South Korean singer-actor Seo In Guk recently made his first trip to the Philippines as the newly appointed Tourism Ambassador, diving straight into the island paradise of Boracay in Malay, Aklan. The K-drama star explored the island’s world-famous beaches and immersed himself in Filipino culture and cuisine.
Seo expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the role, stating, “It’s truly an honor. I feel a great responsibility as a representative of a country. Thank you for this opportunity, and I promise to give back the love you’ve shown me. Mahal ko kayo.”
As part of his ambassadorship, Seo will participate in tourism campaigns, promotional activities, and press engagements both locally and in South Korea. He will also share his experiences through social media, helping to spotlight the Philippines to his vast global fanbase.
Tourism Secretary Frasco welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the strong cultural and tourism links between the Philippines and South Korea. “We are proud to have Mr. Seo In Guk on board. His involvement will strengthen our ties and inspire more people to discover the beauty of the Philippines,” she said. She also noted that South Korea continues to be a leading source of international visitors.
TPB COO Nograles echoed this sentiment, saying that Seo's new role underscores their ongoing mission to highlight the Philippines' rich tourism offerings on the global stage. “His influence will certainly help attract more visitors, and we are excited about the positive impact this will have,” she shared.
According to Dr. Daguno-Canoy, who is managing Seo’s engagements in the Philippines, the partnership was born out of Seo’s genuine affection for the country. She emphasized that he volunteered for the ambassador role without requesting professional fees — a testament to his passion for promoting the Philippines.
Seo, who rose to fame in 2009 as the winner of Superstar K and later starred in hit dramas like Reply 1997, Shopping King Louie, and Doom At Your Service, continues to capture hearts with his talent and authenticity.