From Korea with love

"I can only bare much of my upper body – and not there. That would be scandalous," Kwon Sang Woo, also known as Cholo of GMA 7’s hit Koreanovela Stairway to Heaven, gamely says in Korean when asked how far he could go for bold and daring (TV/movie) projects and pictorials.

Kwon need not show skin, go extra edgy nor shed his wholesome, boy-next-door image to get the admiration of Pinoy fans.

His refreshing face is enough to make his followers drool.

Besides, showing a lot of skin is still too much for many of our conservative televiewers.

Kwon’s two-day visit as endorser of The Face Shop, a beauty and skin care line, marked his second to the Philippines. The first was two years ago, where he frolicked under the sun and traipsed along the sands of Boracay. To date, he is the third male hot star from Korea who has stormed the local tinseltown, after Lee Dong-Gun of Sweet 18 and Lee Dong-Wook of My Girl.

Does it mean another Korean actor, performer Rain of A Love to Kill fame will soon follow?

Kwon finds his recent trip to the Philippines lovelier and sweeter as he has seen more beauties and met his fans this time.

"Their faces are small, unlike the wide faces of Korean women," Kwon describes a typical Pinay physical attribute. "They have beautiful eyes and nice bodies. Because of them, I might prolong my stay."

Asked how Cholo of Stairway to Heaven is different from the many roles he has played on the small screen, Kwon replies, "I can identify with most of my roles. I like Cholo’s passion when he is in love. I’m like that, too. I also like to joke and clown around."

Always cast in melodrama, the actor in Kwon first studies the plot and general view of a TV or movie project before he accepts it. His nod of approval means it has a good story.

Kwon’s dream role is Ryan O’Neal’s character in the 1970 film Love Story which has many parallelisms with another Koreanovela, Love Story in Harvard. The tearjerker is about a poor college girl (Jenny) and a rich law student (Oliver) who fall in love and defy his wealthy father’s will. The bliss in their relationship is cut short by the girl’s fatal illness. Thus, the guy goes through life alone.

Non-English speaking Kwon admits language will be a barrier if he plays the role for Hollywood.

But the theme – love knows no obstacles and limitations – is universal. So whether his dream role is spoken in Korean or not, it will click.

"I don’t discriminate," says Kwon when asked of the possibility of him engaging in a May-December affair. "Age doesn’t matter. Men have always this fantasy with older women. If I do fall for an older woman, I have to meet her now!"

Kwon sees a woman’s biological clock as the only problem in a May-December affair.

Aside from Erich Seagal-based movie, Kwon considers Cinema Paradiso by Giuseppe Tornatore his favorite. He has seen the film 10 times and has the original soundtrack to show how his interest is piqued by it.

Being on the spotlight and under the scrutiny of the public, Kwon has to take care of himself. He must maintain his health and good grooming. Kwon works out two to three times a week. Sometimes he hits the gym more frequently, especially if he feels the need to exercise more. His diet is just like every man’s because he doesn’t deprive himself of anything. He eats – and does things – in moderation. He prefers fruits and juices and drinks a lot of water.

As the spokesperson of The Face Shop, Kwon likes the line’s cleansing products like moisturizers and skin masks/sheets with fruity scent and natural ingredients.

Although he does his health and beauty regimen religiously, Kwon clarifies he is not vain.

"I have to do this because of the kind of industry I work in."

Kwon’s latest endorsement has shown the natural and fresh side of him as opposed to the manly and stoic images his roles on TV make him appear across Korea and beyond.

In his Manila trip, the actor had the chance to take part in the activities of Gawad Kalinga. Kwon enjoyed the presentation of the kids who live in the city’s outskirts most.

"Despite their situation and living condition, they are bright and look happy," says Kwon. He hopes the children will soon have the shelter they need.