(Blossom Entertainment)

“Descendants of the Sun” has come to an end, and so has Song Joong-ki’s heart throbbing role as the dashing Army Captain Yoo Shi-jin. For the first time since the show’s wrap, Song engaged in an interview session at the Grand Hyatt Seoul to talk about his life as an actor and a 31-year-old. Below is the full transcript of his hourlong interview, including responses to the questions previously asked by K-pop Herald readers via email.

Q: You recently visited Hong Kong for a promotional event. How was it? (Asked by Tsang Sze Ting, Anna Wong, Leah, Cheng Wai Jon)

The Hong Kong trip was very meaningful for me, as it was somehow a reality check. I had only been reading articles about how popular the drama was abroad. I had to conduct a few photo shoots on the streets of Hong Kong, and that’s when I realized that quite a number of foreigners had actually watched the drama. It was a very new and exciting moment for me.

Q: Due to the exploding popularity, your name and the drama are being mentioned a lot nowadays. How do you feel? (Asked by Joanne Rae, Ee Kay, Nancy Teo, Olivia Tay, Ellen Ng, Tram Huong Hoang)

I have heard the news through various media outlets, and I am truly honored. Honestly, I am simply doing my job and I will remain that way. If that is the result of fame and it is a burden, I have to carry it.

Q: Things have changed a lot for you due to the drama. Is there anything that you do to stick to your guns? (Asked by Naomi Natalia, Nessa Lui, Michelle C. Del Rosario)

That is actually a question I’ve been asking myself quite often these days. But I’m not sure yet. Part of me actually believes that sticking to my guns may not be the right answer after all. As people say, things have changed. For me to become a better person and be the best of who I can be at the moment, I may have to change a little. To add, I don’t believe that I am truly a hallyu star yet. Maybe Song Hye-kyo and Lee Kwang-soo are.

(Blossom Entertainment)

Q: If so, how would you adapt those changes into your acting career? (Asked by Ceclila Clarita, Andrea Salmaputria, Zihaul Abdi)

Well, I may sound arrogant but I do have more responsibilities than before. I have to work hard enough so that my managers and staff can make a decent living. I also have to work hard to satisfy both my Korean and foreign fans. All in all, the best thing I can do is work hard as an actor.

Q: How crazy has the level of fame gotten? (Asked by Pimmy Tantanajareon, Ariana Zelic, Lavenia Buce)

Recently, I was a bit upset (due to the privacy issues). My family is being overly exposed all over the media, and even my ex-girlfriend’s photos are being spread on the Internet. Some fans have even barged into my own house, and things are getting worse. This is just too harsh to be simply a result of fame. I would like to formally ask everyone for understanding regarding my private life. My apologies.

By Kim Ji-young (christinekim@heraldcorp.com)