There are K-Drama fans across the globe who share the same passion. But on online platforms, it is hard to know about each other’s stories and tastes. Even if we are in the same fandom, it is hard to get to know each other. So at Kpopmap, we started the Kpopmap Fan Interview Project to get to know more about K-Drama fans from different countries. Just like the Kpopmap Fan Interview for idols, the Kpopmap Fan Interview for actors aims to open the opportunity for fans to promote, talk about, and share their love for their favorite actor/actress with our readers. Misel from the Philippines is the next fan to answer our questions about their favorite actor- Seo InGuk! Check out how she became his fan, the reasons why she is a fan, the dramas she recommends, and much more insights about Seo InGuk. Can you introduce yourself? Where are you from? Annyeong! My name is Misel and I am from Manila, Philippines. I was introduced to the colorful world of Korean drama through “My Love From The Stars”. I got hooked and have watched countless K-Movies and series since then. I’ve also had a fair share of Korean celebrity crushes and favorites but have never been such a devoted (and shameless! 😀) fan until I discovered Seo InGuk. Who is your favorite Korean actor/actress? And how and when did you become a fan? Seo InGuk. I found him only recently through “Cafe Mindamdang” (I hate, hate, hate myself for missing out on this super talented artist and precious human being!). After “Cafe Minamdang”, I watched “Reply 1997” and all his previous dramas along with his interviews, variety show appearances, and concerts/performances… and there’s just no turning back for me! What are the reasons why you love your favorite actor? He is a man of immense talent. As an actor, he breathes life into every character he portrays. As a singer and performer, he is simply natural- he owns and enjoys the stage, performs from the heart, and connects to his audience really well. He plays musical instruments. He writes songs and lyrics. He can dance. He can draw. What can’t he do, huh? He is the epitome of hard work, perseverance, discipline, and passion for his craft. He gives his 100% on every project he does - from losing and gaining weight, cutting and dyeing his hair up to the smallest details. He pays close attention to the character and works hard just so it will come out unique and different from Seo InGuk or any other character he previously portrayed. Of course, fans know his humble beginnings and how his hard work and dedication got him to where he is now. He is smart. There is never a dull answer or insensitive remark from SIG (Seo InGuk) during interviews. He expresses himself candidly while still being polite and endearing and his responses always come out as sincere and well thought of. Most importantly, he is human. SIG does not have a hint of celebrity air. He loves his family so dearly. He is a loyal friend. He smiles sweetly and interacts with fans casually during fan events or even at random occasions. He is not afraid to get dirty or to look silly. He doesn’t shy away from sharing stories like how he was turned down by a noona he liked while on a ferris wheel ride or how a fan took back a gift given to him after realizing that they mistook him for another celebrity. He admits his mistakes and amends them. He shares his struggles and inner demons and how he tries to overcome them. He laughs hard. He plays hard. He enjoys food and drinks like any of us would. He may look regal during photoshoots but he loves to dress casually and even shows himself fresh from the bath, with stubbles (coz he forgot to bring a razor, lol), and no makeup or filter. His most recent Toronto vlog on his YouTube channel shows so much of SIG as a human being, a precious human being, at that! Can you recommend dramas or movies starring your favorite actor for new fans? “Reply 1997” will probably be my all-time favorite drama of his, but highly recommending “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” for those who want to see how well SIG portrayed the delicate character of Kim MooYoung - cold but longing, manipulative but also protective, badass but with a soft spot especially for JinKang. What is your favorite actor’s influence on your daily life or yourself? He inspires me to strive harder and do more with life. The thought of him trying (and excelling!) on a lot of things despite his initial struggles and setbacks, pushes me to go beyond my comfort zone and try new things, as well. What genre do you want your favorite actor to appear in? What’s the reason? A medical drama. Dr. Kim SaRam (“Doom At Your Service”) on every episode, treating and saving patients, will be a delight to our eyes. A crime thriller/action drama. SIG playing as a detective who solves crimes unconventionally will be a good addition to his wide acting repertoire. What are the actors you would like your favorite actor to act with? What’s the reason? Jung EunJi. Their chemistry in “Reply 1997” and its OST is topnotch and a reunion drama for them and the rest of the “Reply” gang will be fantastic. IU. Both of them can act really well. Like SIG in The Smile Has Left Your Eyes", IU also flawlessly portrayed a delicate character in “My Mister”. Seeing them together in a movie or drama will be a dream come true for every K-Entertainment avid follower. What’s your favourite 2022 moment involving your favourite actor? 