be influential so I try my best to create K-dramas that people can remember for years or decades,” says Min-ho, who last visited Manila seven years ago.
The Korean actor, who returns as the face of SMDC — reportedly the country’s biggest and fastest-growing developer — is also building other things that last outside the small and silver screens, so to speak, as he promotes the brand’s fast-rising Sands Residences, Glam Residences, Sail Residences and Gold Residences, among others.
He also admits that he was touched by how warmly fans received him upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. “I really didn’t notice that time flew really fast and that it has been seven years since last I came here to the Philippines. I saw how much my fans waited for me here when I arrived last night at the airport,” he explains.
Min-ho also adds that his legions of Filipino fans always give him “a lot of energy” and that such warm welcomes are something that he misses a lot.
Fandom aside, the actor also reveals that while he may not have time to do it in this trip, he also loves going to the beaches. “Whenever I get to visit the Philippines, I always look forward to going to the very quiet islands to spend time for myself,” he shares.
Well, one thing that he seems to have time for is a Filipino delicacy. “I think after the show [ a fan meet at the SMX Convention Center] I will be able to try some lechon!” he teases with that trademark smile.
Asked about causes that he feels strongly about, the heartthrob, who has previously supported charities that provide clean drinking water to children in Africa and organizations that specialize in the protection of children from abuse, among others, shares a somewhat unsurprising answer.
“I think I’m very interested in supporting children. They are, after all, our next generation. It is important for us to support our current youth that have been really striving and going through a lot to keep this society well. We must also think about our children who will continue our next generation. That is why in my own capabilities I have tried my best to help children and also support them as much as I can,” he ends.
Shortly after his press conference at the Conrad Manila, Min-ho traded in his sparkling black jacket — most likely a Hugo Boss — for a suit in SMDC’s signature blue, as he wowed the crowds at the SMX Convention Center.
