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

 

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- In the recent movie "Hostage: Missing Celebrity," actor Hwang Jung-min takes the leading role all by himself, however rookie actors, who play the kidnappers, stand out as much as the main character.

Among them, actor Ryu Kyung-soo, who acts as Yeom Dong-hoon, a hot-tempered second-in-command kidnapper, keeps the audience on edge with his strong eyes and offensive tone. Ryu's well-defined facial features and shortly trimmed hair emphasizes his rough character.

In a recent video interview with Yonhap News Agency, Ryu explained he was selected for his role after breaking a 1,000 to 1 casting competition. Still amazed that he passed the audition, the actor repeatedly said that he was "worried" but "thankful" throughout the interview.

Ryu, who started acting in front of cameras as a minor role in the 2007 drama "Catch A Kangnam Mother," has consistently appeared in short films, dramas, and plays. Although the actor is technically not a rookie who just made his debut, it hasn't been long since Ryu was given a proper role.

The actor became familiar to the public after he starred in drama "Itaewon Class" (2020). Although Ryu's character, Choi Seung-kwon, was a former gangster, he gained fondness from the audience for his friendly and sloppy side. However, Yeom Dong-hoon of "Hostage: Missing Celebrity" shows a complete opposite and brutal personality.

"I made sure to play Yeom Dong-hoon as an unpredicted character and in a way that surprises the audience," Ryu said. "He's a very straightforward character, so I tried hard not to give it my best to act intimidating when filming."

Among the kidnappers in the movie, Yeom Dong-hoon has the longest scenes with Hwang Jung-min, as he hits and chases Hwang Jung-min. Ryu said, "It was an honor and a burden to work with Hwang Jung-min, who is such a top actor." However, the 28-year-old actor did not forget to thank Hwang, saying that he was able to learn and grow from this experience.

"I was so worried that I couldn't fall asleep the day before the shoot. The director said this movie was like a reality show, so I tried to act comfortably and boldly," Ryu said.

Before the official filming day, Hwang Jung-min and other actors practiced endlessly, and worried about each acting scene while looking at the scenario. Director Pil Gam-seong also said, "I felt thrilled when Ryu Kyung-soo spent all day thinking of ways to deliver his character's mean personality and in the end irked Hwang Jung-min in the movie by smirking at him."

"In the past, I rehearsed my one or two line part over a hundred times. I've tried talking in one way and another. Even now, I keep thinking of ways to accurately and attractively deliver my lines to the audience. As an actor, I think this dilemma is a never ending concern to have.

Asked what attracted Ryu to become an actor, he replied, "It's fun." When Ryu meets a new character, the actor instantly thinks about whether he will fit into the role, and the process of getting closer to the role itself seemed interesting for Ryu.

"When I asked Hwang, he said his heart still beats rapidly when he acts. I want to carry the same emotions and feeling when I act as well," Ryu said. "'Hostage: Missing Celebrity' is the foundation for my growth. In terms of archery, this feels like my first shot. I want to be an actor who is worth looking forward to."

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