[TALK OF THE TOWN] Hallyu star turns travel writer
Bae Yong-joon has released a collection of essays called “Journey in Search of Korea’s Beauty.”The hallyu star held a press conference at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, central Seoul last Tuesday, the day before the release of his book.
Nearly 200 fans as well as 400 reporters from Korea and Japan showed up.
Bae, who had been hospitalized for five days last week due to septicemia, smiled brightly for the fans and cameras as he walked up on stage.
“I’m recovering, and I will get better soon,” he said. “I’m sorry for making my parents and fans worried.”
The 37-year-old actor also talked about how he came to write this book. “I was holding a press conference in Japan once,” he said. “When asked to introduce some famous tour sites around Korea, I was embarrassed that I couldn’t answer the question.” He added that he wanted to provide some useful information for his foreign fans that visit the country.
Bae became hugely popular in Japan after the TV drama “Winter Sonata” was aired in 2002, earning him the nickname “Yonsama.”
It was a year-long project, according to the actor. He went around the nation meeting 12 different masters of each theme. The 12 teachers also came to the press conference to show their support for the actor.
Journey in Search of Korea’s Beauty is a 434-page-long book, divided into 13 chapters about themes such as kimchi, hanbok and temple stays, all subjects Bae has chosen himself. The book contains the actor’s essays and exclusive pictures of Bae enjoying these pursuits.
Bae will hold another press conference in Japan next week to promote his book.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)