Ji Chang-wook steps into the limelight with Rado to create an exciting new partnership that expresses creativity, tenacity and performance.

Back in 2010, Ji Chang-wook shot to fame playing Korean-American speed skater Dong-hae in his first leading role on Smile Again, a TV series that aired in primetime for 159 episodes. Today, beyond being a household name in his home country, the South Korean actor and singer continues to woo a growing fan base of global audiences with his charm, talent and award-winning performances. Having just reprised his role in the stage musical The Days, he is set to appear in The Worst of Evil and Welcome to Samdal-ri.
Ji's career has scaled an upward trajectory since making his debut in the entertainment world through musical theatre. His acting chops are solid, put to the test and emerging triumphant &mdash; proven by his adept portrayals in diverse genres, spanning contemporary to historical vehicles, across film, television and web series formats. His commanding performance as Emperor Ta Hwan in K-drama Empress Ki has made a lasting impression, alongside his heartthrob roles in romantic comedy series such as Backstreet Rookie and Lovestruck in the City, as well as his gig in The Sound of Magic on Netflix. His creative range includes being a skilled vocalist of polished balladic renditions and numerous original soundtracks.

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 Speaking to the Rado brand ambassador recently in Seoul, his professional yet approachable demeanour never faltered throughout our exchange as he patiently answered each question &mdash; a quality to be admired considering he had been in interview mode for close to two hours. It is evident that the good-looking star has not only mastered his craft and excelled with flying colours but he also earns our high respect and praise for his attentiveness, authenticity and down-to-earth sensibility &mdash; attributes that go a long way to define and empower his personal and public persona. Read on to discover more about the accomplished artist and what makes him such a rare gem as a celebrity role model and spokesperson for Rado, a Swiss watchmaker with a &ldquo;Master of Materials&rdquo; repute, synonymous with cool design and innovative timepieces made from high-tech ceramic.
 
 When did you become interested in the performing arts?
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 When I was in high school, I thought it would be fun to try acting so I went on to pursue a drama major in college. After entering college, I found out that I liked being on stage and performing more than studying, so I think the time before and after college was when I was most interested (laughs).
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 What motivates you in your choices of portraying many types of characters throughout your acting career?
 I enjoy a variety of things and I don't limit myself to one thing and be defined by a single thing. It is a fact that I enjoy many things.
 
 Most importantly, how do you prepare for these roles?
 When it comes to preparation, I always try to talk and discuss with the directors, drama teams and my manager. I communicate with the whole team a great deal to prepare for all my roles.
 
 What drives you in your acting (or singing) performance?
 It's a job and I'm constantly worried about how to do it, but in the end, it's always fun to do the work. I enjoy the process of communicating and creating with the people I work with.
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 You have won many acting awards in your career. What is it like to be recognised for your performance &mdash; does it make you feel contented or does it motivate you to work harder?
 I feel happy about winning prizes and awards but the awards do not serve as my main motivation. I am inspired and stimulated by many things and the awards are not the main thing. Self-esteem is my main motivation.
 
 You've been in the industry since you were 20. What would you say is your most valuable lesson and what would you tell your younger self now?
 I think I've lived a pretty hard, intense life. I'm more relaxed now than I was then. I believe I've learned to immerse myself in my work and to create with the people I work with. I would tell my younger self to keep working hard because if you do that, you will realise these things.
 
 What is your take on handling pressure as a celebrity?
 The pressure has always been there and I have always felt the pressure. I constantly question myself if I can do well or ruin things &mdash; I am always worried about that and under pressure, but that's the kind of destiny of being an actor.
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 "I've been asked many times whether I would go to the past&nbsp;or the future, and I usually say I would go to the past. I want to relieve the fun and innocence of my childhood"
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 You are blessed to be equally good at acting and singing, but if you had to pick one, which would you choose?
 Acting. People tell me I'm good at singing, but I think artists who specialise in singing are much better at it.
 
 What are some of your upcoming projects that we can look forward to?
 I'm working on Disney+'s The Worst of Evil, slated to be released later this year, and JTBC's Welcome to Samdal-ri, which will be broadcast at the end of the year as well. They are different genres and characters, so I hope you will look forward to them.
 
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 What does time mean to you?
 I think time is limited and precious. I feel the time is shorter and moves faster as the years go by.
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 What is your time management style?
 I manage it neither tightly nor loosely. When I'm busy, I move my schedule hour by hour, and when I have free time, I take it at my own pace.
 
 What do you always find time for in your busy schedule?
 I'm really busy these days, so I try to take time off whenever I can. I meet up with friends, work out, get a good night's sleep and just relax.
 
 If you could turn back time, what would you change and why?
 I don't want to change anything. I've been asked many times whether I would go to the past or the future, and I usually say I would go to the past. I want to relive the fun and innocence of my childhood.
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 Which Rado watches have you been wearing lately?
 Recently, I seem to be wearing the Diastar (Diastar Original Skeleton) a lot. I also often wear the Captain Cook series. They are comfortable and scratch-resistant. I like that each series has its own design.
 
 What is the key message you would like to convey as a Rado ambassador?
 Rado is a brand of innovation and passion. I'm looking forward to the projects we'll be working on together. I hope you guys are looking forward to it too. Thank you.
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COVER CREDITS:
Words Tan Siok Hoon Photography Kim Dowon Styling&nbsp;Lee Mingyu Grooming Sangun Hair Park Naejoo All timepieces RADO

Our September "Cool Guy" issue featuring Ji Chang-wook will be available in selected major bookstores and newsstands in Malaysia.

September 2023 Cover: Ji Chang-wook has earned it

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