Son Suk Ku announces extended break after back-to-back hits: "Time to refocus"
, one of South Korea's most critically acclaimed and versatile actors, has announced that he will be taking an
extended break
from acting. Known for his compelling performances in dramas like 'Matrimonial Chaos', 'Designated Survivor: 60 Days', 'D.P.', 'My Liberation Notes', and 'A Killer Paradox', as well as films like 'Nothing Serious' and 'The Roundup', the actor says it's time to hit pause and recharge.
Slowing Down After a Non-Stop Streak
In a recent interview with Sports Seoul, Son Suk Ku revealed his decision to step back after wrapping up his current projects. With major roles in the upcoming 2025 dramas '
Heaven Is More Beautiful
' and '
The Ninth Puzzle
', 'Son' has become one of the most talked-about and hardworking actors in recent years.
"I'm still working right now, but once I finish what I've already committed to, I plan to take quite a long break," he shared. "In the past, I was focused on appearing in as many works as possible. I've learned a lot through that experience, but now I feel it's time to focus on more meaningful expressions."
He added, 'Producing a large number of works takes a tremendous amount of time and energy. I think it's the right moment to explore different ways of performing and bring about change.'
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About The Ninth Puzzle
In his upcoming drama The Ninth Puzzle, Son Suk Ku plays detective Kim Han Saem—an introspective, calculating character quite different from his previous role as the intense Jang Nam Gam in A Killer Paradox. While both roles belong to the detective genre, Son pointed out their distinct nature.
He explained that the key wasn't in creating differences but in discovering them. He described his character Han Saem as someone who exists somewhere between reality and fantasy, and said he worked hard to strike the right balance without leaning too far in either direction.
Reflecting on his deep commitment to the role, he shared that people often asked what he was working on, and he would simply reply, 'Just this.' He emphasized that the drama was a tightly constructed mystery, and he didn't want to stand out in a distracting way. He added that director Yoon Jong Bin had a clear vision and extensive experience, so all he had to do was place his trust in him and stay focused.
Choosing Ensemble Over Stardom
Despite his popularity, Son Suk Ku says he never aspired to be the quintessential 'one-top' male lead. 'In the early 2000s, it was common to see male-centered projects. I was never cast as the number one lead in that sense,' he explained. 'The Comments Army was probably the closest to that, but even then, I was drawn to it because of the ensemble—Kim Sung Cheol, Hong Kyung, Kim Dong Hwi. I believe that synergy comes from working together.'
Admiration for Kim Hye Ja
Speaking about Heaven Is More Beautiful, Son expressed deep admiration for his co-star, legendary actress Kim Hye Ja. 'I try to visit her whenever I start a new project,' he said. 'Her sincerity in acting inspires me. She's someone whose life and acting are seamlessly intertwined.'
Writing and Reflecting
As he looks ahead to his break, Son Suk Ku is also working on a screenplay. Reflecting on the support from his audience, he said, 'Whether people liked my projects or not, if they watched, they're my number one fans.'
He concluded, 'I do have dreams and plans during this break—mainly to take on new challenges I haven't explored before.'
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