Korean star Eugene Kim thanks 'kapamilyas'

Korean actress Eugene Kim took time out Friday to thank her Filipino kapamilya with a visit to ABS-CBN, which aired two of her hit television drama series.

The actress, who gained popularity in the Philippines through Koreanovelas "Save the Last Dance for Me" and "Wonderful Life", delighted fans when she appeared on top-rated noontime show "Wowowee."

Waving and smiling to everyone upon her arrival in Manila Thursday morning, Eugene said:  "I think [the] people are very gentle and kind... that makes me happy."

The Department of Tourism (DOT) tapped Eugene as publicity envoy during a travel trade mission in Seoul, South Korea last June.

"Kim was picked because she fits the demographics of our target market: the honeymooners and young single people or those with families who are all looking for holiday destinations," Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said during the event.

The DOT said Eugene's scheduled visits to tourist spots in the country will be covered by a Korean TV network and print media to further promote the Philippines in her country.

 

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The star of koreannovela "Wonderful life" and "Save the last dance for me" Kim Eugene has just been chosen by the Department of Torism (DoT) to be the countrie's official envoy to Korea, DoT Secretary Ace Duranao told the media.

Eugene is in fact the Philippines and is currently shooting for several tourism videos and possible commercials in scenic spots in Boracay and other spectacular places in country.

"i will have to experience Philippines for myself", the singer-actress told the Manila Bulletin in a recent press conference at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

Asked if falling in love for a local is a part of her agenda, Eugene appeared on ABS-CBN noontime show "Wowowee". All her previous drama series were telecast on the said network. the 25-year-old actress also toured Intramuros and Manila and shopped in the

Capital's famous shopping centers.

There are three 30-second commercials being aired in Korea today. Each TV adcarries the theme "Philippines: More tha n you can image", and from this tagline, Eugene's video shoots will work around.

"I have never been to th philippines and this is why I'm so thrilled to be here. The most I've heard about the country was through Filipino friends back when I was in Hawaii.

They are so friendly and I can see now taht I am here that the whole country is," Eugene enthused.

Aside from the "Wonderful life" in 2005 and "Save the last dance for me" in 2004, Eugene also starred in "Loving You"in 2002 and most recently in "I Really Really Like You" this year.

As a recording artist, she has released two albums as a solo artist (she was a ferformer member of the Korean female trio SES): 'My True Style" in 2003 and "810303" in 2004. Eugene has also earned the following tropies from various award -giving bodies in Korea: The MBC Video and Record Disk Award, Golden Disk, Kpop Award and SBS Seoul Music in 1998; Korea Best Dresser in 1999: KBS Acting Award in 2002; Mnet Music Video Festival honors and best Acting from Korean Producers award in 2005.

Eugene @ TV Patrol transcripts

Legends:
NC = Niña Corpuz (reporter)
EK = Eugene Kim

NC: Korean star and singing sensation Eugene Kim arrived this morning. Eugene became famous for the 'Asianovelas' (Note: 'Asian dramas') "Save The Last Dance For Me" and "Wonderful Life". She said that she's very glad for the warm welcome she's been receiving from the Filipinos.

EK: I think people are very, um, gentle and kind. And when I look in to their faces, they're all smiling so that makes me happy.

NC: Eugene is the one chosen by the Department of Tourism as the Special Tourism Envoy to Korea. Kim will visit the different tourist spots of the country, like Cebu and Bohol, to be able to share her experiences to her fellow Koreans and to invite more tourists.

EK: I'm really, really happy to meet you guys and yeah, I wanna have a great, great memories of Philippines from now on so... (*smiles*) Yah! (*laughs*) Love you! (*laughs*) Oh!

(Eugene inside the car saying "Mabuhay! Annyonghihaejuseyo! Bye!")

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