Korean actor Ji Seung-hyun, who recently starred in the hit series Good Partner opposite Jang Na-ra, is in Malaysia for the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest).
He will be one of the presenters at the festival’s awards ceremony tonight (July 26), co-presenting an award with Malaysian actress Lin Min Chen.
During a press meet today at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the 43-year-old shared that he had just arrived in the early hours of the morning and hadn’t had much sleep.
“I only got to my hotel around 4am. It’s my first time here, so honestly, I don’t even know exactly where I am yet,” he said with a smile.
Still, he expressed excitement about exploring the city and sampling local cuisine during his visit.
“I’ve tried satay and nasi goreng in Indonesia before, but not in Malaysia,” he said, wondering if the taste is similar here.
“I’d love to try laksa too. I really enjoy trying local food whenever I travel, so I’m definitely looking forward to that.”
Aside from presenting at the awards, The Worst of Evil star is also in town to speak about his next project, Bluefish, produced by Malaysian film producer Joanne Goh, the founder of MIFFest.
The Pan-Asian collaboration, directed by Lee Sang-hoon and starring Ji in the lead role, is scheduled to begin filming in September.
Ji recalled meeting Goh at another regional film festival.
“I was at the Tarang Asian Film Festival to introduce my new film, My Friend Is A Murderer. That’s where I met Joanne. She’s also the investor and distributor for my next project, and it was actually our first time meeting in person.
“She suggested I come to MIFFest – so this trip came together quite suddenly.”
Although he hasn’t had the chance to watch any of the festival’s films yet, Ji believes collaborations between countries are incredibly meaningful.
“I’d love to return next year for MIFFest.”
He also expressed hope to work on a Malaysian production in the future.
“Actually… how about a love story between Malaysia and Korea? That way, I can be in it too,” he said.
