Korea’s Jin Wook Kim not only endeared himself to his fellow Man of the World delegates, he also charmed his way to the judges’ hearts and earned the top title at the culmination of the pageant’s final ceremony held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City on Friday.
Kim, who was voted by his fellow contenders as Mister Congeniality, is the second Korean to win the Man of the World title, following Jin Kyu Kim who inherited the 2019 Man of the World crown after winner Daniel Georgiev from Bulgaria was dethroned.
The new king, a 28-year-old managing director of a fashion company, also topped the formal wear competition and finished third in the swimwear competition. He also received the Best in Beach Wear award and finished second in the selection for the Best in Fashion of the World.
In the “World Statements” round with the Top 10 delegates, Kim greeted the crowd “ate, kuya” and said, “I believe that I can change people’s lives through exercise. I want to emphasize education, especially sports and physical activities. Through exercise we can make a better world. Let’s do it.”
For the final round with the Top 5 contestants, he was asked to expound on a quote he drew from a bowl, the biblical passage “the love of money is the root of all evil.” He responded: “Money is essential for our life, but the important thing is that we have to think about what is more important. Just not chase money and think about happiness, family. We can [be happier], just not money.”
He edged out 23 other aspirants for the title in the fifth edition of the Manila-based competition mounted by Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation Inc., which also organizes the annual national search Misters of Filipinas.
The Philippines’ James Reggie Vidal duplicated his immediate predecessor’s feat to also finish as second runner-up. He was earlier proclaimed as “Man of Travel” by pageant sponsor Holiday Inn Express and received the Best in Fashion of the World award.