Last Saturday, I went to the bar with my husband. When I have nothing to do in the house, I usually go with him to his workplace. It was a weekend, so there were so many customers. It was getting crowded in the bar, so I thought of staying in the kitchen to call my Mom. After a while, my husband came looking for me, and told me to go back to the bar and see Jumong. There’s a big flat screen TV in the bar, so I thought he was asking me to watch the Korean drama, “Jumong” (주몽), but later he told me that it was Song Il Guk he was referring to, the actor. I got excited to see him, because I have watched him in a few episodes of “Jumong”. The historical drama “Jumong” became quite popular in the Philippines. The story is about the life of Jumong Taewang, founding monarch of the kingdom of Goguryeo. Before I came to Korea, my family in the Philippines was getting crazy about this Korean drama which was dubbed in Filipino. In fact, my cousin Barry even copied Jumong’s hairstyle, so my husband and our Korean friend Chan call him “Jumong”.
I was told that Korean celebrities don’t like signing autographs or having their pictures taken when they are in public places, but I wanted to give my Cousin Barry a snapshot of his idol, so when Song Il Guk finished drinking and he went to the cashier to pay for their bill, I came up to him, greeted him and asked if it was all right to pose for a picture with him. I thought he would refuse, because he looked a bit confused, but my husband translated in Korean what I told him in English. Song Il Guk smiled and said it was okay… so here’s the photo. ^^
Isn’t he handsome? My sister-in-law is a tall woman, but posing next to Song Il Guk, she looks shorter… ㅋㅋㅋ. He’s a really tall guy. With my husband’s help, I told him how popular “Jumong” has become in my country. He said thank you and asked where I’m from. We thought nobody recognized him except us, or maybe the other customers were too drunk to know that Song Il Guk was there, but just as we were saying goodbye, one of the customers in the bar approached him, congratulated him and shook hands with him. I’m not gaga over celebrities, but I was happy that night I met one of the friendlier ones here in Korea.
Related articles
- Why I Married a Korean (chrissantosra.wordpress.com)
- Oops, I Got Lost Again! (chrissantosra.wordpress.com)
- My First Pojang Macha Experience in Nandaemun (runawaymaria.com)
- Glocalization of the Korean popular culture in East Asia: Theorizing the Korean Wave (udini.proquest.com)
- Harlem Students Gets Chance to Learn Korean Skills (harlemworldmag.com)
- Gangnam Style: “Nobody knows what it means.” UC Berkeley Prof (cynicalkpop.wordpress.com)
- It’s Not Like on TV: “80% of Korean Men Without a Car and Home of Their Own Never Find Love” (en.rocketnews24.com)
July 9, 2013 at 7:41 am
Everything is very open with a very clear description of the challenges.
It was definitely informative. Your website is very useful.
Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
May 20, 2013 at 1:04 pm
I am actually happy to read this weblog posts which consists of plenty of helpful data,
thanks for providing such information.
LikeLike
May 9, 2013 at 12:16 pm
Yes, he really looks different in person. Hey, why don’t you give me the link to your post? I’d like to read it. ^^☆
LikeLike
May 9, 2013 at 3:46 am
Awesome!!! I’m jealous! I wrote a post, long ago, about Jumong (the Drama and the historical figure). I wish I could’ve met him! But even though I watched every episode, truthfully I don’t think I’d have recognized him! haha
Still – that’s awesome
LikeLike
February 12, 2013 at 12:10 pm
I’m not really a Jumong fan, but I have to say, he’s more handsome in person. =)
LikeLike
February 7, 2013 at 6:19 am
I like “Jumong”!!! You’re a lucky woman, sis! =)
LikeLike
January 17, 2013 at 3:11 am
Chrissantosra, actually I’ve been in Seoul a total of 5 times. The first time was a stop-over to Asia, the next 4 times were because of my idol Song Il-Kook. I always took the opportunities to discover Seoul and I must say I love the city and everything about Korea, and most of all, Song Il-Kook. He’s very close and comfortable with his fans.
LikeLike
January 13, 2013 at 6:19 am
Hi, Gabi. ^^ I do hope SIK will have a new drama coming soon. I’m sure his Filipino fans would like that. ^^
LikeLike
January 13, 2013 at 6:17 am
(RE: Kona) And thanks for the info, too. ^^
LikeLike
January 13, 2013 at 6:15 am
Hi, Kona! ^^ Was it your first time in Seoul? How does Korea strike you? ^^
LikeLike
January 10, 2013 at 11:46 am
Thank you, dear Chrissantosra and Kona, for your response! (btw, I’m sure he rarely drinks something, he’s a sportsman; that’s why seeing him in a bar is a special opportunity to make pictures and get an autograph!! This was pure luck for you! Congratulations! But being in a bar with another actor and his sister (?), well, maybe a new good drama floats in the air? God help us! )
LikeLike
January 10, 2013 at 5:08 am
Wow, 3 years! Congratulations anyway ^^ !
I was in Seoul last September.
LikeLike
January 10, 2013 at 5:07 am
Hi chrissantosra and Gabi, SIK usually goes with his male manager and his sister, who’s also an assistant and runs his agency. With 3 small babies, it’d be hard for both Mom and Dad to go out for a drink. It’s just my opinion.
LikeLike
January 5, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Hi, Gabi! ^^ Yes, it was in Seoul, Sorae in Gangnam to be exact. I don’t know what he drank, but he sure wasn’t drunk. ^^ He was with another actor. My husband recognized the other actor SIK was with, but my brother-in-law and his wife don’t know him. My sis-in-law said that the woman SIK was with is his wife. I couldn’t believe it. I thought she’s the manager or an assistant.
LikeLike
January 5, 2013 at 12:57 pm
Thank you for reading the post. ^^ I have been married for 3 years now. ^^
LikeLike
December 30, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Hello, many of Song Il Kook’s fans stumbled on this article. I’m a big fan of Song Il-Kook and have met him a few times. He’s one great actor and wonderful man who would never say No to a picture or autograph. Thank you for this post, we enjoy reading it very much. Also, congratulations to your wedding. It seems that you haven’t been married very long.
LikeLike
December 29, 2012 at 10:10 pm
OMG, I’m a superfan of his! And I envy you for this fortunate meeting! Where was it, in Seoul? What did he drink? Was he alone? Details, details, please, please!
LikeLike
December 27, 2012 at 6:01 am
Hi, Nasia. ^^ I understand why you love this actor. He’s really handsome (and tall)… quite friendly, too. I hope you meet him in person. =)
LikeLike
December 27, 2012 at 5:59 am
ㅋㅋㅋ… ^^ I’m not really a “Jumong” or Song Il Guk fan, but my family back in the Phils. do like him. Thanks for dropping by. ^^
LikeLike
December 25, 2012 at 6:56 pm
Wow same here a little jealous but Im happy for you to see him in person.
I hope I can see him too next year when I visit Korea. 🙂
LikeLike
December 20, 2012 at 6:33 pm
That’s so great!!!! I love this actor. I am a little jealous… 😦
LikeLike