2022 is a year of many new and firsts for Seo InGuk! New album in 5 years (“LOVE&LOVE”), new drama series (“Cafe Minamdang”), new movie (“Project Wolf Hunting”). First international film festival he attended (Toronto International Film Festival), first venture in directing and producing MVs (Nam YoungJoo’s digital single), first personal vlog on YouTube! He has conquered them all and probably, the only thing missing is a new love life. 😀. Also looking forward to a new award or his first Daesang before the year ends (fingers crossed!). If you could spend the day with them, what would you want to do together? We are both introverted and like him, I mostly want to just stay home. If I could spend a day with him, I’ll probably let that day be his rest from all his outdoor activities. We’ll stay indoors either talking about anything in life OR not minding each other and doing what we love the most (I’d be in a corner, reading or watching a movie/series and I imagine, he’d be in another corner, drawing, writing a song, or playing online games). Have you ever made a new friend because of K-Dramas? There’s a girl from Indonesia who is also a big fan of “Reply 1997”, SIG, and Jeong EunJi. We started interacting by liking and retweeting each other’s tweets. Eventually, we also talked through DMs about our love for “Reply 1997” and our dream of seeing a SIG-EunJi reunion through a drama series or live performance. She is very kind, polite, and respectful and I wish I could meet her in person soon so we can talk nonstop about everything Seo InGuk. Which character played by your favourite actor do you think deserved better? Kim MooYoung from the “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” - I think no one else could’ve played it better than Seo InGuk and he definitely deserves recognition for the way he perfectly executed the delicate and complex character of Kim Moo Young. Using his signature eye acting along with body language and every tiny detail, SIG managed to turn MooYoung into a pitifully loveable character despite his seemingly dark, cold, and cunning persona during the first few episodes. Would you like to see your favorite actor in variety shows? What type of variety show would you like them to do? He’s done variety shows in the past and I’d say his pleasant, candid, and honest personality made his variety show appearances very meaningful and delightful. Still, if he will be doing variety now, I’d love to see him on a food program. Followers of his YouTube channel talk a lot about how well he reacts while on a Mukbang! Seeing his facial expressions and hearing his stories while cooking, eating, or drinking will be a fun watch! Describe him in 5 words. A very precious human being. Do you feel there are any misunderstandings, things that are not well known, or any prejudices about your favorite actor? SIG is well received by his co-stars and the Korean and global fans. He never had any major issue except the military exemption. Still, I think he is sooo underrated and he deserves more love and recognition than he’s getting right now. Give Seo InGuk a chance. Just one drama, one live performance, or one interview and I am sure you will love him the way his Heartriders do. Misel’s message for Seo InGuk: Thank you for sharing your amazing visual, personality, and talent. Thank you for being an inspiration to your global fans! Thank you for being YOU! Stay warm and bright! Keep rocking, InGuk-ssi!!! Thank you for answering our questions, Misel. If you are interested in joining Kpopmap Fan Interview Project, please get in touch with us at [email protected] Everyone is welcome to participate.
Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Filipino CARAT Talks About Her Favorite Group SEVENTEEN & Her Bias Hoshi by FANS|Oct 30, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A European TRUE Talks About Her Favorite Group TRI.BE & Her Bias Mire by FANS|Oct 29, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Filipino K2YWE Talks About Her Favorite Group BLANK2Y And Her Bias Louis by FANS|Oct 28, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A K2YWE From Poland Talks About Her Favorite Group BLANK2Y And Her Bias U by FANS|Oct 27, 2022