PRESS CONFERENCE: KIMBUM [Between U and Me] 2023 Asia Fan Meeting in Jakarta

After 13 years, the handsome actor from South Korea, Kim Bum, finally came to Indonesia at the KIMBUM [Between U and Me] 2023 Asia Fan Meeting in Jakarta. Before holding the event on Sunday, September 3, at Kempinski Grand Ballroom, West Mall Grand Indonesia, Jakarta, the 1989-born actor first greeted the media at a press conference. Want to know the spoilers for Kim Bum’s fan meeting today? Read the full interview below.

Q: Please introduce yourself! 

A: Hello! My name is Kim Bum. It’s been a long time since I came to Indonesia. I’m glad to meet you all, and I’ll see you tomorrow at the fan meeting.

Q: Have you tried Indonesian food?

A: I really like Indonesian food, like Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng, but today I haven’t had time to eat. So after finishing this schedule, I might eat.

Q: Kim Bum is known as one of the actors who is selective in choosing roles. What made Kim Bum feel fit and fall in love with the role that was offered?

A: So the biggest thing I’m usually looking at is whether or not this is really a role that I can express well. And I also want to know if I can play that role when the piece comes out.

Q: Many fans say that your face has not changed since playing the drama “Boys Over Flowers” until now. Is there a secret to Kim Bum’s youthful face? Are you a vampire?

A: Yes, I’m a vampire (jokingly). There’s no secret. I’m just grateful (because I look young).

Q: Is there any special treatment or exercise to keep Kim Bum’s body fit?

A: I always exercise at the gym. Maybe, weight lifting

Q: For tomorrow’s fan meeting, what’s the concept? 

A: There are some that I have specially prepared that you can only watch tomorrow. For example, I will put my voice on tomorrow, dance, or something like that.

Q: What has been prepared to meet Indonesian fans?

A: There is a song that I have been listening to lately, and I will bring the song later to Indonesian fans who attending the fan meeting tomorrow.

Q: What fans mean to Kim Bum? 

A: First, fans are figures that inspire me. So even though I’m on a break, I always see the messages from them, and that’s a strength for me.

Q: Any message for fans who are always waiting for Kim Bum’s work?

A: So finally, I can meet Indonesian fans again, and hopefully tomorrow’s show will be something unforgettable for the fans. And also, after finishing the tour and returning to Korea, there will be new works too. Please wait!

Q: After “Boys Over Flowers,” Kim Bum has tried various roles; some are protagonists, some are antagonists. Which role has had the most impact on Kim Bum, and why?

A: Personally, it’s hard for me to choose because all the roles are not easily forgotten, and the fans love all the roles, so I can’t choose.

Q: What was the most significant change after becoming an actor?

A: It seems like nothing has changed. I’ve worked as an actor for dozens of years, and for me, everything is still exciting and fun.

Q: How does Kim Bum do research for a role or character that she will play?

A: So for the role of a doctor in “Ghost Doctor, I actually studied in a hospital with a surgeon and saw the operation firsthand too, so I studied together with medical students there too. Likewise, for the drama “Tale of the Nine Tailed Wolf,” I watched a lot of documentaries about wolves so I could express the movements of these animals.

Q: What was the most memorable award during your career, and why?

A: What I am most happy about is getting appreciation when the role I play feels like a character in the real world.

Q: Did any of Kim Bum’s friends give recommendations when they heard you were going to Indonesia?

A: Usually, when I’m working or on vacation, I mostly find out on my own, but if a friend has a recommendation, then go ahead. 

Q: In your opinion, is there a difference between Kim Bum fans in Indonesia and other countries?

A: What is most visible about Indonesian fans is that they are very proactive and full of energy, but I really like it.

Q: When you’re on vacation, what does Kim Bum usually do? Do you have any specific hobbies?

A: While I usually look for delicious food, the most common activity when I’m on vacation is also looking for delicious food.

Q: After almost 20 years of a career, you have played various roles. What kind of actor does Kim Bum want to be known as among fans?

A: I want to be an actor who can play in various genres and have all of them be well received by the audience.

Q: Is there any final message you would like to say?

A: Thank you for your support. Even though it’s still the day before the fan meeting, everyone is already enthusiastic, and I’m getting this energy. I also really miss you (fans), so I can’t wait for tomorrow.

Photo cr: Koreanupdates