Korean TV host Ryan Bang has shared how he carefully selects his projects to ensure that the Philippines is portrayed in a positive light in Korean media.
In a recent interview with fellow TV personality Sandra Jung, Ryan emphasized the importance of highlighting the country’s beauty and rich culture.
Sandra inquired about Ryan’s previous engagements in Korean projects, asking, “Pero nag-trend ka ba talaga sa Korea before?”
Ryan responded by sharing that he had received numerous offers for roles in Korean dramas.
“Ang dami din nag-ooffer, kumukuha sa ‘kin. ’Yung huling drama dito… Dapat kasama ako do’n eh,” he recounted.
Curious about his decision-making process, Sandra probed further, “Pero bakit hindi mo kinuha?”
“For me, hindi maganda kasi image. Gusto ko ‘pag [ang ipapalabas] sa Korea [ay] tungkol sa Pilipinas, maganda image,” Bang explained.
“Mag-yes ako. Pero… [kung] magsho-shoot sila dito pero… hindi maganda [ang] story ng Pilipinas, hindi ako nag ye-yes. Kahit maganda ang opportunity,” he added.
Ryan stressed that he only accepts projects that portray the Philippines positively.
He gave an example: “Halimbawa, ‘Ryan, can you tour us [in] Boracay?’ ‘Yes.’ […] Pero… ’yung mga opportunity na hindi maganda [ang] image ng Pilipinas, nag-no-no ako.
“Marami pa namang opportunity eh. So ‘pag ganon, ’pag basta maganda, para mabawi ko naman ‘yung pagmamahal sa ‘kin ng madlang people, mag-ye-yes ako,” he concluded.
It is worth noting that an action K-drama series, “Red Swan”, featured real locations in the Philippines, including Pasig River, City of Dreams, and various business establishments in Parañaque City.
The series stars actor-singer Rain, along with Kim Ha-neul and Jung Gyu-woon, and is available for streaming on Disney+.
Bang previously announced his engagement with his non-showbiz girlfriend, Paola Huyong. He first publicly revealed their relationship in August 2023 after being single for a long time.
