Interview 2011: Dark Knight Part 2

Q: When did you first want to become an actor?

PSH: It seems that I have longed for it since I was very young. My father used to take me to the cinema. He worked as a fashion model in the 1970s and appeared in many movies, so I really liked movies. I still remember us watching together at night the 007 series of movies that children couldn’t watch. It was a wonderful existence and just a dream before I realize what an actor does. But growing up in the countryside, I never thought I would end up acting.

The rookie movie actor speaks up

Q: What do you mean by the countryside?

PSH: I am from Chungcheong Province. I grew up in Buyeo. When I was 20, I came to Seoul without any connection. I just wanted to become an actor, so I went to the theater company, put up posters to advertise their productions and then stood on the stage and played the leading role…

This is a typical memoir of the birth of an actor. Then I started modeling for advertisements and met my agency… well, that was the story.

Recently, many people have become stars overnight but I have to gradually gain experience by shooting TV dramas one by one. It took me ten years from my debut on the theatre stage for my name to become known.

Men have a hard time seizing opportunities before joining the military. It is rare to see an actor who can jump straight up to the top based on a single piece of work. I think my strengths will improve over time.

Youtube Video – Park Sihoo “Rookie Days in Which Star Do You Come From?”, 13 March 2020

https://youtu.be/RMOzLpT_4K4

Q: What was your emotional support while living the life of an unknown?

PSH: When I started acting at the age of 20, I thought I would do well from the start. I only had courage because I didn’t know anything. There was a stubborn hope that I would be cast as soon as I started and take on the lead role. It was an unfounded affirmation when I think about it now, but I have never given up on the belief that I am sure it will work out after a year or two. I didn’t try to be that way, it just happened naturally. 

Q: You seem to have an optimistic and positive personality. What was the hardest experience you ever had?

PSH: It is no joke, but it was the swimming pool scene I filmed a few days ago. (Laugh) After taking a bath, you will know how hard it is to soak until the early morning. I remember this a few days ago, but even if it were actually difficult, I won’t remember it for a long time and will forget about it.

Even so, it was nothing compared to filming a drama. After staying up late for 3-4 days in a row to shoot a drama, my tired head can veer off the camera angle and fall backwards. I can be dozing while acting. It is a strange situation to be able to remember the lines in that state, but it is amazing to watch when it is aired.

The making was tough but enjoyable

Q: “The Princess’ Man” is said to have improved your acting skills.

PSH: This could be the result of accumulating little by little while doing one work at a time. If you look at the script, your memories of your previous works will naturally unfold in front of you like a document. The reactions to these memories lead to the evaluation of the acting.

My experience and knowledge in dramas so far seem to be very important. Even in the scene where the actress was strangled, she was so immersed in the scene and it turned out unintentionally. Watching the playback on the screen later, she was surprised that she had such an expression.

Of course, there are a lot of excitement during the broadcast. In the case of a drama, I gained confidence from the reactions of the viewers every week. Similarly, if you don’t get audience ratings and response, you will really lose your energy. I gained confidence as I received a lot of praise for my acting. By the way, I am more confident. My trust in myself played a bigger role than other people’s judgment.

To be continued…Dark Knight Part Three