AO EXCLUSIVE: Ji Chang Wook talks about working with IAM Worldwide, his acting career, and healthy living

PH fans had the chance to reunite with their precious star, Wookie, again!

Ji Chang Wook is one of Asia’s most beloved and award-winning actors, known not only for his irresistible charm but also for his exceptional talents. He has captured fans worldwide through his hit dramas and films. A versatile actor who is remarkable for his roles in the dramas Empress Ki, Healer, The K2, Suspicious Partner, Melting Me Softly, Backstreet Rookie, The Worst of Evil, and Welcome to Samdal-ri.

It was August last year when he last visited Manila, and this year, he once again made every heart of his Filipino fans flutter by headlining IAM Worldwide’s 8th Anniversary show, “DOMIN8.” An exclusive press conference was held ahead of the show last October 19 at the Peninsula Hotel, where Wookie shared what he feels about his return to Manila, his upcoming drama, The Manipulated, and talked about working with IAM Worldwide. 

Ji Chang Wook’s sweet smile illuminates the whole room as he enters. He greets everyone with a warm, “Mabuhay! Kumusta po kayo? Salamat po,” while waving and smiling at everyone. He’s so charming as always!

His Return to Manila

This year marks the third time he has visited Manila. When asked about what he remembered most from his previous visits to Manila, he responded, “I think the thing I really remember up to now is the love that I received. The one that I can really remember is the board of directors who gave unconditional love for me, and the fans who gave a huge amount of love for me to be able to be invited to this event.”

He said, the love from his fans, whenever he sees their faces, that actually brings the desire for him to come back to the Philippines, “and also looking at how hospitable they are and their positive looks and their cheers. Whenever I encountered them, I feel that I want to come back here in the Philippines,” he added.

He is thankful for all the love he receives from Filipino fans and hopes that they will always look forward to him, as he’ll be working hard to become a better individual and develop better projects for everyone.

His Acting Career and Upcoming Projects

Ji Chang Wook has been in the industry for over 10 years. He said being able to sustain in the industry for such a long time is because of the complementary things, such as his mind control, sound mind and heart, not giving up when the environment is set so, and the precious people around him.

He is known for being a versatile actor, and he shared that when choosing projects, he first bases by the story, and he should have confidence when he acts that script and looks at the fact that the project is necessary to compose his character as an actor. Every role that he takes gives him a small influence as a person.

On the other hand, he shared a brief introduction about his character in his upcoming Disney+ original drama, The Manipulated, and according to him, it is a story about a man who got falsely accused and imprisoned. It is an action drama where he seeks revenge. Let us all look forward to it! It’s coming on November 5 on Disney+. He also mentioned his upcoming Netflix series, Scandal, which is memorable for him since he recently participated in it alongside The Manipulated.

His Partnership with IAM Worldwide

This is Ji Chang Wook’s second year with IAM Worldwide. He shared how it was working with them. He said he really likes the concept vibe during their shoot and mentioned that he likes motorbiking as well. His campaign with IAM Worldwide has a strong and inspiring message about challenges in life. When asked about his advice he can give when it comes to overcoming challenges in life, he answered, “I think I am not in a position to give advice to someone, but I think maybe a positive mindset and a healthy lifestyle.”

Ji Chang Wook thinks that there is a very close relationship between a healthy lifestyle and success. “Success is equal to where you have a sound body and mind. The first step to success is to have a sound body and mind as well.” Wookie also shared his favorite IAM products, which are the organic barley, the choco barley, and the caffe macchiato.

He said being healthy is one of the important things that we should take care of in our lives, and for him, it’s important to have a routine that is suited for healthy living. He shared that despite his busy schedule, he makes sure that he sleeps well and exercises when there’s time. “You have to try this pure organic barley whenever you have time,” he recommended.

Moreover, it touched my heart when he answered the question about his advice to his younger self, if he could travel back in time, he stated, “It’s better not to say anything at all. I think I should not give specific advice to Chang Wook at that time because all those mistakes and trial and errors that I experienced in my 20-year-old, I think those moments are really precious for me, so I’ll just leave Chang Wook at that time.” I really felt his strong personality!

The press conference wrapped up with Ji Chang Wook’s heartfelt message to his Filipino fans and IAM Worldwide family, “I would actually say that I’m very very thankful for your unconditional love for me. I want to meet you guys more often. For the IAM Worldwide family and the media who invited me on this occasion, thank you so much and I love you all!”

Special thanks to IAM Worldwide and Publicity Asia for this opportunity to meet Wookie again.