It’s no secret that a lot of big names in South Korea come to the Philippines to study — and one of them is Yoo Jung-hoo who spent two years in the country to pursue his studies. 

In an interview with PUSH and select entertainment press, the Cheongdam International High School star shared what makes the country close to him and said that his experience studying in the country established a connection that eventually became a “special affection.” 

Jung-hoo said he would definitely want to visit the Philippines again in the future. 

“I have studied in the Philippines for about 2 years, so I have a special affection for the Philippines. So, if I get a chance, I would like to visit again and reminisce old memories,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Jung-hoo also shared what makes Cheongdam International High School different from any other high-school revenge shows right now. 

“What I find different from others is that this drama deals with the conflict between Hye-in and various characters and contains many interesting elements, rather than taking revenge between an individual against another individual,” he said. 

On his preparations for the role, he said: “I thought So-mang would have been very interested in Kim Hye-in because she is not the kind of character that he has seen before from anyone around him. He may seem wealthy with no worries on the outside, but he also seems to have pains that no one knows about.” 

He went on: “That is why he gets interested in Kim Hye-in, who is a little different from the kids at Cheongdam International High School. He also becomes a brighter and more fun person when he is with Hye-in, unlike his usual personality. I tried to depict that part of So-mang.” 

Jung-hoo also teased about the most challenging scene he did in the show, revealing that he had to fall down and hit the floor of a bathroom several times. 

“Both the best and the most challenging scenes were the scene where Hye-in and So-mang were having a physical fight in the women’s bathroom when they first met. I like it the most because it is the scene where So-mang began to feel interested in Hye-in at their first encounter. It was also hard at the same time, as we had to fall down and hit the floor many times. But it was a fun shoot nonetheless,” Jung-hoo said. 

But Jung-hoo assured fans that they can learn a lot from the show, revealing that one of them is knowing that the first step to finding the right direction in life is healing inner wounds or pains. 

“Speaking attentively, even if it is not expressed externally, some people may have wounds or pain in them. And I think it could affect their behaviour, personality, or attitude in an unintended negative way. If you have such inner wounds or pains, I would like to send the message that if you find your own solution and get to overcome it, our lives can flow in a slightly better direction,” Jung-hoo said. 

You can watch two episodes of "Cheongdam International High School" every Wednesday at 8 PM on tvN Asia (Cignal (DTH) CH160 | Smart GigaPlay app).