Ryan Bang’s easy wit and multilingual skills might have been the subject of praise at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards, but that wasn’t the first time he caught the attention of viewers outside the Philippines. A previous interview revealed that South Korea’s SM Entertainment had once offered him acting and hosting roles, which he eventually turned down!
READ: Ryan Bang Reveals He Received Acting and Hosting Offers from South Korea’s SM Entertainment
In an April 2023 interview with ABS-CBN executive Laurenti Dyogi for Star Magic Conversations, the Philippine-based Korean host revealed that he had previously received significant offers from his home country.
The story was prompted after Laurenti inquired why Ryan opted not to return to South Korea to pursue his career. The executive compared this to the story of 2NE1 K-pop idol Sandara Park, who was previously based in the Philippines and gained initial popularity outside of her homeland.
In response, the It’s Showtime host disclosed that he had discussions with SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo Man, who offered him a five-year training for acting and hosting gigs in South Korea. The South Korean entertainment giant handles notable K-pop acts including EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, Shinee, Girls Generation, Aespa, and more.
“Noong close pa kami ni Ate Dara [Sandara Park], kinausap [ako] dati [’nung] company niya. May kumukuha sa akin [para mag-five years] training. Tapos, na-meet ko 'yung Lee Soo-man. Gusto talaga nila ako 100 percent doon,” he said. “Nagpunta pa ako sa SM Town, nag-one-on-one interview pa kami. Interested talaga sila na pang-TV, pang-komedyante, at pang-host.”
While his parents didn’t disapprove of it, Ryan eventually turned down the offer due to the South Korean entertainment industry’s “strict” regulations, and how his temperament has become more Filipino.
“Wala pa sa puso ko na i-grab ko ang chance ng SM,” he confessed. “’Yun ang offer naman nila, bawal ako pumunta ng Philippines. Kailangan bawat galaw ko bawal, kaso sobrang makulit talaga ako. Sa Korea kasi grabe, mahigpit, parang walang freedom. Eh, grabe ang ugali ko, ang personality ko ay pang-Pilipino talaga, so nag-decide na ako na mag-stay dito.”
Ryan may have turned down the offer, but this still paved the way for the host to appear in a number of Korean productions, including filling the role of Manny Pacquiao’s interpreter in Infinity Challenge, as well as starring in several variety shows and travel documentaries.
In fact, the Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010 alumnus also said that he continued to receive offers for K-drama acting roles.
“Ngayon nag-o-offer sa akin ng mga teleserye, mga sidekick. Hindi ako nagpaalam sa iyo, kaya ako nag-braces. Kasi gusto ng mga director doon ay perfect ang ngipin bago ako magsalang sa mga movie nila,” he said. “May kinukuha sa akin na movie, teleserye, eh, nag-pandemic bigla. So ’yung mga ganoon tatanggapin ko na. Guest guest lang, pero gusto ko talaga nakatira dito.”
In December 2023, Ryan was lauded by Filipinos and international viewers alike for his effortless multilingual hosting at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards, as he switched between Korean, Filipino, English, and Japanese. Filipino netizens, in particular, expressed their amusement with his humurous side comments, which added a perfect Pinoy touch to the event.
Whether in Korea or the Philippines, we can’t wait to see what else you have in store, Ryan!
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