South Korean actor Song Joong-ki during a press conference at a hotel in Pasay City ahead of his fan meeting at the Mall of Asia Arena, May 24, 2025. ABS-CBN News

MANILA — As one of South Korea’s most popular actors, with two films released in the past year and a new drama underway, Song Joong-ki’s life may seem like a ceaseless flurry of activity.

But for the 39-year-old superstar, it’s the time spent with family that provides comfort in the midst of his busy career.

“Recently, I feel really healed when I spend time with the babies and the family as well,” Joong-ki said Saturday during a press conference held hours prior to his first fan meeting in Manila.

“When there’s no schedule, of course, I’d try to spend time with my family. That’s really on the schedule and that’s where I feel like my life is balanced,” added the actor, who shares two children with his wife former British actress Katy Louise Saunders.

Joong-ki, who communicated in English and Korean with the help of an interpreter, emphasized that while his family is important, they never distract him from his work. 

“If there’s a shoot or when I’m working, of course, I’d have to be 100-percent focused on that schedule but when I’m given free time, I’d prefer to spend time with my family and babies,” he said.

Family was one of the recurring topics that Joong-ki talked about during his press conference, even sharing that he had a video call with his babies — a son born in 2023 and daughter born in 2024 — early in the day.

“When I think about family, of course, that’s where happiness really hits the emotions,” Joong-ki said when asked about what happiness meant to him.

“To be more specific with my answer, I’m at my happiest when the babies sleep well. And that’s perfect happiness.”

Because his stay in Manila was only short, Joong-ki said he hopes to come back for a family vacation. He said he would love to explore the local public markets and take in the beauty of the renowned beaches.

“I want to go to supermarkets, places that Filipino locals really go to on a daily basis, those are the places where I want to look around—public markets, local restaurants… That’s what I really prefer when I go to countries,” he said.

“I also want to go to the beach to enjoy the peace… and think of nothing else and really enjoy the sceneries,” he said. “I heard that there are a lot of beautiful islands in the Philippines.”

Presented by PUBLICITYASIA and IAM Worldwide, a local health and wellness company that recently named Joong-ki as its brand ambassador, the fan meet saw the Korean actor connecting with his local supporters through games, such as charades, and a Q&A session about his endorsement.

Joong-ki was visibly in awe as he stepped onto the stage of the Mall of Asia Arena, greeted by loud cheers from a sea of fans. In turn, the actor appeared genuinely thrilled to engage with the crowd, fondly gazing and waving at them, and flashing finger-heart poses throughout the program.

At one point, he arranged flowers, a reference to his character in the upcoming drama “My Youth,” and presented the bouquet to actress Janice de Belen, who also received a hug from the actor.

‘Good image’

The fan meet marked Joong-ki’s first visit to the Philippine capital, having previously only traveled to Cebu for vacation.

“Actually I have some Philippine friends in Korea through my friend and then when I stay in Italy with my wife, we have some Philippine friends there, too, so the image of the Philippine people for us is [they’re] so kind and friendly,” he told ABS-CBN News during the press conference.

“So when I had that interview, I was telling that I really want to go to the Philippines because I have a good image [of the country] from some of my friends,” he added, referring to a 2022 promotional interview for “Reborn Rich.”

Joong-ki’s extensive filmography includes notable dramas such as “Sungkyunkwan Scandal,” “Descendants of the Sun,” “Arthdal Chronicles,” “Vincenzo” and “Reborn Rich.” His film credits feature titles like “A Werewolf Boy,” “The Battleship Island,” “Space Sweepers,” “My Name Is Loh Kiwan” and “Bogota: City of the Lost.”

Having starred in projects spanning diverse genres—from romance and fantasy to crime and sci-fi—one cannot help but wonder what new challenges Joong-ki hopes to explore on screen next.

“When I did my movie called ‘A Werewolf Boy,’ I really enjoyed that movie and my character. And then after finishing that movie, I was dreaming, ‘Oh I want to have something like kind of a vampire character one day in the future,’” he shared.

When asked which of his past roles Filipinos loved the most, Joong-ki turned the question back to the press conference attendees, some of whom responded with the Korean-Italian mafia lawyer Vincenzo Cassano from “Vincenzo.”

“I think I have to call my writer of ‘Vincenzo’ and director, they should make a Season Two of ‘Vincenzo,’” Joong-ki said.

The actor added that he also deeply loved “Vincenzo,” adding that he felt “free” and “really enjoyed” portraying the character.

“[My character] killed many bad characters, I was so excited, and the comedy was really funny, so I love it too,” he explained.