Kim Ji Soo, more popularly known by his mononym “Jisoo,” strode into the Gaugin Function Room of the Novotel Manila like he was on his way to a job interview rather than a press conference.

The 6-foot-1 Korean actor is in Manila for his first-ever Filipino fan meet scheduled at SM North EDSA Skydome on Saturday.

Jisoo seemed painfully shy, not making too much eye contact and at times looking down on the floor. He smiled, of course, and the mostly female members of the press had their hearts aflutter.

It was actually a welcome relief, a far cry from celebrities who play to crowds and cameras. The young man later acknowledged during the interviews that he was more comfortable playing young roles — characters his age or a bit younger — as opposed to older characters.

After all, Jisoo is only 25 years old despite being a phenomenon not only in his home country of Korea but also in the Philippines where Korean telenovelas and K-Pop are the rage.

“It’s good to be back,” said Jisoo through an interpreter. “With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I hope to leave a memorable impression in the hearts of Filipino fans.”

Jisoo, who made his screen debut in 2009, has played many roles in a variety of films and television series such as “Angry Mom,” “To the Beautiful You,” “Fantastic,” “Scarlet Heart Ryeo” and “Strong Woman Do Bong Soo,” to name but a few.

And in his many appearances, more often than not, Jisoo appears in a supporting role. Incredibly, this hasn’t deterred Filipino fans from dubbing the Korean as the “Pambansang Second Lead”.

His latest series, “Bad Guys: City of Evil,” finds the young actor playing a darker role as Han Kang-joo, a man who goes to jail for a crime he did not commit.

For his fans’ day that was made possible by CDM Entertainment, aside from a Q&A with fans, games and other activities, Jisoo will sing a few songs. “I am not a professional singer,” he quickly admitted. “But I will do my best.”

“I didn’t even know I had fans over here in the Philippines,” he said. “For that, I am thankful. Hopefully, I can leave with them good memories.”