Prior to Wi Ha Joon's 'BENCH' fan meeting at the New Frontier Theater in Manila, the 'Squid Game' and 'Little Women' actor sat down with the press to dish on working with the clothing brand, his favorite roles, and more.

The day after the press conference, Wi Ha Joon embarked on his first-ever solo fan meeting, not only in the country but anywhere in the world. "It's actually my first time to be ableto visit the Philippines. For me, it's an honor that my first visit here is for a fan meeting," said the BENCH ambassador.

"The first impression I had when I arrived here is the warm weather. The warm eyes of the people were also very welcoming here. To think of the things I want to do as I visit here in the Philippines is that I want to visit Boracay and Cebu and have a vacation for myself. I also want to personally want to visit BENCH stores to see the posters of myself as well," he continued.

The actor also shared how he feels being part of the star-studded pool of the brand's ambassadors. "Of course, since BENCH is the leading brand here in the Philippines... To be an ambassador, to be part of the team, it's a very big honor for me. I'm very happy as well that the way I can meet my fans here is through the fan meet with BENCH," he said.

"It's been a year since I've worked together with BENCH, and we've had a lot of activities, especially the photoshoots. I was very impressed by how the people were very considerate of me, how they always care for me, and how I feel. I was very happy working with BENCH," Wi Ha Joon on working with the brand.

He added, "If I were to say to you, BENCH is very comfortable and you can see that it's sporty and casual at the same time, so whenever you want to give a point or emphasis on your outfit, you can do it through a BENCH outfit."

When asked about his style in fashion, Ha Joon relayed, "Normally, when I'm in shoots for different projects, I have to wear suits, I have to wear them formally. But in my personal life, I think, for everyday lifestyle, I wear outfits that are very comfortable like trainers or casual clothes."

What would be your favorite among the roles you've played so far?

"A role that I really connect with is the role that I had in 'Bad and Crazy.' To be honest, it was very challenging for me as an actor. It allowed me to put myself out and break my own personality to be able to fulfill the role. Personally, it's kind of sad that it already ended, but I really enjoyed the role and I really felt cute doing the role."

Without a doubt, 'Squid Game' is deemed a pop culture phenomenon. Could you please share with us how it feels to be associated with such a hit television show?

"Through 'Squid Game,' there are a lot of changes in my life. First of all, I was able to try a lot of things that I wasn't able to do before. And I can say that through 'Squid Game,' I got the opportunity to sit here together with you."

Out of all the characters you've played, who do you think you are the most similar to?

"I think the role that is most similar to my personality would be Hwang Jun Ho of 'Squid Game' because when I was preparing for the show, the people around me were telling me, 'Wow, you're really similar to that role!' And I also agree with that, because I, myself, also have this sense of justice and I tend to be a very consistent person when it comes to things I want to resolve so I think that's the role that is very similar to me."

How do you spend your free time?

"I actually do nothing because I just spend time at home, and if I have the time, I go work out. I have this circle of friends that I'm really close with. I really enjoy going to cafes around my area, talking with them, chatting with them, I think that's how I spend my free time."

If there's a role you would like to do, what would it be and what kind of character would you like to portray?

"If I were, to be honest, I live in a province, I grew up in an island. So I'll really enjoy a role where I'll act as someone who is very rough 'cause I've been growing up in the province, but I got to fall in love with a very beautiful girl. I would really love to try love stories too."

How do you feel about having solid fan bases outside your home country?

"I'm really thankful and, of course, we can't have a fan meeting without the fans, so I can't say anything more or anything less than saying I'm really grateful to all my fans."

How do you stay grounded?

"I think the way that I stay grounded is, of course, through my family, especially my parents whenever I feel anxious and worried. I tend to really rely on my parents. Also, I read different letters my fans will send to me, the cheerful letters. It really helps me a lot and that's how I stay grounded."

[Photos by BENCH]