Chinese model and actor Zhang Liang expressed his condolances to the victims of Sewol disaster, saying he understood what it’s like to lose a loved one.

“I offer condolences to the (victims of) the (ferry) disaster in Korea. I feel for them, as I have had the painful experience of losing my father as well,” the Chinese celebrity said at a press conference for SBS TV show “Doctor Stranger” on Tuesday.

“I hope to visit Korean often,” Zhang added.

Zhang will play the classmate of cold-natured elite surgeon Han Jae-joon, played by Korean actor Park Hae-jin, during his medical studies at Harvard University in the United States.

Zhang was originally introduced to the part in the medical-melodrama through his personal ties with Park, according to an SBS spokesperson.

“When I (first) met him, I figured he was a good-willed man,” said Jin Hyuk, the director of “Doctor Stranger,” when asked why he picked Zhang. Jin also said his presence could have positive effect on the drama’s popularity outside Korea.

By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)