If you’ve been enamoured by K-drama heartthrob Ji Chang-wook since the charismatic star’s breakthrough role as Toghon Temur in historical drama Empress Ki, you’re not alone!
The theatre-performer-turned-actor has shown his talents and versatility throughout his impressive career, from playing the leading man in swoon-worthy romantic comedies like Lovestruck in the City to portraying the hero in action-packed thrillers like Healer and The K2.
We secretly wish to become Ji Chang-wook’s leading lady, but more importantly, we find ourselves wanting to know all about his beauty tips for maintaining porcelain skin and a picture-perfect appearance.
The 36-year-old, who’s also one of Hallyu’s (Chinese term for Korean Wave) most popular and recognisable actors, looks like he’s never aged a single day. How does he do it?
@vanithic
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He keeps skincare simple
Credit: 지창욱.Jichangwook/YouTube
Lo and behold, Ji Chang-wook doesn’t follow a special grooming or skincare routine for his supple, smooth, youthful skin. Instead, he tries very hard to prioritise food and sleep even in his busy, hectic schedule.
The one most important thing he always ensures is that he’s clean, which also means thorough cleansing of the face since his job requires him to spend long hours with makeup on.
In an exclusive interview with SBS Mandarin, Ji Chang-wook revealed that his essential skincare products are toners and moisturisers.
He also shared he doesn’t switch on the heater in cold weather since doing so will dry out the skin!
Credits: 지창욱.Jichangwook/YouTube, @jichangwook/Instagram
The actor doesn’t talk much about skincare or show what he uses on his social media, but he was spotted using a lip balm before a meet-and-greet.
He’s also been on the set of a campaign for Dhele’s Chiai Rebalance Ampoule Serum, which calms, moisturises, and whitens the skin.
Dhele Chiai Rebalance Ampoule is currently only available in Korea and Vietnam.
He likes face masks too!
Credit: VT Glamour
Ji Chang-wook has also promoted Korean skincare brand 24 Miracle’s masks, which are designed to give you fast results.
As compared to his fellow K-drama counterparts in the industry, the chirpy star rarely endorses beauty and health products, so when he does it almost feels groundbreaking and trustworthy.
It has varying mask types to address different skin concerns by brightening dark spots, moisturising the skin, reducing signs of ageing, and restoring the skin barrier.
24 Miracle Ample Mask (box of 10) retails for about RM162.78 (USD 35) at VT Glamour.
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He believes in herbal medicine
Credit: 지창욱.Jichangwook/YouTube
In a Summer vlog to Busan on his YouTube channel, Ji Chang-wook shared that he has psoriasis and that the symptoms normally show up when he’s feeling under the weather.
To manage his skin condition, he gets herb medicine from traditional Korean medicine (TKM) or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescribed to him. What exact herbs he takes isn’t disclosed, but traditional medicine is known to be very beneficial in addressing several health concerns.
When prescribed accurately and in controlled dosages, herbs can support one’s body at the deepest levels by naturally fighting against illnesses and maximising the quality of health. Some herbs can even help to break up toxins, lubricate joints, ease pain, and strengthen the body.
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He takes pure curcumin extract
Credits: 지창욱.Jichangwook/YouTube, VT Glamour
The warm and gentle K-drama star also endorses a curcumin supplement that features a tweaked formula known as the “Ji Chang-wook” version.
The Jelly Stick Nano Curcumin 365 Premium is an essence that improves digestive health, boosts the immune system, and brightens the skin.
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It contains collagen peptides and vitamin E, both ingredients that contribute to better skin elasticity and overall health.
There’s also vitamin B12 to help form red blood cells and maintain nerve functions. B12 is also often used to address redness, dryness, acne, and inflammation.
Jelly Stick Nano Curcumin 365 Premium (30 pcs) retails for about RM441.84 (USD 95) at VT Glamour. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price. A pack of 32 tubes is also available for about RM325.57 (USD 70) at Asian Authentic.
Related read: How following what Yoon Eun-hye eats helped women lose up to 7kg in 10 days
He cares for his stomach as much as he does for his muscles
Credit: 지창욱.Jichangwook/YouTube
It’s also apparent from his YouTube videos that the star loves food and eats very well. The foodie doesn’t seem to keep to a diet and always seems happy or at ease when he’s eating.
Even so, Ji Chang-wook’s chiselled looks and glorious physique aren’t purely based on genes. It appears that he’s always been a sporty guy and also grinds during his training to achieve the build that he has had for years.
The athletic actor used to play football (and even wanted to play professionally as a kid) three to four times a week as a striker with an all-star subunit of the South Korean football club Suwon Bluewings.
Credit: 지창욱.Jichangwook/YouTube
Ji Chang-wook’s also very diligent when it comes to working out and staying fit, especially for projects. And from watching some of his YouTube vlogs, he schedules in time to head to the gym even when he’s overseas for work or fan meetings.
For his role as an elite bodyguard in the action drama The K2, Ji Chang-wook underwent special training in martial arts and personally performed all of his stunts. Some of the fighting techniques showcased were jujitsu, aikido and taekwondo.
Maybe the secret to looking that great is to not limit yourself to your tummy’s desires and to pair that with intense, regular exercise!
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He doesn’t shy away from adventures
Credit: 지창욱.Jichangwook/YouTube
About three years ago, Ji Chang-wook started a YouTube channel to show his fans more behind-the-scenes moments and capture parts of his life.
If you’ve been following his video uploads from the beginning, you’ll know that the endearing star has a very active lifestyle of trying out different things and various sports.
When he’s not filming or on a photoshoot, he’s travelling, eating, camping, golfing, swimming, or even surfboarding. One might even say that Ji Chang-wook’s YouTube channel is a testament to the “work hard, play hard” phrase.
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He knows how to unwind and have fun!
Also known for his sense of humour, Ji Chang-wook has even worked part-time at a convenience store to surprise fans and customers and recorded all of it for his YouTube channel.
Credit: 지창욱.Jichangwook/YouTube
Other than that, the famous actor likes to relax by having a coffee or drink, going to a cafe to read, or meeting up with his friends to eat. On his off days, he’s known to ride his motorbike too.
Feature image credit: @jichangwook/Instagram
