- Han Ji Min ever mentioned in an interview that, Park Yoochun did not calculate a lot about his acting, he is a good actor and Im not calculative about how much he can do.
In fact during all the drama filming, there would be situations whereby some things can or cannot be done, or when sleep is not enough but you still have to familiarize yourself with the script. Under such circumstances, one have to use that instantaneous force to carry on filming. If, for example, under such circumstances and without any calculation, then that would be result of good collaboration between actors. In order to get good feedback from the live broadcast, we were helping each others acting with everyone focusing.
- In order for that instantaneous force, focus is mandatory. During the beginning of the drama, JYJ was having concert tour too, and other issues such as the traffic accident or personal matters. It seems tough for you to put yourself in completely for the filming.
During the previous drama MBCs Miss Ripley, I was still unwillingly under the pressure from KBSs Sungkyunkwan Scandal. I felt the pressure in the beginning and sl:-) my self-confidence diminished. Therefore, I did thought of giving up in the midst of filming, but I overcome that in the end. I planted that problem after all. Therefore, my burden for this drama was lightened. I did not really have the determination to do it really well. To the extent that I did not even think of the ratings. I just naturally got myself indulged in the drama. Its the best this way.
- Due to the saeguk part in the beginning, others might compare this with Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Honestly, it aroused curiosity as to whether you are able to shake off that dramas image.
Lee Sun Joon and Lee Gak seems to be two complete different characters due to the difference in status, therefore, no doubt believed they have the same character image. Because of such thinking, I felt at ease. But no matter Lee Sun Joon or Miss Ripley Song Yuhyun, I used a gentle tone for the lines. At first I had wanted to grasp the ambiance, however, I felt that its not good enough for a stern ambiance. Thus, I adjust the strength of the tone and to the extent of breathing practice. As for the tone ending, I focused on it and this way, its closer to being Lee Gak.
- While establishing the leader image, you have to face the impact of crown princesss death right in the beginning. Was it difficult to get into the characters emotions?
(No,) On the contrary, it felt more convenient. Upon knowing crown princesss death, I just had to use anger and grief. This kind of portrayal is in fact easier. After that, at the same time with the arrival in Seoul, the emotions turned complicated. Even when meeting the reincarnated Se Na. But, right after acting, Im not sure if it is due to the lessening of stress, even when I felt difficult, I was still able to go through with my acting calmly. Burden was lessened too, and so turning acting into an enjoyment.
- You said on Twitter that you anticipate the character Lee Gak and wrote thankful notes. Did the indulging in the troubles of acting relieve all the other troubles that you had?
This too. Its not as if emotions can be come as quickly during filming. In fact, the return to the filming site after my fathers funeral was not an easy thing. But there were too many scenes of mine and theres the responsibility that I shouldnt give up this piece of work that I chose, therefore, I felt that I should return to the filming site. At the same time I was troubled. How am I supposed to smile with my feelings at that time? However, when I reached the filming site, there were people who consoled me and those who worried that I would feel burdened if they consoled me and thus tried to talk to me as per usual. I gradually returned back to my normal life and started to relieve my heavy heart. It was only after the drama ended that I realised I received so much consolation from the actors and staff through the character Lee Gak. Even for those who accidentally consoled me, every single thing became a consolation to me.
- I know you shed a lot of tears during the last filming. Though it was from Lee Gak, there should be tears from Park Yoochuns feelings, right?
Though during the period of time the camera was working, I teared as Lee Gak totally, but during the last scene filming, it was chaotic on the scene. Suddenly as Yong Tae Yong, and suddenly, Yoochun ah, go changed your clothes and come!, Yes!, and then quickly changed into Lee Gak and filmed again. It was such situation that there was no time to get into the character totally. Everyone just want to watch the broadcast quickly (laughs). Nonetheless, during the last moment, I did teared as Park Yoochun.
- There were many explanations for the ending. Whats your interpretation?
Its 100% Yong Tae Yong. Though I felt that he would not have any memories of Lee Gak, but if were to differentiate Lee Gak and Yong Tae Yong too much, it would be too desolate for the rest of Park Has life. Therefore, I hope to leave a bit of reincarnation feel. Its the same when Yong Tae Yong and Park Ha met at the cafe, the script described it as totally unrecognizable. But after communication with the director, the feeling changed a bit. Therefore, though Lee Gaks look was an imagination, it relayed the feel of this work through something realistic. If your beloved one left, you will never see him/her again. Therefore, the term reincarnation represents the deep-hearted yearning, pain and sadness. These could be the reason why I didnt cry while acting as Yong Tae Yong but as Lee Gak.
- Not only the last scene, in the later half of the drama, the different portrayals of Yong Tae Yong, Lee Gak who impersonates Yong Tae Yong and Lee Gak were pretty excellently done.
Due to the consideration on how to portray these parts, it seems even more interesting. It end up helping in establishing Lee Gaks character. After becoming Lee Gak well, it seems effective for the display of Lee Gak impersonating Yong Tae Yong. However, during the portrayal of Yong Tae Yong, due to the insufficient time, Lee Gak who have to continue impersonating, had to keep up with the modern way of speaking. With the new problem arising, Lee Gak who is impersonating Yong Tae Yong did not seem indifferent while talking to Tae Mu. Thus, wearing of spectacles became the way to differentiate the two. Meeting up with Park Ha was also the way to relate the two. Wearing the spectacles will be Yong Tae Yong and removing it will be Lee Gak, it has to be differentiated. Impersonating Yong Tae Yong under such whirlwind circumstances, it looks like there should be a way to represent the (Lee Gak and Tae Mus) opposition. The soul was not able to be filled up well, therefore it was kinda regretful. I did consider adding the action of pushing up spectacles but as the photoshopped photo of Detective Conan was circulating, I gave up in order not to let others think that I am mimicking (laughs).
