Interview 2012: Perfect burden

Park Sihoo: I feel pressured by the expectations of a perfect guy

He play Lee Dooseok, a serial killer in the movie “Confession of Murder”.

White skin and eyes that curve to a thin line when smiling are the points that highlight the subtle charm of actor Park Sihoo. Even though he had a mask where good and evil coexisted, the characters offered to him so far have been a typical attractive man who looked cold but only warm to his woman.

In that sense, the movie “Confession of Murder” deserved attention as a work that rightly uncovered the new face of actor Park Sihoo. He played Lee Dooseok, a serial killer who became a celebrity after publishing an autobiography on penance for murder. Park Sihoo also attempted to transform his acting by adding eeriness to the gentle image he has presented so far.

On 18 October 2012, the reporter met Park Sihoo at a cafe in Sinmun-ro, Seoul. Park Sihoo has been thirsty for transformation to the extent that he decided to cleanse the images he has built up on TV  in his first movie challenge.

A successful transformation

“I have shown many gentle images in the dramas and usually played roles that are like a prince on a white horse. But I am looking for a completely different image. Like me, fans are looking forward to it (Nance: as in his change). Since my debut, I have wanted a role with a dual character. I really want to take on the role of a psychopath or a serial killer and I have talked a lot about wanting to act like that. And now it has finally come true.” (Laughs)

In the movie, Lee Dooseok is a character who exuded a strange aura making it difficult to predict his thoughts. Park Sihoo completed the image of Lee Dooseok, who is both disgusting and mysterious, with his strange eyes that cannot be interpreted and a light smile that cannot be understood. Park Sihoo laughed, saying, “In fact, I often hear people say that I don’t really know what I am thinking.”

“Lee Dooseok is both a murderer and a charming person. He has to give the nuance of self-reflection while being hateful. The difference between them is subtle, so it is difficult to act it out. It was a delicate difference.”

Park Sihoo recalled the filming saying, “Besides that, there was not a single scene in the movie that was easy. The unique scenes such as scenes shot in the rain in winter, being bitten by snakes in a swimming pool and being hit in the face by jajangmyeon (black sauce noodles) thrown at your face were not easy.”

A perfect piece of work

“In particular, the swimming pool scene filmed in cold water in December was the hardest. I thought I could swim in warm water and come out, but they had cold water because there was no heating. I usually have good physical strength and do not have problem staying up for three to four nights. But my body froze after being immersed in cold water for 5 minutes. At that time, for the first time, I even thought of giving up.”

The image of a perfect man that Park Sihoo presented in his dramas was neither the same nor different from the real person. However, his personality is a shy one and he preference to listen rather than talk has often been misunderstood by others. Asked if there was any woman who came to watch the movie with expectations of a great image, he smiled, saying, “Why not any?”

“There were times when I felt burdened by people approaching me with high expectations after seeing only the good side of my acting. I have been misunderstood because I didn’t present myself well. I tend to feel differently depending on my condition, the atmosphere and who the other person is, and I am very shy. However, I will show everything to people whom I know well and for a long time.”

What does being an actor mean to him who has become a popular actor on TV through various works such as “The Princess Man”, “Queen of Reversals,” and “Prosecutor Princess?” Park Sihoo replied, “It is a job that has more advantages than disadvantages. The disadvantages may be that you have to be conscious of other people’s views and the possibility of people having preconceived notions.”

“I have a strong tendency to be free and I hate being constrained. In my spare time, I like to travel to places with beautiful sceneries. When I finish my projects, I usually go to the nearby countryside such as to a Japanese ryokan to rest for two to three days. Rather than make plans before hand, I leave as soon as I think of it and in the morning of the very day.   I like that kind of fun.” (Laughs)

Confrontation between a serial killer and a detective

“Confession of Murder” depicted an endless confrontation between a serial killer and a detective. The killer became a celebrity with his autobiography on penance for murder after the statute of limitations of 15 years has expired  and the detective could not catch him by law.

Choi Hyunggu (played by Jung Jaeyoung), who was in charge of the case, suffered from guilt of not being about to catch the criminal. He was also angry that Lee Dooseok (played by Park Sihoo) disappeared after leaving a terrible wound on his face. Choi Hyunggu struggled to find a way to punish Lee Dooseok, who became a celebrity with his handsome look and gift of the gap. The movie, directed by Director Jung Byunggil, was released in November 2012

Credits – Many thanks!  JoyNews 24, Cine21, ParkSihooSsi.com, ParkSihooHongKong.com