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Captivating captain

Big Boss visits Bangkok

By Suwitcha Chaiyong, photos courtesy of 411 Entertainment

Korean superstar Song Joong Ki took Thailand by storm earlier this month when he visited for his 2016 Song Joong Ki Asia Tour Fan Meeting in Bangkok. His arrival on May 4 was greeted by huge crowds around the VIP area at Suvarnabhumi Airport. It was chaos as fans tried to see the star up close. The event was shown live by 411 Entertainment on Facebook.

POPULAR PERFORMER

Joong Ki rose to fame after his appearance in the 2010 TV series Sungkyunkwan Scandal. His real breakthrough came when he played Captain Yoo Si Jin (Big Boss) in the hugely popular Descendants of the Sun, which has made him a big star throughout Asia.

ENTERTAINING EVENT

The May 7 fan meeting at Thunderdome was a great success. The 30-year-old actor was captivating, while the MC Opal Panisara helped to make the show even more fun with some great skits.

LUCKY FANS

In one of the most entertaining segments, the big screen showed funny fan videos with messages to the star. The lucky fans who made the best videos were invited onstage to meet Joong Ki. Some were lost for words when they came face-to-face with their hero. One girl was so star-struck that she completely froze.

LAST PROMISE

After hearing from his fans, Joong Ki thanked them for their wonderful welcome and said that he would return to Thailand. The audience cheered loudly. To end the show, the actor sang "Always."

A day before the fan meeting, Song Joong Ki met up with Thai press at the W Bangkok Hotel. During the interview, the Korean star talked about Thailand, his life and his acting career.

Question: How do you feel about visiting Thailand again?

Joong Ki: I'm happy because I haven't been here for a long time. I really like Thailand and I enjoy the hot weather.

Question: What would you like to do while you are here?

Joong Ki: I'd like to go swimming but I haven't had a chance yet. I want to go to Phuket.

Question: Your fans think that you're perfect. Is there anything you'd like to change about yourself?

Joong Ki: I wish I were tall, like my friend Lee Kwang Soo.

Question: Which of your characters is most like you in terms of personality?

Joong Ki: Captain Yoo Si Jin is most similar to me. He takes his job very seriously but in his free time he's playful.

Question: Are you also romantic like the captain?

Joong Ki: No, I'm not. I can't compete with him on that. [Laughs.]

Question: Did you prefer romantic scenes or action scenes?

Joong Ki: The romantic scenes were easier. I had to perform the action scenes by myself and I got injured.

Question: Is being famous difficult?

Joong Ki: I understand why some people say that, but I don't feel that way. When I met my Thai fans at the airport, all my stress went away. I don't feel lonely. I have friends like Kwang Soo to keep me company, and my fans make me feel loved.

Question: How has your life changed since your career began?

Joong Ki: It hasn't changed much but I can't walk along Khao San Road by myself anymore.

chaos (n): a state of complete confusion and lack of order
breakthrough (n): an important development that may lead to an achievement
captivating (adj): very attractive and interesting
skit (n): a short comedy performance
star-struck (adj): very impressed by famous people

Idiom
take by storm: to be extremely successful very quickly in a particular place
lost for words: unable to think of something to say