Actor Ryu Seung-ryong, boasting a 24-year film career, confessed that comedy acting remains challenging.
Attending the Actors' House at the 31st Busan International Film Festival, held on the afternoon of October 9 at the Culture Hall on the 9th floor of Shinsegae Centum City in U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Ryu Seung-ryong said, "The more I do comedy, the more difficult it gets."
He explained, "I think what is most important in good comedy is genuinely believing in it while acting. Even in the drama 'Chicken Nugget,' I truly acted believing that my daughter had turned into a chicken nugget. If I don't believe it myself, how can I convince the audience?" He then demonstrated a scene by calling out his on-screen daughter's name.
Although Ryu Seung-ryong spoke humbly about the difficulties of comedic acting, he is an actor who has built an acclaimed legacy through comedy. Key moments throughout his career have always featured comedy films and the uniquely charming characters he brought to life.
After debuting in a minor role in the 2004 film "Someone Special," he captured the public's attention as the Casanova Sung-ki in the 2012 film "All About My Wife." He subsequently starred in no fewer than four 10-million-ticket hit films—"Masquerade," "Miracle in Cell No. 7," "The Admiral: Roaring Currents," and "Extreme Job"—solidifying his status as a leading powerhouse actor in Korean cinema.
Notably, both projects that earned him the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the Baeksang Arts Awards belonged to the comedy genre. In 2013, he claimed his first Daesang as Yong-gu, a doting father who drew both laughter and tears in "Miracle in Cell No. 7." He received his second Daesang for the character "Manager Kim" in the drama "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim," which aired last year, depicting the bittersweet realities of South Korean office workers.
Recalling his experience portraying an intellectually disabled character in the tragicomic story of "Miracle in Cell No. 7," he shared, "Working on several projects with director Jang Jin taught me something valuable: 'Even in an intoxicated scene, you must not get so lost in acting drunk that you lose sight of what you are trying to convey.' I think it was similar to that. I approached the role believing that Yong-gu is simply an ordinary father who loves his daughter more than his own life, and everything else was merely the surrounding premise."
Regarding the drama "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim," which sparked a massive sensation last year, he reflected on the shift in perspective that allowed him to craft his own take on a father and family provider: "There are countless fathers in this world. That title is merely what someone wears on the outside, but at the core, people come in endless varieties. Thinking that way gave me the freedom when selecting projects."
When asked by an audience member about his future goals as an actor, he replied, "I want to share the love and lessons I have received through acting with the next generation." His words reflected a sense of duty and purpose as an adult and senior colleague, aspiring to serve as a bridge connecting older and younger generations rather than focusing solely on personal glory.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)
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