ICYMI, Korean actor Sangheon Lee has been spotted several times around Manila — and in the company of Filipina actress Julia Barretto, no less! He’s been here for over a week now, trying out local food, visiting tourist spots, and shooting on location. According to an Instagram story, the two are doing a “secret project” together.

Not much has been revealed about their upcoming secret project. So for now, here are some quick facts about Sangheon Lee:

He’s a Gemini

Born on 21 May 1996 in Seoul, South Korea, Sangheon is turning 28 this year.

His XO Kitty co-star is his real-life sister

Gia Kim, who played the role of Yuri in XO Kitty, is his older sister. She was also the one who convinced him to audition for the show. They have different last names since his sister is using a stage name.

He grew up in Hong Kong

Due to his father’s work, he and his sister spent most of their childhood and teenage years living in Hong Kong, where they attended an international school.

He studied in the UK

He took up Drama at the University of Northampton from 2014 to 2016, which may explain his heavy British accent when speaking English.

He has experience in various odd jobs

Before starting his acting career, Sangheon took up modeling in Seoul right after he finished his mandatory military enlistment (so don’t worry, Sangheon fans, you won’t miss him for two years!). You can find some of his modeling gigs on his Instagram account.

He also told TV Guide that he used to work odd jobs, including collecting cups and washing dishes in a club in the UK, grilling meat at a barbeque restaurant in Korea, and doing physical labor in a warehouse in Hong Kong.

His first acting gig was Minho in XO Kitty

And it was also the role that made him a breakout star. His charming personality definitely captured the hearts of viewers all over the world, which made him instantly skyrocket to fame.

He also made his film debut in Hollywood through the 2023 film Gran Turismo, where he played a minor role.

He is a rock-climbing enthusiast

He even has a separate Instagram account dedicated to his rock-climbing activities, which you can find at @climb_nice. Sangheon goes at least four times a week and kept up with his hobby even while in Manila, visiting spots like Climb Central and The Bouldering Hive during his free time.

He loves food

He’s a self-proclaimed huge foodie! Sangheon learned how to cook through Gordon Ramsay’s Youtube videos.

And while details are scarce, it seems his new project with Julia Barretto involves food, too. He shared a video of him eating “prop food” while Julia Barretto posted photos of herself wearing an apron and toque.

There could be other themes involved since they were also spotted in a car shop recently. But we are definitely waiting eagerly for this ~secret project~!

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