Second-chance ‘Survivor’ gets another go-round with the elements

There’s strength in Yung Woo Hwang, and not just the kind he exhibits as a martial arts instructor at HB Academy in Huntington Beach.

The 31-year-old Costa Mesa resident also possesses the ability to go days without food, water or much sleep and the skills to compete against a group of people in an isolated location.

Hwang was a runner-up during the 28th season of “Survivor,” which took the CBS reality show to Cagayan, the Philippines, and earlier this year, fans voted to see him compete in a second-chance season in Cambodia, which was filmed from late May to mid-July and begins airing Wednesday.

He said he was excited to bring a different set of skills to his second time on the show, based on the knowledge he gathered while competing the first time around.

Hwang took a more aggressive approach the second time, making for an entertaining matchup of “Survivor” veterans.

He recently discussed his experience on both seasons.

Weekend: Why did you first decide to go on “Survivor”?

Hwang: I thought I had a great shot at winning it. I grew up doing martial arts, and I’m pretty athletic. I was also really comfortable with the elements of the jungle, and I felt like it was very compatible with who I am as a surfer and martial arts instructor. I wanted a cool adventure and a chance to win a million bucks.

Weekend: What were some of your highlights from your first time on the show?

Hwang: I had so many cool moments, but in particular, after winning one of the challenges to be the ambassador of “Survivor,” I got to go to the elementary school in the Philippines and provide them with essential school materials for the students. I thought that was definitely a memory that would be forever embedded in my head.

Weekend: What were some of your greatest challenges the first time around?

Hwang: Everything was such a challenge, especially the ability to adapt to the game and the environment. We had to go a couple of days to a week without an ample amount of food, water and sleep. We also got hit by a pretty gnarly typhoon, so not really knowing what was going to happen was a challenge to overcome mentally.

Weekend: How does competing a second time compare to the first time?

Hwang: I thought the first time was a blessing. To be able to play again, and be voted on by fans, it just makes it that much more special. There’s a lot of pressure and expectations that come along with that. The way I finished out my first season, making it to the final tribal council, there’s a lot of pressure set on myself to be able to go out there, execute and be able to have another great finish.

Weekend: How do you prepare for “Survivor”?

Hwang: There are a couple different things you want to prepare yourself with mentally, like how you’re going to scout the different potential candidates, and who you can see yourself allying with. You also want to be in physically good shape and make sure that you’re going to be strong overall. As far as diet is concerned, I tried my best to shrink my appetite as much as possible, so when I’m out there I’m not struggling with that.

Weekend: What are the biggest factors, or motivators, that keep you going when you’re competing on “Survivor”?

Hwang: The million dollars is a big thing that motivates me. This time around, knowing more than 10 million voters voted for these second-chance players this season, there’s extra motivation to make your fans and supporters proud of your performance and play.

Weekend: When you were going to do your second trial of “Survivor,” what did you think you had to do differently?

Hwang: I was looking forward to the adventure. My first season, I felt like I kind of coasted for the most part of it. This time around, I wanted to go in with a little more of a cutthroat and aggressive approach. I wanted everyone I played with to see that I was out there to play the game really hard. The first time around, I felt like I didn’t get the respect from the jury members, and they didn’t see me as someone who played the game very hard. I definitely wanted to come out this season with a different approach so I could set a better impression on them.

Weekend: Would you say this season was harder or easier than the first time around?

Hwang: You would think the second time around would be easier, but it was just as hard. You can never really get used to not eating, sleeping or drinking every day. I thought it would be cake, but it was just as hard as the first time.