▲ Hollywood actor Tom Cruise speaks to reporters at a press conference to promote his new film, "Digger," in Seoul on Oct. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ Hollywood actor Tom Cruise poses at a press conference to promote his new film, "Digger," in Seoul on Oct. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ This still, provided by Warner Brothers Korea, shows a scene from the film "Digger." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

By Lee Minji

SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Yonhap) -- Hollywood star Tom Cruise, whose acting career spans more than four decades, said Thursday he seeks to absorb and reflect humanity in his films so audiences can see themselves, calling the craft a "privilege."

Cruise made the remarks as he visited South Korea to promote his latest film, "Digger," in which he plays stubborn and eccentric oil tycoon Digger Rockwell, who inadvertently causes an incident that leads to a world-shattering catastrophe.

"As an artist, whether it is action, whatever it is, I absorb humanity, and then I want to reflect it in my movies for other people to be able to see themselves, to see ourselves, to laugh, the drama ... all of these things, that is what interests me," he said at a press conference in Seoul.

"I am interested in being a reflection of life," said the actor, whose latest visit marked his 13th official trip to the country, the most visits to date for a Hollywood actor.

Noting how he attended 10 different schools growing up, Cruise said he has always been interested in human behavior, observing how people want to be right but end up making huge mistakes.

The actor, who departed from his usual high-octane characters in action-packed films such as the "Mission Impossible" series for his lead role in "Digger," said he wanted audiences to navigate human nature through the film and walk away with something to discuss.

"This film is about everyone discussing it," Cruise said. "One of the things about the movie is that it embraces all of our responsibilities ... and it kind of brings up many different subjects for us all as individuals to be able to look at."

When asked about whether the change in the type of characters he plays is aimed at winning an Oscar, the veteran actor said the process of filmmaking and everything that follows feel like a privilege to him.

"As far as Oscars and all of that (are concerned), I make movies, and however people talk and what they want to say, it is always just a privilege to be able to make a film," he said. "Number one, to be able to make it, and then whatever happens after that is just beautiful."

Against such a backdrop, Cruise noted how he constantly disciplines himself for acting, when asked about how he prepared for an intense 10-minute monologue in "Digger" that was shot in a single take.

The veteran actor said he keeps learning and applying the things he learns, comparing the art of acting to playing jazz.

"When the camera starts to roll, I know all the beats ... I understand lenses, the camera, the position, and then I am just free, it is like playing jazz. It is like playing an instrument and you know the beats that you have to hit. You are just going and it is a rhythm," he said.

"Digger" is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, known for critically acclaimed films including "Birdman" (2015) and "The Revenant" (2016).

Inarritu, who could not join Cruise on his South Korea visit, released a statement Wednesday, expressing his affection for Korean audiences.

"Korea holds a very special place in the world of cinema, and I have always been deeply moved by the extraordinary love, passion and enthusiasm Korean audiences bring to films and filmmakers," he said.

"Digger" is set for release in South Korea on Saturday.

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