Yook Sung-jae and 16-Year Friend 'Date' in Drama, Reveals Biggest Anxiety

South Korean heartthrob Yook Sung-jae, a member of the group BTOB, is set to captivate audiences in the fantasy historical K-drama "The Palace of Ghosts," airing soon on GTV. He stars alongside Kim Ji-yeon, an actress he has known for 16 years. Despite their long-standing friendship, this marks their first official collaboration on screen.

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We know each other too well, can we really film romantic chemistry?

When asked about filming romantic scenes, Yook Sung-jae admitted to initial anxiety. "We know each other too well, can we really film romantic chemistry?" he wondered. However, this very familiarity ultimately became a key ingredient for the drama's chemistry. Yook Sung-jae explained that their deep understanding meant they could communicate openly on set, directly addressing any issues and refining their performances without hesitation.

"The Palace of Ghosts" presents a significant challenge for Yook Sung-jae, as he takes on dual roles for the first time in a historical drama. He portrays both the gentle and loyal minister Yoon Ga, and the malevolent, unrestrained evil spirit Kang Cheol. Director Yoon Sung-sik praised Yook Sung-jae, noting that his "cute, boyish exterior hides a very aggressive gaze," a quality that made him the perfect fit for the role. The actor's seamless transition between the stable demeanor of Yoon Ga and the wild, dangerous aura of Kang Cheol reportedly gave the crew goosebumps.

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There's no need for pleasantries between us, and we don't really watch each other's expressions on set. If there's a problem, we just say it directly.

Kim Ji-yeon breaks away from her previous image in her role as the sorceress Yeo Ri. She confessed that this was her first foray into fantasy and comedy genres, and she frequently observed Yook Sung-jae's acting during filming. To prepare, she studied witchcraft rituals, dances, and incantations, with actual shamans providing on-site guidance, adding an air of mystery to the set.

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His cute, boyish exterior hides a very aggressive gaze.

Director Yoon Sung-sik was convinced Kim Ji-yeon could embody the "dominant yet mysterious" aura of Yeo Ri after seeing her performance in "Pyramid Game." He highlighted her sharp, spirited gaze as her greatest asset, a rare combination in actors. The director believes her ability to convey both intensity and soulfulness makes her uniquely suited for the role.

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The switch to being possessed by an evil god, becoming疯癫 (crazy), rude, and dangerous, was incredibly strong, giving the crew goosebumps.