GMA Network has just added another remarkable asset to its roster of talented artists– this time in the form of South Korean star Kim Ji Soo, who played Guk-doo in “Strong Girl Bong-Soon” (2021),  and became iconic for his portrayal in “My First First Love” (2019). Fresh off his contract signing event with GMA Network’s Sparkle on Wednesday, Ji Soo revealed some of his ‘Pinoy-coded’ favorites– his go-to dishes, fave word, and dream tourist destinations. 

JI SOO’S PINOY FAVES
The oppa-loving Filipino nation will have so much to like about Ji Soo, who has already fallen in love with some of the best dishes the Pinoy cuisine could offer.

“I’ve tried a lot of things like adobo, but I really like pork and beef– so meat dishes iike adobo, sisig, lechon,” said the 31-year-old actor during a conversation with the press after his contract signing. 

He emphasized that sisig that comes with garlic rice is his go-to combination. 

Asked what place in the country he has fallen in love so far, Ji Soo mentioned without hesitation the globally renowned Boracay island in Aklan, after having visited the tourist spot in his months-long stay. He arrived in the Philippines earlier this year and immediately made the rounds online after playing a special cameo role in the 2024 full-action primetime drama “Black Rider.”

He also looks forward to visiting Siargao and Palawan– two other world-famous destinations known for their impeccable shores and astounding sceneries.

As for his favorite Filipino word, Ji Soo blushed as he uttered the word kilig, an almost indescribable Filipino term that points to a distinct feeling of elation and thrill upon seeing a special someone, often a romantic partner. 

Kilig, in 2016, was formally welcomed by Oxford English Dictionary to its word list, where its substantiated meaning  says, “(adj.) exhilarated by an exciting or romantic experience; thrilled, elated, gratified,” and “(n.) exhilaration or elation caused by an exciting or romantic experience; an instance of this, a thrill.”

Ji Soo also bared how he has adapted and adjusted to the Filipino way of doing things here in the Philippines, to which he had a very positive response. 

“Actually even when we have different languages, living is very similar. We always have points we can relate to with one another. At first, I was kinda nervous. But now I think I am already used to living here, so now it's more chill!” explained the South Korean actor.

Ji Soo also manifested his love for the Filipino brand of warmth and positivity. “They (Filipinos) are really bright, they always smile, and they always have very positive energy. They make me always cheered up,” he noted. 

Ji Soo was officially welcomed by Sparkle GMA Artist Center, the Kapuso network’s artist management arm, on the afternoon of August 28, attended by GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group and CEO of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth Rasonable, and Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Talent Development and Management First Vice President Joy Marcelo.

Also present was Universal Records Philippines managing director Kathleen Dy-Go.

ACTING STINT WITH THE KAPUSO NETWORK
Prior to joining Sparkle, Ji Soo has had multiple acting stints under the GMA Network. He appeared in a special cameo role as “Adrian Park” in the 2024 full-action series “Black Rider,” where showcased a glimpse of his action-drama capabilities. 

He also attended the GMA Gala 2024 held at the Marriott Hotel last July 20, and even won the Red Carpet Scene Stealer Award.

Just recently, Ji Soo appeared as Dr. Kim Young in the hit GMA Afternoon Prime series “Abot Kamay na Pangarap,” a long-running medical drama topbilled by Jillian Ward.

(With interview reports from Karen Tolenada and Vanessa Jumoc)