Count Luis “Chavit” Singson among millions of K-pop fans all over the world.
It may come as a surprise for some as, obviously, he doesn’t fit the bill. At all.
But the former Ilocos Sur Governor insists, “Kilala ko ang mga Korean stars. Pinapanood ko sila. Halos lahat yata ng Koreanovelas napanood ko na.”
Then again, he is more than just the usual screaming fan.
While most of them simply content themselves watching their idol’s movies, series, and concerts, the 82-year-old politician and businessman has actually been investing on the cultural phenomenon.
“Nagpunta ako sa Korea, naghanap ako ng mga business partners doon. Ang gusto ko dalhin nila dito ang expertise nila sa entertainment,” he told us.
He has since produced a boy band under his LCS Group.
“May ni-launch na kaming group, yung Hori7on. Bale collaboration naman namin ito with ABS-CBN and a Korean talent management agency,” he shared.
“Umpisa pa lang yan. Susunod naming bubuuin ay grupo naman ng mga babaeng singers at dancers,” he added.
There’s more.
He shared ongoing plans to build a “mini-Korea” in Metrowalk.
“Tatawagin natin itong Little Seoul,” he revealed. “Dito, magiging madali para sa mga fans ang mag-immerse sa Korean culture.”
He has since invested in Korean food.
Just opened is the second branch of South Korean fried chicken chain BB.Q in Robinson’s Magnolia.
“Isa pa ito sa mga investments ko with my Korean partners. May nauna na kami sa BGC. Maganda ang feedback. Pasok sa panlasa ng mga Filipino,” he said.
The Korean brand, established in 1995, currently has more than 3,500 branches worldwide.
Its entry into the Philippine market forms part of the company’s global expansion.
“Ako mismo gusto ko yung lasa ng chicken dito,” attested Chavit. “Tsaka napanood ko na ito sa mga Koreanovelas so, I think familiar na rin ito sa mga Filipinos.”
