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| yna@yna.co.kr 2026-07-31 09:29:38
SEOUL, July 31 (Yonhap) -- Actor Jung Il-woo said Thursday he approached his Japanese acting debut with the mindset of a rookie, expressing hopes of expanding his career across multiple countries.
"As it was my Japanese debut project, I worked with the mindset of a newcomer," Jung said during a press conference for the Amazon Prime Video original series "Criminal" at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. "I plan to work in various countries, so please look forward to it."
He described the series as his first global over-the-top (OTT) original production and his first Japanese series.
"The director told me he watched my film "Highway Family" and wanted to work with me," Jung said. "It's an addictive drama that you can't stop watching once you start."
"Criminal," produced in Japan for Amazon Prime Video, is a crime mystery thriller that follows the sole survivor of a random daytime knife attack near a train station, along with a detective and a reporter, as they risk their lives to uncover a vast conspiracy and the truth behind the incident.
The series is based on the novel of the same title by acclaimed Japanese screenwriter and author Ota Ai and is directed by Matsunaga Daishi.
Since its release on July 17, it has remained the most-watched title on Prime Video in Japan for three consecutive weeks.
Jung plays Takigawa, a mysterious figure who holds a key to the case. Although the character is Japanese in the original novel, the role was reimagined as a Korean following Jung's casting.
"I read the original novel three times to analyze Takigawa as an enigmatic character whose true nature remains unclear," Jung said. "I suggested Korean details for the character, such as wearing the combat boots I used during my military service throughout filming and using walnuts like acupressure balls whenever he was deep in thought."
Jung spent about two and a half months in Japan filming the series and said he adjusted well despite cultural and language differences.
"There were challenges because of the differences in culture and language, but thanks to the director's guidance and my immersion on set, I was able to complete the project without major difficulties," he said.
"I think if actors from different countries continue making projects together and we adapt quickly to this market, Korean content can become even more widely known," he added. "The Korean market is going through a difficult period, so I hope more co-productions will create new opportunities in the future."
Director Matsunaga also expressed strong confidence in Jung, saying he first recognized the actor's potential after watching "Highway Family."
"After working with him, I found his passion for acting to be tremendous," Matsunaga said. "For every scene, he offered many ideas about his character, and I could really feel how much he loves acting."
He added, "In Japan, I'm often regarded as a director who brings out new sides of actors through my work. I'd actually like to ask viewers what new side of Jung Il-woo they discovered in this series."
Asked about working with the director, Jung praised Matsunaga's meticulous directing style.
"We rehearsed each scene at least 30 times, which allowed me to become completely immersed in the situation and the character," he said. "The director repeatedly told me to 'empty myself' and 'not try to do anything.' It wasn't easy, but I kept trying, and I learned a great deal from the experience."
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