Ryan Bang was an instant favorite when he entered Pinoy Big Brother in 2010 and captured more hearts when he joined It’s Showtime as a 'hurado' and host. His popularity grew not only in the Philippines but also in his homeland, South Korea. In fact, he’s been receiving offers from Korean management groups. But, a Filipino at heart, he chose to stay in the Philippines than build a full-time Hallyu career.

He revealed that several Korean entertainment companies including Dara’s management offered him to become an idol. But if he agrees to train, he'd be required to stay in South Korea entirely, which would be difficult on his part. More so, he finds Korean entertainment strict.

“Bawat galaw mo bawal, eh sobrang makulit talaga ako. Sa Korea, grabe ‘yung higpit, eh. Parang walang freedom. At saka ‘yung ugali ko, personality ko, parang Pilipino na talaga ako,” he told Star Magic head, Lauren Dyogi, in an episode of Tatak Star Magic: Celebrity Conversations.

While he opted to stay in the Philippines, Ryan appeared in several Korean shows as a guest and translator. He was supposed to guest-star in a KDrama, which is why he wore dental braces to get the perfect smile that Korean directors want. However, the project was halted due to the pandemic.

When Ryan was cast in the LizQuen movie “My Ex and Whys,” which they filmed with the help of a Korean production team in South Korea, he witnessed an amazing collaboration. He wishes to see more of this, with him as the bridge. He can act as a translator whenever Korean and Filipino stars visit each other’s country.

He has big dreams for the local entertainment industry. He wants to see Pinoy talents like BGYO and BINI, as well as locally-produced movies and teleseryes conquer the Hallyu world. He thinks it’d be great to see K-Pop and P-Pop groups perform on one stage.

In the episode, Ryan also looked back on his PBB days, thankful that Direk Lauren took a chance on him. “Kaya kahit papaano ginagalingan ko po para hindi sabihin sa’yo na mali ‘yung pinili mo,” he told Direk Lauren, who was part of the screening panel.

Ryan is a bearer of Pinoy values like “utang na loob,” evident as he never gets tired of thanking Direk Lauren, whom he considers his discoverer. Direk Lauren, in turn, appreciates Ryan's loyalty, “I can attest to that... Noong nagkakaproblema, sinabi ko, ‘Ryan, balik ka na sa Star Magic.’ Hindi nagdalawang-salita, ‘Oo, Direk, babalik ako ng Star Magic.’”

Besides Direk Lauren, Ryan also considers Ms. Cory Vidanes his guardian. She is the first person he runs to for advice. Again, displaying “utang na loob,” he credits her for his success, which he believes started when the ABS-CBN Executive pitched to include him as a ‘hurado’ or judge on It’s Showtime.

He’s become more Pinoy at heart since. Ryan has found his home in the Philippines, and his family in Star Magic. “Happy ako. Masarap sa puso na parang feel at home na ako. Parang safe ako, wala akong takot.”

Catch more insightful interviews with your favorite Star Magic artists on Tatak Star Magic: Celebrity Conversations.