‘Reborn Rich’ Star Song Joong-ki Talks Filming, Working With His Co-Stars and Eating Chilli Crab in Singapore

The Korean heartthrob was in Singapore to promote his latest drama, ‘Reborn Rich’ and held a press conference for local media. Plus, find out what Singapore food he had upon reaching

The atmosphere at the Hard Rock Hotel in Singapore last week was palpable. And the reason was obvious: fans as well as both local and international media descended upon The Coliseum to welcome South Korean heartthrob Song Joong-ki as he made a hotly anticipated trip to our sunny shores to promote his new drama while meeting his longtime fans.

Don’t miss: ‘Reborn Rich’: 5 Highlights From Song Joong-Ki’s Comeback Drama

“This is my seventh… no, the eighth time in Singapore,” he said shortly after he ran onstage amidst loud cheers from the assembled crowd. “I really wanted to come to Sentosa island, and this morning I played golf here and I’m so happy now.”

The affable star also added that he managed to get his fill of local food including black pepper and chilli crab the night before.

The conversation very quickly turned to Reborn Rich, the star’s latest K-drama which he was here in Singapore to promote and which has been creating waves worldwide.

“Frankly, I never expected this response, since this isn’t a romantic comedy-drama,” he said. “I heard that many Asian audiences love Korean rom-coms, but this wasn’t one.”

Above Photo: Viu

The drama sees Song playing Yoon Hyun-woo, who has worked at a family-run conglomerate for years. Despite his loyal service to the family, he is accused of embezzlement when the family runs into trouble.

Desperate to protect his family, the youngest son murders Yoon. However, things get interesting when Yoon comes back to life in the body of Do Joon, intent on getting revenge.

In the series, Song plays both leading character roles, a feat which proved challenging from the start for the star but which he quickly adapted to.

“I only play Hyun-woo for two episodes but I think I have an obsession with him. I was happy to express his emotions and his life,” Song said. However, he added that his other character, Do-joon, has an equally special place in his life because of how “he is a great friend to have when it comes to finances.”

“A friend from middle school told me if I had the talents of Do-joon, he’d like to buy stocks in Google.”

Above Photo: Viu

Song shared that the life of the ultra-wealthy isn’t one that he particularly admires. When asked what he would do if he ever got into the wealth his characters find themselves in on the show, Song deliberated long and hard.

“Frankly, I don't want to be [ultra-wealthy]. Money makes a family have conflict and I hate that,” he said. “Humans like money but that’s not the number one thing, so I don’t want to be reborn into a rich family.”

He went on to admit that he did not stand out in school either and even went as far as to say that he thought himself “silent and boring”.

Above Photo: Viu

While the storyline is not one he envies, Song admitted that there were many reasons why he believed in the project so much and that was because many people he respected were involved.

“I chose to do it because the writer was one I trusted deeply. I did one project with her about 11 or 12 years ago. That was her first project and it went so well. So when my agent said this was her script, I immediately said I wanted to do it,” Song said.

He added that another factor was the fact that he would be working alongside veteran actors Sung-min and Shin Hyun-been, two individuals who he deeply respects and admires for their work.

“Ms Shin was incredible. I’ve watched many of her previous projects, and I always thought she was brave and really sincere,” he said of his co-star who plays Do-joon’s love interest.

Above Photo: Viu

The conversation then moved easily to what it was like shooting the series which was filmed in Istanbul.

“Shooting in Turkey gave our project more variety, and gave it a deeper quality. At that point, I could express Yoon Hyun-woo’s emotions more deeply, about his isolation and conflict,” said Song. He added that he was very impressed by how hospitable the Turkish citizens were towards them as they filmed.

“We also filmed my second favourite scene in the show in Turkey,” Song quipped. “The ending scene in episode one in Turkey, on the big rock next to the sea. The last facial expression Hyun-woo made, that face, I loved that,” he said.

“Hyun-woo at the time knew, ‘Oh, I will be killed soon’ so I loved Hyun-woo’s face because it was the last expression and emotion of his life.”

Above Photo: Viu

Song then went on to cheekily say that he could not tell us what his favourite scene in the show was because it was not yet released and would be a major spoiler, which he stayed far away from as the show is ongoing.

“I will just say you need to watch episodes 12 and 13 and that it is a scene between Do-joon and his grandfather.”

NOW READ

Song Joong-ki Shows to Watch in 2022: Reborn Rich, Vincenzo, Descendants of the Sun and More

7 Of The Most Popular Leading Men In K Drama: Lee Min-ho, Song Joong-ki, And More

7 Korean Celebrities Who Have Above Average IQ: BTS’ RM, Song Joong-Ki

Topics

Reborn Rich K-Drama Song Joong-Ki

Tatler Asia

Song Joong-Ki on Filming ‘Reborn Rich’ in Turkey, His Favourite Scene and Why He Doesn’t Envy the Ultra-Wealthy