The "unexpectedness" that arises on set is irresistible
--You've appeared in TV dramas such as "D.P. - Deserter Tracker -" and numerous films, playing a variety of roles, but what made you choose to become an actor?
I've always loved watching movies, and I didn't care what position I was in, I just wanted to be in some kind of film, to be an element in a film. I work as an actor, but at the same time I also direct and produce films. I want to live in the world of film.
I still feel embarrassed and shy when I stand in front of people, but at the same time, it's something I enjoy (laughs).
--What is it about being an actor that appeals to you?
When I'm shooting, I like to express different emotions with each take, as long as it doesn't interfere with the progress of the film. In this way, I enter the world of the film and create a unique worldview, and the experience itself is fascinating. It feels like a universe, or like I'm traveling through an unknown world.
Also, on set, unexpected things happen by chance, like a gift. I love that. It's the same with interviews, right? I was given questions in advance, but I didn't actually read them. I thought it would be more fun to talk about them live without reading them (laughs).
--That's wonderful (laughs). The film "Escape," which caused a huge sensation in Korea, is now being released in Japan. First of all, what are your thoughts on the film?
I usually feel embarrassed when I watch a film I've appeared in, but with this film I was so engrossed that I almost forgot I was in it, and I enjoyed the fast-paced plot.
Also, the kindness and affection shown by the production staff towards the characters is palpable, making it a feel-good movie to watch. And I never thought pomade would suit me so well (laughs).
--It certainly suited you. In the film, you played Hyun-sang, a man who corners his childhood friend Gyu-nam. It must have been a difficult role, as he doesn't show much emotion on his face. What did you pay attention to when playing it?
The story of this film itself is very simple, with a man fleeing North Korea and a man pursuing him moving forward in a straight line. Meanwhile, Hyun-sang's heart is fluctuating in a very complex way. His emotions change by the second, but his facial expressions are not connected to his emotions. I wanted to show the gap between his heart and his facial expressions.
He's also an artist who plays the piano, so he has a sense of rhythm that's unique to him, like a metronome ticking away. I tried to make that feel even in the chase scenes. A single character isn't created by a single actor.
This time, I was also inspired by the costumes and hairstyles. When I saw the costumes, I felt that Hyun Sang is a very fashionable person, but at the same time, I thought that he is someone who tries hard not to let people know what he is really thinking.
--The film features two polar opposite characters: Gyu-nam, who struggles to gain freedom, and Hyun-sang, who struggles but fulfills his role. If you could choose, which life would you choose?
That's a difficult question... Would it be possible to live in separate 12-hour periods? (laughs)
If anything, I'd rather be the one being chased. Being the one chasing someone is very stressful. After playing the roles and watching the movie, I felt that the two characters complemented each other. They were like one.
At the end of the showdown, he deliberately doesn't shoot even though he has Gyu-nam in his rifle scope. He's been pursuing him and wants to kill him, but at the same time, he doesn't want to kill him. I find myself wondering what those opposing feelings are every time I watch it.
--What's your next project?
I've just finished filming a movie I co-directed called "Your Country" (working title), and I'm looking forward to spending three minutes every day editing the footage I shot. I've been working on it every day, but it never seems to finish (laughs). I hope to somehow make it into a form.
A film for observing Korea today
"Escape"
"Your Country" (working title)