- It seems that due to the plot, you are to express it as per your wish. As compared to previous works, your acting this time was shown without restrictions. Was it due to love?
I really felt a lot of happiness in this work through a freer performance. No description but just script lines, it ended my desire to further understand how to unleash myself. Director trusted me and hoped that I can release it all out. I later on realised again the joy of performing. As it was not known in a structured way, I felt even more at ease. In fact besides the scripts and even after broadcast, a lot of chances were made and therefore there were a lot more ad-lib performances. Especially in the scenes where I met with the trio gang, the ad-lib performances were over-flowing.
- Though the things experienced were different as an actor, they were experiences not felt as a singer, as all along you are presented as a group on stage.
As a singer, there were times where I can freely display while standing realistically on stage, especially when it was enjoyed as a group with the members. However, the condition to enjoy this kind of freedom situation was insufficient. As I was able to remove the desire in other regions at that time, I was very happy. Realising that in order to exert so freely, it needed life experiences after all. When an actor starts to be into his character and hooked up with his life experiences, its as though the portrayal can be retrieved (from experiences) easily. The scene at the pond where I was carrying Park Ha and shouting, I actually experienced that before, thus I was able to display it out. This is a work where I can relay to many incidents with my own feelings. I felt quite lucky regarding this, its like a blessing as an actor.
- You like the way you can perform and breathe freely as an actor and thus worked very hard for this. Ive heard that you made effort to create a happy environment at the filming site.
Making effort to finish a thing in order to reach the target, and then returning back to the filming site and felt the responsibility. As I passionately love it, it naturally turned out that way. I have to visit 70-80 filming sites in a week and thus cannot find where I belonged. I did thought of being more relaxed and not so restrained, therefore I became closer with other actors and thus dont have to be too careful and mind-straining. And also other actors took great care of me and trusted me. We helped each other. Especially Han Ji Min nuna, she accepted my ad-lib performances during rehearsals and trusted me. Because of her, I was able to act out naturally and thus shared my view on Park Has character. Under such situation, it was able to lead Lee Gak.
- The accumulation of those trust, was there a common ground that you shared?
I did not feel anything during rehearsal for that scene at the ending of episode 19, but after looking at how Ji Min nuna reacted, all my emotions rushed up at once. I am originally the kind who would not even cry while watching a melodrama movie. But after looking at nuna at that moment, I thought a lot and at that moment, I felt that it was the same feeling I had when I let slip of my father and felt very very sorry. With such pain, I unknowingly teared. I used to not able to cry at such scene. While filming in such emotions, even though (I) was disappearing but yet smiled saying, Its okay, its okay. Holding each others hand, still able to hear each other but hands and body were vanishing, the lost feeling when the person vanished with the wind. I was supposed to focus right when the hands starts vanishing and at the same time I kept thinking, if I am able to relay the correct feeling with such reactions. At that time I really felt the joy of a good acting an actor can perform.
- During the filming of this drama, you are able to cry along with your growing responsibility. It seems to become your merit and at the same time discovery of many precious moments.
Ah, this
this is not a merit. I think the scene where I am even more satisfied is the scene where I first kissed Park Ha. Lee Gak teared at that moment. Many people were astonished and so does the staff at that scene. However, I felt that the confession from Lee Gak to Park Ha was unlike a pair of usual couple where one had a crush on the other for a long time. It was the decision to give up Joseon, its the determination to be together and yet do not know how to express it. I think this is the reason why I decided to tear.
- You said in the past interviews that you hope to act a character engaging in psychological-war. Good acting is to train you to be even more professional. As compared, it doesnt seems to be a bad idea.
Developing strength and receiving strong points, therefore, I wish to act in a more multifaceted character. I am still having the desire to act an extreme character as a psycho-killer. Maybe its because I enjoyed the acting this time and thus began to worry for the choice of the next work. I am now still searching for a good pivot point and it seems troubling. But I will overcome this extreme difficulty. It would be of great help to me if I find the answer.
- So, what theme would be good for your next choice of work?
I personally am okay with character that is younger than 20 years old, I still want to act in those pure innocent crush or sad love drama. But as I aged, I would want to be like outstanding veterans who would not give a care about the make-up or the focus of entry. Just the skill of acting will do. Though its a moment of acting that you all saw, it was actually an outright performance by someone. I want to be 100% like that, no, 120%. To be such a person is my target.
- You reap what you sow. It seems that you will get a big return in this years award show. It will be great that you received the new actor award from the three broadcasting company. (smiles)
I felt so happy at the thought of able to sit together with fellow actors during the award show. After the filming ended, due to other schedules, I have been busy and was able to meet up with Tae Sung hyung for a while only. Its a pity that we are not able to meet frequently. It will be such a joy to gather everyone together. I am already starting to anticipate.
In conclusion, this work is convincing.
This is as though overseeing an amateur golfer putting his first ball into the hole. From technical parts like enunciation, vocal, breathing to acting route etc. Though Park Yoochun is still a new actor, his resume can not be hidden. His attitude is different too. As his way of hitting (the ball) is not yet matured, you have no idea when he will hit the ball into the sand pit. He is such a player that worries those who are watching. However, he is an experience professional who would not yield to others command and is someone who put aside the competitiveness to enjoy the competition. Maybe at times Park Yoochun was unable to finish some technical things, but gained his victory from the viewers through sensibility. If were to scrutinize the lines and script, the trouble when Lee Gak just time-travelled from Joseon to Seoul and the palpitating emotions when falling in love with Park Ha, were sufficiently relayed. Although he was not an outstanding actor, he was an actor who display outstanding acting, different from actors who developed at a normal pace.
source: 10asia
credit: micky baidu bar
trans by: rachui@sharingyoochun