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Seo In-guk Vows to Continue as 'Rom-Com Master' into His 40s, Aims to Evoke Excitement
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Culture & Society

Seo In-guk Vows to Continue as 'Rom-Com Master' into His 40s, Aims to Evoke Excitement

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Actor Seo In-guk has expressed his commitment to continuing his 'romantic comedy master' persona into his 40s, aiming to evoke excitement in audiences.
  • In a recent interview following the tvN drama 'The Heavenly Idol,' Seo In-guk discussed his role as Kang Si-woo, a meticulous and self-sacrificing office superior, and his preparation for the character.
  • He also shared his positive experiences working with co-star Park Ji-hyun and his desire to create unique parallel universes for his roles, drawing from his love for romantic comedies since his youth.

Seo In-guk is ready to embrace his role as a 'romantic comedy master' well into his 40s, expressing a desire to continue bringing excitement to audiences.

What I value most in a project is the story that links the protagonists' relationship. I focus on how they build their connection and fall in love.

โ€” Seo In-gukExplaining his reason for choosing the drama 'The Heavenly Idol.'

In a recent interview following the tvN drama 'The Heavenly Idol,' which concluded in late July, Seo In-guk shared insights into his portrayal of Kang Si-woo, a seemingly cold but ultimately self-sacrificing office boss. The drama centers on a seven-year career woman, Cha Ji-yoon, who rediscovers excitement in both work and love with her challenging superior, Kang Si-woo.

Seo In-guk emphasized the importance of the narrative connecting the main characters, stating, "What I value most in a project is the story that links the protagonists' relationship. I focus on how they build their connection and fall in love." He found Kang Si-woo's growth through his relationship with Ji-yoon appealing, hoping viewers would also feel a sense of growth.

I tried to portray him as close to colorless... He is a calm and resolute person in various situations and at work.

โ€” Seo In-gukDescribing his character Kang Si-woo.

To embody Kang Si-woo, Seo In-guk underwent a 3kg weight loss and focused on conveying a sharp, work-focused demeanor without appearing outwardly unpleasant. He noted his natural facial features could make him look sullen when expressionless, requiring careful consideration to portray Si-woo's professional intensity. He praised co-star Park Ji-hyun for her emotional range and collaborative spirit, calling their on-screen chemistry excellent.

Park Ji-hyun seemed to have no limits in expressing emotions. Acting together was very fun, and I learned a lot from her.

โ€” Seo In-gukDiscussing his collaboration with co-star Park Ji-hyun.

While 'The Heavenly Idol' is based on a webtoon, Seo In-guk aimed to create a distinct world for the drama. He also discussed his participation in the OST, 'The Person Who Filled Me,' admitting a personal preference against singing OSTs for his own projects due to potential awkwardness, but complied with the director's request. Looking ahead, Seo In-guk hopes to encounter more 'fated' roles in his 40s, similar to 'Reply 1997' in his 20s and 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' in his 30s, and expressed his enjoyment of working and exploring diverse characters.

I personally don't prefer singing OSTs for projects I appear in. It feels a bit cringey when a song with my voice plays while I'm delivering lines.

โ€” Seo In-gukOn his participation in the drama's OST.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.