Actor Ahn Jae-wook, as a 'first-generation Hallyu star,' candidly shared his thoughts on the recent rise in the popularity of K-pop and K-culture.
On July 31, in a studio in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, an interview with actor Ahn Jae-wook was held ahead of the conclusion of the KBS 2TV weekend drama 'For Eagle Brothers' (directed by Choi Sang-yeol and Lee Jin-ah, written by Koo Hyeon-sook, produced by DK E&M).
Ahn Jae-wook has recently been active in various fields including theater and drama, but he is a representative first-generation Hallyu star. Ahn Jae-wook, who carries the title of 'first-generation Hallyu star,' gained immense popularity abroad through 'The Stars in My Heart' since the late 1990s, especially receiving tremendous love in Asia, including China.
Given Ahn Jae-wook's background, he seems to have exceptional feelings towards the globally active K-pop juniors and the popularity of 'K-culture.' When asked about this, Ahn Jae-wook said, "It's great. I'm really envious. It's amazing," and added, "Honestly, putting aside any discussion of Hallyu, I just watch the performances and singing of my juniors overseas on social media in a daze as a fan. I view it from the perspective of a fan."
Recently, as the ban on Korean cultural exports to China has been lifted, events in China are gradually increasing. Given Ahn Jae-wook's great popularity in China, there was significant curiosity about his activities there. He said, "I personally haven't visited China in over 10 years. If the opportunity arises and I connect with it, I hope to go."
Ahn Jae-wook noted, "Chinese fans used to come to support me a lot during performances in Korea, but as that proportion has decreased, I haven't been able to officially see the dramas I appeared in over the past few years in China. It's quite regrettable."
He further expressed, "Even if fans want to support, they cannot be active, and before I age more, if I have the chance to perform in Japan or China, I would like to do so. I feel quite regretful about not being able to be active in China. I think if an opportunity arises, I will take it."
[Photo] Provided by J-BLO Entertainment
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