Actor So Ji-sub Surprised by Drama's Success, Credits Family and Friendship Over Action

Actor So Ji-sub, the lead in the recently concluded SBS drama 'The Atypical Family,' expressed a sense of disbelief regarding the show's remarkable success. The drama achieved a peak viewership rating of 23.1%, a rare feat in the current television landscape, leaving So Ji-sub feeling as though he might be part of a hidden camera prank.

While the drama's rapid development, thrilling action, and satisfying resolutions, often described as 'cider' moments, are widely cited as reasons for its popularity, So Ji-sub offered a different perspective. He suggested that the core elements driving the audience's engagement were the themes of familial love and the bonds of friendship, which he felt were strongly conveyed throughout the series.

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I don't know what's not surprising. From the first episode's ratings to the subsequent steep rise and buzz, it feels like a hidden camera.

'The Atypical Family' tells the story of Kim Bu-jang (played by So Ji-sub), a seemingly ordinary office worker who is revealed to be a former special agent with extraordinary abilities. He is forced to unleash his hidden powers when his daughter, Min-ji, is kidnapped. He is aided in his quest by his close friends, Park Jin-cheol (Yoon Kyung-ho) and Sung Han-soo (Choi Dae-hoon), who possess formidable combat skills.

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They say it's easy, fast, thrilling, and like 'cider,' but I'm still not sure if that's really true. I actually thought it was a drama about family and friends' friendships, even before it started.

So Ji-sub also touched upon the challenges of portraying a father to a high school student, a role he hadn't undertaken before. He admitted to initial awkwardness but found the character's strained relationship with his teenage daughter, a product of her entering adolescence, to be a fortunate narrative device. He shared a heartwarming anecdote about gifting his on-screen daughter, played by Seo Soo-min, an autograph from the band Day6, which he managed to obtain through a connection and coincidentally presented on her birthday.

The actor highlighted the chemistry among the three main male characters, referring to them as the 'glasses-wearing trio.' He praised the distinct acting styles of Yoon Kyung-ho and Choi Dae-hoon, noting how their individual strengths complemented his own steady performance, creating a harmonious dynamic that was meticulously crafted through collaborative discussions on set.

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I really have no desire for awards. If they give an award for 'The Atypical Family,' I'd prefer the 'The Atypical Family' team to receive it.

Reflecting on his performance, So Ji-sub reaffirmed his desire to continue performing action roles, citing a sense of exhilaration derived from the physical engagement. He views action as a form of dialogue, often preferring it over extensive dialogue. He also commented on the increasing use of AI in action scenes, acknowledging its potential to replace dangerous or costly stunts, but emphasized that the "smell of human sweat" remains difficult to replicate authentically.

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I think I can continue doing action. There's a slight thrill that comes from physical contact. I consider action to be dialogue.