In this exclusive interview with Tatler Hong Kong, South Korean actor Kim Woo-bin gets candid about being Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new ambassador and what’s next for him, following a four-year hiatus from the entertainment industry
Kim Woo-bin marks his comeback with an appearance at The Sound Maker exhibition in Seoul, as Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new brand ambassador. The exhibition features a curated selection of the earliest and most historically significant of the Maison's chiming masterworks in addition to documents and archives in public display for the first time.
The South Korean actor has recently just returned from a hiatus following treatment and recovery from nasopharyngeal cancer. He rose to fame following his role as Choi Do-young in the hit Korean drama, The Heirs which propelled the "second lead" syndrome among K-drama watchers. Since then, he cemented his status as one of the best actors of his generation after numerous acclaimed TV roles and box-office movies of various genres.
His presence at The Sound Marker exhibition in Seoul marks Kim’s first activity as the Maison's ambassador. Talking about his comeback to the spotlight for the first time, Kim shares his thoughts and feelings in an exclusive interview with Tatler Hong Kong below.
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Many are eagerly waiting to see you again on the screen, what can we look forward to?
I’ll be showing you a new film titled Alien (Alien + People), directed by Choi Dong-hoon. Alien is a sci-fi film with a bizarre story. The movie is about an ancient tribe from the Goryeo Dynasty and the people from the present year who encounter the appearance of a time gate that connects the past and the present. They meet in search of a legendary sword. I'm so nervous but also thrilled because I worked on it for a long time. I hope you enjoy it.
Has there been something that has inspired you recently?
Everything is an inspiration. But I think it’s people that inspire me the most. By meeting people, I come to go through a lot of emotions and thoughts. Also, I do get a lot of inspiration by observing other people when preparing for a character that I have to play.
Have you developed or learned any new skills lately?
This is not exactly a skill but I have come to love observing nature. Before, I didn’t even know or care what kind of trees are in my house. But now, when I come across a tree that I have never seen before, I would look it up on the app. And I even have my list of favourite flowers and trees and of which blooming season I would wait for with excitement. Learning and enjoying nature like this brings me a lot of joy.
Is there any positive advice you would like to share with your fans?
I think I used to live only for the future. I had run relentlessly with such a focus only to achieve a better version of myself and my goals for the future. Because of that, I missed the fun and joy of living in the moment. That's why I’m trying to concentrate on the "now", being fully in the present and feeling gratitude and happiness in my daily life.
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