When lifestyle and clothing brand BENCH announced the inclusion of South Korean actor Park Seo Jun in its lineup of #GlobalBENCHsetter this year, Korean drama fans all over the country were already keeping their fingers crossed that the leading lifestyle and clothing brand will bring to the archipelago the Divine Fury actor.
And when BENCH finally confirmed that, indeed, South Korea’s romantic-comedy king is finally making his way to the Philippines, his fans were more than ready to welcome him with warmth and passion for a memorable one-night-only fan meeting at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on September 29. It was a sold-out night — filled with laughter, maybe tears, and kilig vibes.
But before the dashing actor met his adoring fans, members of the local press were fortunate to meet him and know more about him as an actor, fashion icon, #GlobalBENCHsetter, and as a person through a press conference on September 28 at The Peninsula Manila. Clad in a BENCH button-down long sleeve and black pants and partnered with white sneakers, Park Seo Jun was a man of wisdom and humility as he talks about acting, fashion, the Philippines, working with BENCH, and more.
#1 He enjoyed the Philippines (and probably, he will find a way to come back!)
Starting off the interview with a shy introduction and greeting, the Divine Fury actor said he had a good time coming to the Philippines despite his tight schedule. He also mentioned meeting with BENCH’s founder Ben Chan and how he wished he could meet more people in the limited time he has in the country. Moreover, coming to the Philippines makes him think of possible opportunities to come back and do more work here.
#2 He never expected to have a huge fan base in the country (after a sold-out fun meet, Park Seo Jun definitely knows now!)
Despite his evident popularity all over the world, thanks to his charming portrayals of various characters including the well-loved Lee Young Joon from What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?, Park Seo Jun remained grounded. In fact, although he acknowledges the presence of his fan base in the Philippines, he never expected he had a big following until BENCH tapped him to be one of their brand ambassadors.
He is grateful, he said, to be part of the BENCH family that now also includes his fellow South Korean actor Ji Chang Wook, Meteor Garden‘s Dylan Wang, and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before‘s Noah Centineo, among others. According to him, he appreciates how the lifestyle and clothing brand gives him the opportunity to meet more people overseas.
#3 When it comes to style, it’s BENCH for Park Seo Jun!
On his personal style, Park Seo Jun proudly said “BENCH”. He said the lifestyle and clothing brand, which offers trendy and stylish premium quality products, matches his personal style which goes for comfort first as he is always on a busy schedule and on-the-go. He also shared valuable fashion tips for everyone — be confident, know your body type, and try out various styles.
#4 Every character he plays has a bit of himself.
In case you did not know, Park Seo Jun joined the entertainment industry at the age of 22 through B.A.P’s Bang Yong Guk’s “I Remember” music video in 2011. The same year, he appeared in the film Perfect Game as Chil Goo. He then starred in his first television series, Dream High 2, in 2012 as Si Woo.
The actor went on to star in various productions including Shut Up Family, Pots of Gold, and Witch’s Romance. And in 2015, he starred in his breakout roles in the dramas Kill Me, Heal Me and She Was Pretty as Oh Ri On and Ji Sung Joon, respectively. His rise to fame continued with Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, Fight For My Way, and What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?.
During the press conference, he admitted that every character he plays has a bit of himself. He also shared that, among all the roles he played, he considered his role as Go Dong Man as the most challenging as he had to undergo training for the role as an MMA fighter.
But despite his growing international popularity, Park Seo Jun said he does not have concrete plans for a Hollywood debut. According to him, he thinks his English needs more refinement. However, he admitted that debuting in Hollywood is something on his mind.
#5 He wishes to be simply known as Park Seo Jun.
Although he feels honored to be dubbed as Asia’s Ryan Gosling as he is a fan of the actor, Park Seo Jun said he hopes not to be compared to others or be known as the Asian counterpart of anyone. He then promised to work harder and show better works in the future.
And speaking of “works”, the #GlobalBENCHsetter revealed that he is currently filming a new project where he is set to portray a character from his high school until he reaches 35 years old. He added that he is excited to play such as role and revealed his hope for the character to be a source of comfort to the young people.
#6 He relieves stress through bonding with his friends!
Every Park Seo Jun fans know how strong the bond of the actor with his co-stars, especially from the drama Hwarang. The actors hang out together and show their support for one another (Remember the coffee truck they sent to BTS’s concert in support of V?). According to the actor, he loves hanging out with his friends during his spare time. He considers bonding with his friends as a way to relieve stress.
