Annyeong again, Alex
The first time Filipinos fell in love with this Korean was in 2012 when he came over as member of boy band, U-KISS. Well, annyeong (hello), he’s back.
The first time Filipinos fell in love with this Korean was in 2012 when he came over as member of boy band, U-KISS. Well, annyeong (hello), he’s back.
Korean singer-actor Alexander Lee has got to have one of the most disarming smiles in the world. That day Bulletin Entertainment sat down for a one-on-one interview with him, the guy was late by a few minutes. Our friends from GMA who invited us over noted it’s the first time he’s ever been behind schedule. “He must have a valid reason,” they said.
As it turned out, no explanation was needed. All Alex did when we were finally introduced was flash a smile and all is forgiven. There’s something so genuine and open about him that right then and there, we knew he’s the right choice for “My Korean Jagiya” co-starring Heart Evangelista.
“My Korean Jagiya” is GMA Network’s first-ever FilipinoKorean series. It’s about a K-Pop artist who leaves the scene when he gets brokenhearted. He’s been away for years when a Pinay tutor, who happens to be one of his biggest fans, enters his life. The series premieres tonight.
Without further ado, here’s an excerpt of our chat with Alex: How did your shoot in Seoul, Korea go? “It was really good. We went to beautiful and iconic locations in Korea like Nami Island and Namsan Park. We even shot scenes in the really famous spots some people can’t access like the Dae Jang Geum, which was the ‘Jewel In The Palace’ original set; and at Seongnamsa Temple, which was the actual location used on ‘Goblin.’” How is it working with Heart? “She’s very talented, very nice, very warm, very welcoming. I know she has been in this field for a long time so I was actually worried that she might be a diva or snobbish, whatever. But when I met her, she’s very sweet and she really took care of us. It’s really nice working with her.” Heart is married. “Exactly. How sad. (laughs) “I met her husband (Senator Chiz Escudero) and he’s really a good guy so I understand why (she fell in love with and married him). The senator is also very welcoming and friendly.”
Is it easy or difficult playing an actor when you are already one in real life?
“I think it’s hard for me ’cause, you know, I’m playing an actor’s darkest side. So, it’s not like what I’m portraying in public, but what’s hidden inside. For me to be able to reach inside for that, its actually quite difficult. I had to do workshop to unlock my inner side and explore myself for the role. I actually had a lot of self realization when I did.”
What’s your experience working with a Filipino production?
“I have culture shock but in a good way. In Philippines, everybody is very welcoming. Usually in Korea, it takes few weeks or a month when you start a project before you break the ice. It’s usually more serious when we work. We don’t really joke around, just ‘thank you’ or ‘kamsahamnida,’ ‘okay’ – everything is so formal.
“But here, on the first day, people were like ‘Hi, Alexander!’ We were like ‘Whoa, it’s a different world.’ People are very laid back, relaxed.” Do you think there’ll be a U-KISS reunion someday? “I don’t know. I cherish my past but I like my now more. I do have contact with some of the ex-members but they’re all busy like some of them went to Japan or going in different direction...” Do you have a girlfriend? “No I don’t. Single.” But you had one? “Since U-KISS and onward, I was like controlling my private life and then I really got busy with my career. I’m a very ambitious person. But then you know love, when it comes, it comes. So far its nothing coming yet though. I’ve yet to meet the right person.” Why do you think many Filipinos are so fascinated by everything Korean? “Because Koreans are very hardworking, very ambitious, so when they perform on stage, in drama, they give 200 percent instead of 100 percent. I think Filipinos are just fascinated how they’re able to achieve it so that’s why they like it.” How long will you be in the Philippines? “For the time being, three to four months. Hopefully, if the drama goes well, I’ll continue to be here again and again. Forever.” Can you make good kimchi? “I think so, haha. I I did it with my Grandma. I think I’m not bad (at it).” What’s your fashion style?
“I like it simple. I don’t like too many accessories. Simple and clean, and pure like my heart, just kidding.” Do you have a favorite Filipino singer and song? “Actually, my goal is to be the male Sandara Park because I know she’s receiving a lot of love here in the Philippines. And, yeah, she’s really successful here, so I wish I could be the role model here being a nice, sweet person. She has a nice personality and being the girl next door. I really wish I could be like her.” We were told you can speak seven languages. True? “Yes. I love languages. I grew up in Macau where I learned Cantonese, Mandarin, English, Spanish. I also know Japanese, Korean, Portuguese.” And now some Filipino words, too. What have you learned so far? “Ang bait mo, pautang. Salamat po, maganda. Mahal na mahal kita.”