Interview with Ryu Kyung-soo from Netflix’s hit sci-fi original film ‘Jung_E’

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| yna@yna.co.kr 2023-01-28 11:51:05

▲ This photo, provided by Netflix, shows actor Ryu Kyung-soo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

▲ This photo, provided by Netflix, shows actor Ryu Kyung-soo in Netflix's original film 'Jung_E.' (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

▲ This photo, provided by Netflix, shows actor Ryu Kyung-soo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Yonhap) – South Korean actor Ryu Kyung-soo has now entered a new chapter in his life with his latest Netflix original film “Jung_E” garnering explosive popularity on Netflix.

“In the end, a movie is something that must be watched. I feel great joy and gratitude for having so many viewers watching our movie,” the actor shared his thoughts about winning the global top with “Jung_E” as he did with his second-latest Netflix original film “Hell.” “It makes me feel like it was not a waste of work.”

In regards to the film topping the Non-English film chart for four consecutive days from the day after its release, the actor said, “I think a character’s private story drawn in the SF background was what made the film garner global attention,” during an interview held at a cafe in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul on Thursday,

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, “Jung_E” revolves around a team of artificial intelligence (A.I.) experts that attempts to clone the brain of Jung-e, the best mercenary, and create a killing machine named Jung_E. Ryu Kyung-soo played Kim Sang-hoon, the head of the institute, who is obsessed with the success of the “Jung_E Project.”

Sang-hoon, who has a unique sense of humor, is a character who expresses emotions regardless of what happens around him. The actor explained, “I wanted to appear as one of the most uncomfortable and nerve-wracking people we tend to encounter periodically in our lives.”

“People who overdo everything are a bit uncomfortable. They tend to overreact in everything and express them in such a way,” the actor added. “I thought the overloading emotions would be what makes people overwhelmed. That is how I thought that the twist that Sang-hoon has would hit hard on the viewers.”

He said, “I always wanted to show everything that I have. I can’t be drawn down by pondering over how I might appear in the film. I thought the character must appear to be untrustworthy and also ironic that he has so much responsibility in his high position despite his relatively young age.”

“Jung_E” is the second film he worked on with Director Yeon and Kim Hyun-joo. The three who first shot “Hell” together joined hands once again for this new Netflix film, which was based on the script Director Yeon wrote.

Ryu Kyung-soo explained, “In fact, Director Yeon was the main reason behind my decision to do ‘Jung_E.’”

“Of course, the plot was interesting. But what makes it even better was the working atmosphere I share with Director Yeon. It is always comfortable and chilling, which makes me look forward to it every day when I go to work. It was a stress-free zone throughout the entire shooting,” adding, “I thnk I will happily and thankfully take any role when it comes to working with Director Yeon.”

As for Kim Hyun-joo, he said, “I rely on her both as an actress and a human,” expressing respect for her, “I think she is the one who can embrace everything.”

He also recalled that the late Kang Soo-yeon played a big role in getting him acquainted with Actress Kim Hyun-joo.

“Kang Soo-yeon kept making opportunities for us to get acquainted, which really brought us closer together. We chatted and bantered,” he added. “I may be still young to think that the process is what matters more than the result. However, ‘Jung_E’ was definitely the work that made me feel the power of process.”

Kang Soo-yeon was more than a senior actress to him that he volunteered to be in charge of her snacks on the set. In regards to his relationship with her, the actor said, “I did thank her, but I am sorry I could not do more.”

“At first, I was anxious to be acting with such a legendary actress. However, as soon as we first met, she greeted me so cheerfully as if we knew each other for a long. I even volunteered myself to be in charge of her snacks on the set (laughs),” he added. “She never shared a negative comment during the shoot, so I am sure that she would have definitely complimented us after watching the finished work.”

Ryu Kyung-soo, who made himself known by appearing in the hit South Korean drama “Itaewon Class,” has been appearing in multiple works since then, including “Hell,” “Hostage: Missing Celebrity,” and “DAEMUGA,” solidifying his career path as an actor.

“I used to think my normal-looking face was a minus for me; however, I now think it is a plus that I am somewhat plain-looking,” the actor said. “My face is what can have me take various roles in multiple genres – as a son, a friend, or any other role you will see in your daily life.”

(This article is translated from Korean to English by Ha eun Lee)

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