In a gathering in Manila, Tatler gets to know the sensational Korean actor and Bench global ambassador, his new discoveries and what keeps his feet on the ground
“조금 잘 지내요 [Jogeum jal jinaeyo],” replied the multi-faceted Korean actor and Bench Global “Benchsetter” Ji Chang-wook to me when I asked him in his language how he was doing. Admittedly, I was then trying to use the few Korean phrases I learnt so far from my language class in UP, or more so, I wanted to catch this debonair's attention in a grand ballroom chock-full of people who had been waiting for his arrival. For the first time ever, he was in Manila for a major fan event as part of his world tour, of which the Philippine leg was presented by Filipino fashion retail giant, Bench. Dubbed Reach You, Chang-wook's tour series started in Seoul last September and will be in Japan and Indonesia next after the Manila gathering.
If I were to literally translate his reply to me, it meant “I’m a little well,” which made me think, was he not okay? Was he not feeling well? Having worked on two remarkable drama series (Lovestruck in the City and If You Wish Upon Me), a Netflix musical series (The Sound of Magic), a reality show (Young Actor’s Retreat), and a thriller film (Hard Hit), alongside magazine shoots and product endorsements in the last two years alone, I could just imagine how exhausting it was for him. Or did he not like the Philippines, especially Manila? I was alarmed, to be honest.
But then he did not look like it. Not at all.
As he entered the stage with his captivating smile, he candidly posed for the camera and waved at everyone. He answered all the questions thoughtfully, despite the occasional thunder that would interrupt quite a few times on that rainy afternoon. Sometimes shyly, often with a sincere grin or a heart-melting eye contact. With the enthusiasm I saw in his eyes, I double-checked the translation of his reply to me, still in disbelief that he was just "a little well". It appeared to me, and I guess everyone in the ballroom would agree, that he was having a great time.
To my relief, I found out that his answer meant “I’m fine” or "I'm doing well," a translation that now aligned with what I saw on stage: a genuinely happy and playful Ji Chang-wook eager to meet the people waiting for his first Manila visit.
When he started talking, joy reverberated from every word he uttered. I could really tell he was grateful for his experience working with Bench as well as the warm welcome he received from his Filipino followers. “Bench was the first company that I get to work with in the Philippines. The brand was very hospitable and accommodating. They treated me like family,” he shares, talking about how the homegrown fashion retail empire took good care of him and provided him with a wonderfully comfortable working environment that he so enjoyed. It is not surprising though because Bench founder and Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2022 honouree, Ben Chan is not only lauded for his great leadership and business acumen, but for working diligently and nurturing his employees and business partners as well. "I’ve always adhered to the words of the writer Jonathan Swift, 'Vision is the art of seeing the invisible.' Make your plans into action, work hard, and always see the big picture. And in these times, learn to adapt. Every person has an experience to share. Every city has its own story to tell. Stay open," says the inspiring leader.
