Ji Chang Wook took Filipino fans on a magical journey full of music, fun, and warmth at his recent fan meeting!
Held on November 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Reach You in Manila is a dream come true. It’s been over a week since Ji Chang Wook fulfilled our enduring wish to meet him and we still can’t believe the magic he had brought us.
Reach You in Manila, the second stop of his Asia Tour, was highlighted by Ji Chang Wook’s musical prowess, entrancing presence, and fun persona. Far from the conventional fan meeting, this event compares to a high-quality concert. What’s even more fascinating is that he did not use any other artists’ songs for the setlist but rather the official soundtracks he sang for his dramas. (#WeStanATalentedMan)
Definitely not your typical oppa, Ji Chang Wook proved himself to be one of the most well-rounded actors in the industry. (We can honestly list “101 reasons” to like him!)
While Reach You in Manila marks his first visit to the country, Ji Chang Wook’s huge Philippine fanbase ensures to leave the actor an unforgettable memory by giving him the best and most passionate warm welcome.
Greeted by the deafening cheers of the excited crowd, Ji Chang Wook opened the event with a splendid song number of “Do You Believe in Magic”, an OST from his recent Netflix drama The Sound of Magic.
In between his performance, it’s touching to see how the actor takes his time to admire the crowd and intently gazes at his Filipino fans with so much love in his eyes.
Soon after his enchanting stage, the event’s amiable host Sam Oh introduced the fun corners of the event.
2022 Ji Chang Wook Reach You in Manila Highlights
5 times Ji Chang Wook “Melted Us Softly” With His Charms
1. While Ji Chang Wook plays an exceptional online gamer in his movie Fabricated City, his character isn’t any different from his personality off camera. When asked about the game he enjoys these days, he recounted that during his stay in Manila, he played a gun shooting game until late at night at his hotel. He shyly added that he wants to go out and explore the city but he doesn’t know any places. (Don’t worry! For your next visit, we have a whole itinerary just for you!)
2. Who would ever forget his compelling portrayal as a prosecutor in the drama Suspicious Partner? He could be mistaken as one! But in a question during the question-and-answer portion, he revealed that his dream job other than being an actor is working in the architecture or wood industry. (Honestly, he can do everything but we are just glad that we are able to see his handsome face on TV! )
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3. Some may not know but Ji Chang Wook started his brilliant career as a theater actor before taking on small screen roles. And his most notable project The Days is just one of his best works that showcase his wide range of talents.
It was revealed during the talk that he had been performing his role in Lee Mu Yeong for three years, twice a day, ninety-seven times in a row for six months. Just wow! Mighty Ji Chang Wook strikes again, and we’re falling in love even more.
4. On a lighter note, the actor was asked how much alcohol he can drink and he said a bottle and a half of soju makes him drunk. Bringing laughter to the whole arena, Ji Chang Wook detailed that he has a drinking habit of being hyped but getting sleepy all of a sudden. (Oh, how cute can he be when he’s drunk!)
5. While staying in the city for more than a day, it seems like our oppa has picked up some Filipino words. “Kumusta! Ako po si Ji Chang Wook (Hello! I am Ji Chang Wook), “Ang saya naman ‘di ba? (It’s fun, right?)”, “Salamat po! (Thank you!)”, “Matamis, sobrang masarap! (Sweet, so delicious!) pertaining to the Filipino food he tasted.
Ji Chang Wook, the man who made us Smile Again!
Ji Chang Wook played the role of Ri Eul, a magician in his drama Sound of Magic. On the question of the only thing he would like to do if he could be a real magician, the actor answered that he wants to teleport to Manila or Cebu.
Not only did the talented actor perform some of his well-known OSTs but he also prepared a magic show for the fans. Uncommon yet refreshing for a fan meeting, the most fascinating one I would say is when he let the audience pick a card and follow it while he moved the cards one by one. As he gradually eliminates the cards, he ends up picking the card everyone had chosen. Everyone in the arena was stunned and some were even speechless. (#Guilty)
Making the fans’ night even more special and momentous, the versatile actor has really gone all out with making this an unforgettable one for everyone.
From the re-enactment of the scenes from his dramas (Backstreet Rookie and K2) with a few lucky fans, doing magic tricks for fans, up to granting the wishes of fans, he really proved his sincere love for them.
4 “Healing” Moments During Reach You In Manila Fan Meeting
1. How could we ever forget the time when he recorded a morning call for us? Those three statements, “Gising ka na (wake up),” 일어나”, and “good morning”. We can listen to it over and over again and still surely wake up in a good mood.
2. During the VCR, we discovered that he’s been exploring the city. Good for him that he was able to enjoy some of the famous Filipino delicacies like sisig, halo-halo, and ube brownie. He even flaunted his Filipino skills by commenting, “Matamis. Sobrang masarap. (It’s sweet. Very delicious.)”
3. We cannot leave out on this list the time when he had an adorable interaction with a stray cat, as shown in the VCR. As it sweetly approaches him, he gently gives the cat a pat. (I think at that moment we all wished to be that cat!)
4. Sharing that this is his first time in the country, the Empress Ki actor remarked that the reaction of fans was so great that he wanna come more often. He even talked about the most memorable moment during his visit when the fans welcomed him in Manila.
Ji Chang Wook painted the arena with the “Sound of Magic!”
Before being a Hallyu superstar/ actor, Ji Chang Wook is known as a theatre actor. So, it’s no surprise to see him perform a song live effortlessly.
From sentimental ballads up to upbeat tracks, the actor showcased flawless performances of Empress Ki OST “To The Butterfly”, “Kissing You” from Seven First Kisses, “Even Though I Loved You” (The Days), and “101 Reasons Why I Like You” from Suspicious Partner. Hearing it live is surely a blessing.
Evident from the look on his face, the multi-faceted actor was amazed, touched and almost overwhelmed by the amount of the people who filled in the seats of the huge arena. He did not expect to earn an immense love from his Filipino fans.
“I didn’t expect you to like me this much.”
Conveying his love for Filipino fans, Ji Chang Wook expressed that he was really happy to receive so much love and he wishes to have more opportunities to meet each other in the future.
“The fact that you guys are loving me serves as a huge strength for me. Thank you. I love you and I will try my best to do better. Expect a lot from me.”
A heartfelt letter from Ji Chang Wook
As the event comes to a close, the mood becomes sentimental. The actor started reading a heartfelt letter he personally penned. In between delivering the lines, he admiringly gazed at the whole scene while visibly trying to hold back his tears.
“2625 kilometers. It’s the distance between Seoul and Manila. But your heart always reaches me. Did my heart reach you today?…
… I’m happy to meet you with a smile. Even if we’re not happy always, I hope we’ll be happy in many days. I love you. Till we meet each other again.” – From your Chang Wook
A concert would not be complete without an encore. Singing “I Will Protect You”, a fan-favorite track, the dazzling actor warms the heart of everyone with the live version of the OST from his drama Healer. For the last time, Ji shouted “Salamat po!” (Thank you!) with so much gratitude before delicately leaving the stage.
Capping off the night, Ji Chang Wook bid some fans a brief yet memorable goodbye through the wave opportunity. It was evident that the actor is in a great mood as he do not loses his smile until the end.
Undoubtedly, a lot of fans leave the arena with the biggest smiles on their faces and brought home with them unforgettable memories, eagerly hoping for his return the second time around. And as fans would say, he is definitely “worth the wait”.
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Ji Chang Wook Reach You in Manila was presented to fans by Bench, Glorious Entertainment, Next In Line Entertainment, and HS E&C.
Event Covered by: Lyris
Photos: BENCH & Glorious Entertainment
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