From The Straits Times    |
yoo ji tae

yoo ji taeIN SHANGHAI – “Recently in Korea there’s a term ‘grass-eating men’ which suggests that Korean men are turning more feminine,” said Korean actor and heartthrob Yoo Ji Tae.

“But I feel that taking care of your skin doesn’t say that about you. Successful men should be taking good care of themselves, including their skin and in terms of interpersonal relations, image is very important.”

Talking to Yoo Ji Tae in Shanghai last week, he was all smiles which instantly made everyone in the room at ease. Poised and charming, he confidently answered our questions in English and we learnt that he had recently been taking English lessons.

And when I stood next to him, I noticed that his skin was really good.

Yoo Ji Tae is SK-II Men’s first brand ambassador. The 35-year-old Korean actor and director is the face of the SK-II Men range that currently comprises of a Moisturising Cleanser, Facial Treatment Essence and Age Revitalise Moisturiser.

The range is currently only available in South Korea but we hear there’s a possibility it might be brought into Singapore sometime next year.

Currently he’s using the set-of-three as his skincare routine. “Before (he was chosen as the ambassador of SK-II Men), my lady friends recommended SK-II’s products to me and I had been using them,” he laughed.

“The difference [between SK-II and SK-II Men] is that the Men’s Facial Treatment Essence has this cooling agent with a slightly menthol scent and I like how it instantly refreshes my skin.”

sk-II men

Yoo, who is set to wed his actress fiance Kim Hyo-jin this December, is known for his philanthropic efforts.

This year alone, he was appointed an honorary ambassador for World Vision and bestowed an award by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare.

“I’m impressed by SK-II as a brand and am happy and proud to be chosen as their first male ambassador. In terms of social responsibility, SK-II and I have the same ideals,” he said.

Asked for his grooming advice to men out there, Yoo said: “There’s no requirement on how long or how much effort you need to spend to look good but if you do take care of yourself, people will be able to tell visually.”

SK-II is available from most beauty halls in department stores like Isetan, Metro, Robinsons, Tangs and Takashimaya. There are also three SK-II Boutique spas at Raffles City, #02-27A, 252 North Bridge Road, Tel: 6333 1940; 31 Scotts Road, Tel: 6836 9168, and TripleOne Somerset, #01-16, 111 Somerset Road, Tel: 6733 1765. SK-II is also available from Sephora in ION Orchard and VIE Beaute Resorts World, 26 Sentosa Gateway, #02-105. Go to www.sk-ii.com.sg/store-locator for the complete list of outlets.