MANILA, Philippines — Korean actress Lee Sung Kyoung first caught the eyes of K-drama fans when she starred in the “webtoon”-based drama “Cheese in the Trap.”
Despite being a sort of a villainous character, her crazy antics as Baek Inha made drama fans love her.
Prior to that, she played bit roles such as a troubled girl with behavioral problems in “It's Okay, That's Love.” This was her acting debut, which made her the first model-actress promoted under the joint venture of YG Entertainment and K-Plus.
She considered it a “blessing because I was able to work with great seniors and fellow actors.”
It was followed by another secondary role in “Flower of Queen.”
It was her first lead role in “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo” that catapulted her to international stardom. The drama aired in ABS-CBN in 2017.
Inspired by Olympian gold medalist weightlifter Jang Mi-ran, the “Koreanovela” tells about Kim Bok Joo, whose life revolves around weightlifting until she finds love with her childhood swimmer, portrayed by Korean actor Nam Joo Hyuk. The love team's palpable on-screen chemistry turned into real, off-screen romance, albeit for a brief time.
When asked what was the challenging part in playing Kim Bok Joo, Sung Kyoung shared that she had a hard time physically because she was required to gain weight.
“I had a hard time physically to look a bit chubbier, and to physically look like Kim Bok Joo. I also had to understand the personality and characteristics, even the small steps of Kim Bok Joo," said the actress during the press conference at the Dolphy Theater.
The media event happened a day before her “Be Joyful” fan meeting in Manila, slated last July 27 at 6 p.m., in SM North Skydome.
"I heard that the Philippine fans really love the Kim Bok Joo drama, so thank you very much,” enthused Sung Kyoung, who popularized "Swag," one of her famous lines in the drama.
The Korean actress-model shared that Kim Bok Joo and Michaela Choi, her character in “About Time,” as two of her most favorite roles.
Michaela - because she can relate to the character, since both of them are the eldest child in the family.
For her next TV appearance, Sung Kyoung is not eyeing any specific roles for her next project since she wants to try new things.
But her fans need not worry; Sung Kyoung has filmed a movie, titled “Girl Cops.” An “omaju” of the Korean TV series "Two Cops," which aired in 1993, she portrayed a police officer, alongside actress Ra Miran.
While she enjoys acting the most, Sung Kyoung wears different hats. She models. She sings. She dubs.
Those who follow her career know that she started her showbiz career as a model, competing in various contests such as Super Model Contest and the International Asia Pacific Super Model Contest. Not surprising with her towering figure and striking beauty.
Sung Kyoung showed her singing prowess and released her very own single, featuring “About Time” official soundtracks such as "My Only One Person," "I Am What I Am" and "Tomorrow Will Be A Better Day."
She was also featured in Korean singer Eddy Kim’s song, “My Lips Like Warm Coffee,” in 2016, and in Psy’s “Last Scene” in 2017.
Recently, she made it on Philippine entertainment pages when Filipino actress-singer Lea Salonga praised her rendition of "A Whole New World," the theme song of "Aladdin," which the Korean actress confessed to have watched recently. Lea originally sang it in the 1992 animated film.
She and actor Park Hyung Sik did a beautiful duet of "True Colors," the OST of the animated film “Trolls.” The two Hallyu stars lend their voices to dub the movie for its South Korean release.
After her short stay in Manila for her fan meeting, Sung Kyoung promises to return to the Philippines for a vacation.
“I have a hectic schedule on this trip. For my next trip, I'm going here again to see many places,” said the actress.
When asked where she wants to go in the country, she shared: "My friends told me that there are beautiful parks here, as well as a great horse-riding experience. I want to try it."