It’s safe to say that Pacman is well loved in South Korea.
From guesting in Korean variety shows, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is now in a K-drama.
Well, sort of.
The Netflix series Bloodhounds is about two formidable rookie boxers who forged a deep bond as they both tried to make a name in the sport.
In one scene, Pacquiao’s name was mentioned a couple of times by one of the leads. Kim Gun-woo, portrayed by Woo Do-hwan, draws inspiration from the eight-division world champion for his fighting spirit and big heart. In fact, Pacquiao was the reason he became a boxer.
“I really admire Pacquiao’s heart, you know? He never gives up,” said Geon-woo in the pilot episode. “I bet a lot more kids started dreaming of becoming a boxer because of Pacquiao.”
Do-hwan’s character also touted Pacman’s “true boxer’s heart.”
“That’s the kind of person I want to be. A person who shows that with strong will and undying passion, anyone will be able to achieve all of their dreams,” he said.
Pacquiao reposted a video of the scene, which was shared to him, on his Instagram Story on Wednesday.
The series has earned an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a movie and TV review website.
The 44-year-old Pacquiao has indeed become an inspiration to many boxers, not just in the Philippines but in other parts of the globe as well.
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Who knows, the boxer-turned-senator may even be included in a foreign TV show sometime in the future.
Season 2 of Bloodhounds? Or maybe even a spin-off of Itaewon Class? Call it Itaewon Welterweight Class.
(PM)