Grace Lee on traits of Korean stars worth emulating

Grace Lee

Watching K-dramas serves as an antidote to our coronavirus blues. “Ko-Vid” (Korean videos) takes our mind off COVID-19 even just for a while. Let’s replace CV fears with GV (good vibes), courtesy of adorable oppas.

After I posted on Facebook about my going gaga over Hyun Bin and his hit Netflix series, “Crash Landing on You,” (CLOY) I was pleasantly surprised to receive a message from “Filipinized” fab Korean celeb, Grace Lee. She said, “Just saw your post about CLOY. On your next K-dramathon, do as we Koreans do. Eat Korean fried chicken.”

Grace whom I fondly call yeppeuda (pretty) made my day. Her random act of kindness gives me yet another reason to admire Koreans and their pop culture all the more.

Here’s my chat with Grace:

Who are the Korean actors you have met?

I’ve met a couple of them throughout my TV career, even until recently as the CEO of a production company in Korea. Kwon sang-woo (fondly called Cholo here), Rain, Park Hae-jin, Jo Bo-ah, Kim Young-kwang and our very own Sandara, to name a few. One thing they all have in common is that they’re very polite, humble and hardworking. I’m always in awe of their work ethics.

What’s your fave K-drama?

I know so many Filipinos are a fan of “Crash Landing on You,” and I see why. Personally, though, “Mr. Sunshine” was the most beautiful, inspiring and moving drama I’ve watched in recent years.

Tell us about your food biz.

I have a couple of brands specializing in Korean cuisine. My first baby is Kko Kko. We are known for our fried chicken, chicken fondue and other street-food specialties, like “tteokbokki” and “kimbap”. If you are a fan of Korean telenovelas, you must know how much Koreans love fried chicken. We’ve really made it our own!

Give us a teaser about the coming projects of your company.

As for my production company Glimmer, we are set to produce two movies this year—one Korean and one Filipino. Bridging the two countries through content is the heart of Glimmer.

Please share some beauty tips to achieve that Korean glow.

What you eat is crucial to skin health. Consuming good amounts of fresh vegetable and fruits is key to Koreans’ glowing skin. Just look at our food! To eat a piece of meat, we wrap it in three of four vegetable combinations. Also hydration.

If you would do a K-drama, who do you want to be paired with?

He is not very popular here in Manila, but I’m a fan of Jung Woo-sung. He is a great actor and has made some of the best Korean cinematic successes.

PERSONAL: Damo guid nga salamat to my adoptive fam in Iloilo: Allan and Nheng Tajanlangit for spoiling me more than I deserve, to my pangga Aris Demavivas for making me feel so welcome in Iloilo Gateway Hotel, to my migo Rey Pelongco for the delish treat in his famous Y2K Manukan & Talabahan, to my migas Mitch Torres, Nette Tomeo and Migo James Tomeo for an overload of fun. Iloilo is my second home because of them.