Video

[Anchor]

With its fast-paced plot, sophisticated direction, and the distinctive performances of its cast, a certain drama is enjoying top-tier popularity these days. As the drama "Mr. Kim" approaches its finale, viewers' interest in how it will all end is heating up.

On tonight's Nightline Invitation, we are joined by actor Joo Sang-wook, who transformed his image by taking on a villainous role in the drama "Mr. Kim."

Q. The drama "Mr. Kim" is dominating the small screen. How do you feel?

[Joo Sang-wook / Actor: First of all, I never expected "Mr. Kim" to receive this level of response, and I am so grateful to everyone for loving it so much. Also, even though Ju Gang-chan is a truly bad person and a villain, I am deeply thankful for all the warm support and love you have shown him.]

Q. You share a deep connection with SBS. You have had many projects featuring image transformations, right?

[Joo Sang-wook / Actor: That's right. "Giant" still has a lot of reruns airing. When I looked it up just now, it's already been about 15 to 16 years. Back then, "Giant" served as a major turning point in my acting and professional life. I've worked on many projects since then, but I think "Mr. Kim" will serve as yet another turning point for me. Thank you, SBS.]

Q. This is your first time taking on an "overtly cruel villain" role. How did you come to choose it?

[Joo Sang-wook / Actor: I think all actors feel this way. We spend a lot of time thinking about image transformations and new challenges. In that sense, the character of Ju Gang-chan was pretty much the exact type of villain I had envisioned and thought about in my head. I'm just so thankful that the results turned out this way.]

Q. The "sauna scene," which highlighted your self-management, was actually filmed in a cold bath?

[Joo Sang-wook / Actor: Once the cameras and everything were set up, they told me to go on in, and it turned out to be a cold bath. That scene was extremely long. Whenever they yelled cut, I would go back into the hot bath to warm up. I was shivering from the cold, and I think we filmed for about three hours while going back and forth between the cold and hot baths.]

Q. You had many action scenes with actor So Ji-sub. How was the chemistry?

[Joo Sang-wook / Actor: Hyung [So Ji-sub] is South Korea's top action actor. So every time we filmed, he taught me a lot, guiding me on how to react when hit during action sequences. Thanks to that, we were able to film smoothly while laughing a lot. Of course, we filmed all day long. From start to finish, I pretty much just kept getting hit. But thanks to the help of our Mr. Kim, I was able to get through the shooting very smoothly.]

Q. Viewers seem to feel a great sense of catharsis when Ju Gang-chan gets beaten up.


[Joo Sang-wook / Actor: Even while we were shooting that scene, we figured that the more punishment I took, the more catharsis the viewers would feel. And as expected, the audience really enjoyed it.]

Q. What would you pick as the most memorable scene or line from "Mr. Kim"?

[Joo Sang-wook / Actor: Looking at the drama as a whole, the scene in Episode 7 where Mr. Kim delivers a satisfying lesson to Ju Gang-chan is probably the standout scene. As for Ju Gang-chan's memorable lines, I vividly recall a moment where the two of us are talking to my daughter. At that time, you'd expect him to whisper something comforting like, "It's going to be okay," but instead, he says something completely chilling, like, "Did you make sure she's dead?" That line really sticks with me.]

Q. As an actor of 28 years, what does "acting" mean to you?

[Joo Sang-wook / Actor: Acting is certainly my profession, but the energy you can only feel on set is what truly brings vitality to my life. I think the reason I am able to continuously sustain my energy is precisely because I draw it from the filming set. So, I would like to call it the vital spark of my life.]

Q. With just two episodes left of "Mr. Kim," what are the key points to look out for?

[Joo Sang-wook / Actor: Many of you loved seeing that satisfying beating scene in Episode 7. There are still two episodes left. And there is still one more round to go. So please look forward to the remaining two episodes and keep cheering us on until the end.]

Q. Do you have any dreams you wish to achieve as an actor?

[Joo Sang-wook / Actor: I will naturally continue my acting career moving forward, but I want to become a good actor who is constantly praised as a fine performer. I will keep working hard toward that, and I ask for your continued support.]