Nam Joo-hyuk tackles intense action in Netflix's 'The Crowned Clown'

Actor Nam Joo-hyuk returns to the screen after a three-year hiatus, marked by his military service, with a demanding role in the Netflix series 'The Crowned Clown.' Initially, Nam believed the action sequences would be moderately challenging, but filming quickly revealed the true extent of the physical toll. "When I first read the script, I thought it would be a little tough. But after filming the first action scene, I realized it would be a lot tougher than just a little," he shared during a round interview in Seoul. The series, set in a Joseon Dynasty palace plagued by the deaths of princes, involves Nam portraying a character who battles supernatural entities. His role required him to perform intense action scenes almost every episode, including numerous underwater sequences. Despite the hardships, Nam expressed satisfaction, stating that the effort was worthwhile if the on-screen portrayal effectively conveyed the story's intensity. He emphasized that his personal struggles were insignificant compared to the final product. The 8-part Netflix series, which premiered on June 17, quickly secured the top spot on the 'Top 10 Series in South Korea' chart and garnered positive reviews for its unique world-building and spectacular visuals from outlets like TIME and the South China Morning Post. Nam approached the action scenes differently, focusing on helping the ghosts find peace rather than simply defeating them. "Since various ghosts with stories kept appearing, I approached it with the mindset of helping these ghosts move on to a better place," he explained. He also noted that a scene filmed while he was suffering from a severe cold resulted in a particularly desperate and raw performance. While the series has been praised for its plot and visuals, some viewers have offered mixed reviews regarding the acting performances of Nam and co-star Noh Yoon-seo. Nam responded gracefully, stating, "I gratefully accept the positive comments, and I also gratefully accept the reactions that feel lacking, and I contemplate ways to improve and grow." He added that diverse opinions are inevitable with a larger audience. The character 'Kkeom-meok-sari,' a mischievous spirit drawn to Nam's character, has also emerged as a scene-stealer due to its cute appearance, adding another layer to Nam's on-screen interactions.

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When I first read the script, I thought it would be a little tough. But after filming the first action scene, I realized it would be a lot tougher than just a little.