Chavit Singson and Lee Seung-gi. Image from Bandera
South Korean superstar Lee Seung-gi is keen on releasing a song in Filipino and to make a Korean drama set in the Philippines, particularly in Ilocos Sur.
The singer-actor, known for his series such as “Vagabond” and “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho,” and who also released several music albums, recently planed in via a private jet from Seoul, Korea. He was in the country for the Manila leg of his “The Dreamer’s Dream” Asian concert tour, held at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
Some of his chart-breaking songs include “Delete,” “Losing My Mind,” “Will You Marry Me,” and his debut single “Because You’re My Woman,” composed by South Korean singer-songwriter-record producer Psy.
“If there’s a chance, I’m keen to maybe release a song in Filipino. I really think if we can create Korean shows in the Philippines, it’s gonna be awesome,” he said through an interpreter during a press conference on Saturday.
Part of the delegation that welcomed Lee into the country was former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, who said that a collaboration for the creation of an entertainment complex in Pasig City is in the works. A portion of the complex would be dedicated to training Filipino talents, the business-politician said.
“We will build ‘Little Seoul’ here in Metro Manila, with buildings and centers. It will be located in Metrowalk. It will be like a little Korea, but we will call it Little Seoul. We are just starting, and it might take two to three years. We are finalizing it now. Hopefully, when they come here with the other investors, we can sign the agreement,” said the former governor.
This is not the first time that Lee visited the Philippines. The Korean performer also visited Ilocos Sur last March, where he also met with Singson, though he did not mention if he was doing any project there.
“I visited Vigan, and I found it a beautiful city. Someday we would like to film a series there… I was here for travel the last time, and I really liked it. I was surprised that a lot of Filipinos recognized me, and I really enjoyed that moment,” he further said.
On Singson, Lee said: “It’s only our second time to meet, but we are looking forward to more Philippine projects together.”
Another potential project that Singson is considering for Lee is producing a film for the Korean star and having a musical career in the Philippines. Seung-gi is also known as a philanthropist for his efforts in helping disabled and underprivileged children.
Meanwhile, back in Korea, Lee was being hounded by reports that despite his successful track record, the entertainer failed to sell out tickets despite having relatively small concert venues, including in Manila.
In April, Lee married Korean actress Lee Da-in in a private ceremony attended by their friends and loved ones. The celebrity couple reportedly wed at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, and the ceremony was hosted by “Running Man” cast member Yoo Jae-suk.
The actor confirmed to the public his engagement to Da-in in February, who he has reportedly been in a relationship with since the late 2020.