[Interview] ‘Good Actor’ Joo Sang Wook Talks Getting Rid of His ‘Director’ Image

It was up against difficult competition. But it still succeeded. Would it all have been possible without the ′good actor′?

The recently ended drama MBC’s Cunning Single Lady stood out among its competing projects, and Joo Sang Wook’s name cannot be left out when discussing the drama′s successful journey.

Entering the 17th year since his debut, Joo Sang Wook has already accomplished a tremendous amount in his career. But the newest challenge he took is meaningful in many ways.

Joo Sang Wook took his first step into the genre of romantic comedies through Cunning Single Lady.

Leaving behind his cold image from Good Doctor, Joo Sang Wook decided to take on a 180 degree change in his follow up project. And it turned out that Joo Sang Wook’s encounter with Cunning Single Lady was meant to be.

Acting as a naïve engineering student and a cold CEO of a company, Joo Sang Wook brought the viewers’ attention to the screen with his detailed and ridiculously funny acting.

It was as if his comical and cheerful personality hinted on variety shows peaked through the drama. And he became that much closer to the public.

The biggest benefit was that he was able to get rid of his ‘director’ image.

Meeting with enews on May 12 at a restaurant in Sinsa-dong, Joo Sang Wook said, “Personally, if anyone still calls me ‘director’ after watching the drama, I have nothing else to say. I’ve said that I don’t care about my fixed image but I am happy to have shown another side of me through this opportunity.”

About his take on comic actions, he said, “I’ve always wanted to have this kind of opportunity since I always acted as a ‘director.’ I thought I was being serious but many people thought I was funny in the drama. I personally felt free and comfortable to be acting lose and silly instead of acting within a tight frame.”

The following is Q&A; with Joo Sang Wook

It was your first rom-com project. How was it to take on comic actions?

I wanted to try acting out a funny character. I’ve always taken on a ‘director’ role and wanted this kind of opportunity. I enjoyed being able to act more freely.

You had good ‘chemistry’ with Lee Min Jung. How would you rate your chemistry with her?

I’ve acted with Min Jung before and that’s why it was more comfortable acting with her. It was her first project since she got married. She must have felt pressured to do well because of that, but I think she pulled it off nicely. If I were to rate it, I’d like to give a high score. (laughter)

How do you feel about getting rid of the ‘director’ image

I was a CEO this time. (laughter) Personally, I thought I have nothing to say if people still call me ‘director’ after this. I even thought about living as a ‘director’ for the rest of my life. I even thought that I might never lose my work since people could think of me for every ‘director’ role. (laughter) But I’m happy that I was able to show another side of me through this opportunity.

You went from being a director to a CEO. That could also mean that you went from being a supporting actor to a top lead actor. How do you feel about that?

I had many thoughts as I started this drama. Not because I didn’t have any experience, but I wondered if I can lead the drama well and that I could be the one responsible if the drama doesn’t do well. But I gained confidence as I filmed it. That’s why I was sadder when it was over. I gained confidence to do better for my next project.

The viewership ratings weren’t as high as expected

The viewership ratings weren′t as high but I think in a way it did well. It overlapped with You Who Came From the Stars in the beginning but it still earned better viewership ratings than I thought. So I wondered if it’ll go higher, but it stayed the same throughout. (laughter) But every person that I spoke to has been telling me they enjoyed the drama, so I’m satisfied.

What makes you stand out among the ‘younger men’ which is the trend these days?

As I aged, I began to think that they are walking a different path than me. Apart from acting abilities and appearance, I cannot be compared to them. If I were to compare myself to Seo Kang Jun, maybe I am better in terms of acting ability. (laughter) How can I even compete with Lee Min Ho or Kim Soo Hyun.

Are there any older actress you’d like to act with?

I wanted to act with Go Hyun Jung sunbaemim as I watched Queen Seon Deok. I’d like to act with her if an opportunity arises.

You said your ideal type is someone ‘fancy and glamorous’. Have you actually had such a girlfriend?

I don’t have a girlfriend right now. I should hurry and start dating. (laughter) I only said ‘fancy and glamorous’ once but I guess that left an impression. (laughter) I guess I said ‘fancy’ because I think a woman should take care of her beauty.

‘Cunning Single Lady’ was about a divorced couple. What are your thoughts on marriage?

Some of my friends are married and others are planning to get married. But I’m not really sure when it comes to marriage. I don’t think you get married just because you were dating for a long time.

What kind of woman do you want to marry?

A good woman. (laughter) Someone who I can talk to and has a compatible personality. Personality is the most important. I’m curious too, about who I will end up marrying.

Do you consider yourself a funny person?

I think I’m a cheery person. If I were to compare myself to others, think I’m above average (laughter) Variety shows are different than dramas. There are scripts for dramas but in variety shows there are certain lines I cannot cross as an actor so comic actions were easier than doing variety shows. If I get an opportunity, I’d like to appear on talk shows or variety shows. I might not be able to, but I also want to have a talk show under my own name some day.

Are you looking over any projects now?

Nothing has been decided on my next project.

What kind of character would you like to act out?

I’d like to try acting as a king. I personally like historical projects and you can’t go any higher than a king so I’d like to take on a king role one day.

Lastly, what are your future plans?

Thank you for loving and supporting me. I’m happy since everyone has been talking about Cunning Single Lady recently. Thank you and I will show myself working harder.

Photo credit: Fantasio

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