The Philippine reality show scene always finds a way to keep things fresh, and this season of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) was no exception. On April 8, 2025, the show made history by welcoming its first non-Filipino houseguest — South Korean actor Kim Ji Soo. However, Ji Soo’s stay in the Bahay ni Kuya was short-lived, like that of any other houseguest, as they are only allowed to stay for a limited number of days without being nominated or evicted.
His entrance in the house created a buzz not just among Filipino fans, but also across South Korean media outlets. Once again, Kuya’s house went international, attracting a global audience.
“I’m turning 32 this year, so I’m also Kuya for them,” Ji Soo said in his confession room moment. “And during these days, I want to make more friends here.”
Before stepping into the PBB house, Ji Soo had already made waves in Philippine entertainment. In August 2024, he signed with GMA Sparkle and was soon seen attending several events. He also appeared in the latter part of the action-drama series “Black Rider” and made his Filipino movie comeback in “Mujigae.”
With his rising presence in the local entertainment scene, it seemed only a matter of time before fans would see him paired with a talented Filipino actress. Speculation on who might be his next on-screen partner ran high during his brief stint in the house.
On-screen love stories
Before his unexpected entry into Pinoy Big Brother, Ji Soo had already captured hearts in South Korea through a string of memorable K-dramas. He rose to prominence with a series of diverse roles that showcased his acting range and strong on-screen chemistry with his co-stars.
One of his most popular leading roles was in “My First First Love” (2019), a Netflix coming-of-age series where he starred opposite Jung Chae-yeon. Their boy-next-door romance became a hit with younger audiences, earning Ji Soo recognition for his relatable charm. In “When I Was the Most Beautiful” (2020), Ji Soo took on a more mature role, portraying a man caught in a love triangle with his older brother’s woman, played by Ha Seok-jin. His chemistry with Im Soo-hyang in this series displayed a more reserved yet deeply emotional kind of love.
Ji Soo also demonstrated his versatility in “Scarlet Heart: Ryeo” (2016), where he portrayed the tragic 14th Prince, whose bittersweet love story with Seohyun’s character touched viewers’ hearts. In “Page Turner” (2016), he co-starred with Kim So-hyun in a short but poignant drama about ambition, loss and young love.
Even in supporting roles, Ji Soo left a lasting impression — whether as the misunderstood rebel in “Angry Mom” (2015) or the loyal friend in “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” (2016), where his easy chemistry with Jo Hye-jung added lighthearted charm to the series.