Throughout his years in show business, Ryan Bang has earned the Filipino nation's love and adoration. The host and entrepreneur makes it a point to give back to the "madlang pipol" by actively advocating for the country that adopted him as their own.
In a recent interview with fellow Korean personality Sandra Jung, he reveals how he declined certain career opportunities due to their less-than-favorable representation of the Philippines.
Ryan Bang on Why He Declined a Role in a K-Drama
When asked if he was ever considered to be part of a K-drama, Ryan shares how he's gotten multiple offers in the past. "Ang dami ding nag-o-offer [na] kumuha sa'kin. Yung huling drama [na ginawa] dito, dapat kasama ako do'n," he states.
Recently, the romance revenge series Red Swan, which stars Rain and Kim Ha Neul, featured scenes filmed at the Pasig River and other establishments in Paranaque City, although it's unclear if this was the project Ryan was asked to partake in.
Ryan goes on to express that he denied such invitations because of how they depicted the country. "For me, hindi kasi maganda yung image [ng Pilipinas na pinapakita nila]. Gusto ko 'pag pinalabas 'to sa Korea, maganda image ng Pilipinas," says Ryan.
The It's Showtime cast member adds that no matter how good a role seems to be, he wouldn't want to contribute to any negative representation of the Philippines. He states, "'Pag hindi magandang story ng Pilipinas, hindi ako nagye-yes. Kahit maganda yung opportunity."
He illustrates that he would be open to jobs that help uplift the country. "Kapag 'Ryan, can you tour us [around] Boracay?' or 'Ryan, pwede ka bang mag-translate?' Yes ako," he expresses. "Pero yung mga opportunity na hindi maganda image ng Pilipinas, nagno-no ako."
Overall, Ryan makes it a point to make career choices that benefit the place he now calls home. "Marami pa'ng opportunity," he puts it. "Para naman makabawi ako sa pagmamahal sa'kin ng madlang people."
Watch Ryan's full interview with Sandra Jung here.
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