Post-'Parasite,' Choi Woo-shik says he is evolving
"Parasite" star Choi Woo-shik has returned to the small screen as a rare leading man in a romance series with Netflix's "Melo Movie" on Valentine's Day.
In the series, Choi embodies an actor-turned-film critic who finds himself drawn to an aspiring director, portrayed by Park Bo-young.
"Melo Movie" stands as one of the few projects in Choi's extensive filmography where he takes center stage in a purely romantic narrative. Reflecting on his career, Choi said he considers SBS' hit romance drama "Our Beloved Summer" (2021) as one of the only other major romance series in which he has starred, before his latest project.
He joined "Melo Movie" because of its screenwriter, Lee Na-eun, who also wrote "Our Beloved Summer," Choi explained.
" ... My fond memories of working with (Lee) naturally drew me to the script. The story is filled with warm emotions. It may not have the flashy, fireworks-exploding elements that are popular these days, but it's the kind of story I love most — one that's enjoyable because it portrays relationships filled with people and love," said Choi during a group interview in Samcheong-dong, Seoul.
Regarding the inevitable comparisons to his previous romantic role, Choi admitted to feeling some pressure.
"Since it's the same romance genre, there was definitely some pressure," he said.
"However, while Choi Woong from 'Our Beloved Summer' was an introvert who was often mindful of others, Go Gyeom in 'Melo Movie' is a more straightforward, confidently devoted to one person without hesitation. I wanted to create a character that would naturally spark curiosity even in real life," he added.
Delving into the well-worn trope of chance reunions, a crucial element in "Melo Movie," Choi said such cliche moments help hearts flutter.
"Meeting someone by fate might be considered a cliche, but I thought about how happy I would be if I got to see someone I have feelings for four or five times by chance. It would feel like a truly joyful fantasy," he said.
Coinciding with Choi's interview was the press screening of auteur Bong Joon-ho's highly anticipated film "Mickey 17," the director's first feature film since "Parasite."
Choi revealed his close bond with the acclaimed director.
"I get in touch with director Bong often. I'll be attending the VIP premiere of 'Mickey 17'," he shared. 'I'm really looking forward to it. I know how much effort the director has put into this project, so my expectations are high."
Reflecting on his journey post-"Parasite," Choi offered a glimpse into his evolving mindset.
"I still feel the same as I did working on 'Parasite.' There's still so much I need to improve and I have many shortcomings. But what's different now is that I've gained a bit more confidence. With each project I complete, I start to feel more assured, thinking, 'Maybe I can handle this much now.'"
However, the actor admitted he still has some self-doubts and regrets. "I remember not being able to leave my seat even after the credits rolled because I kept thinking, 'I should've done better,' or 'I could've pushed a bit more in that scene.' I think, sometimes, having too much ambition can hold you back from doing well."
Now, Choi says he finds himself trying to strike a balance between ambition and finding happiness as an actor.
"Lately, I've been feeling more ambitious and I'm trying to let go of that. Right now, I'm figuring out how to set my mind at ease. I think I'm learning more about how to enjoy and find happiness in this work."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
6 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Stories that must be heard: docuseries that shook Korea returns
Facing legal battles and social stigma, survivors of the darkest chapters in Korea's contemporary history share their stories in 'The Echoes of Survivors: Inside Korea's Tragedies' The docuseries that made waves in South Korea is back with a powerful sequel, this time delving into firsthand accounts by survivors of some of South Korea's most harrowing events. 'The Echoes of Survivors: Inside Korea's Tragedies' is a Netflix documentary series that explores the stories of survivors and affiliates of four major modern Korean tragedies: the Jesus Morning Star cult, the Busan Brothers' Home, the Jijonpa serial murder case and the Sampoong Department Store collapse. It follows the 2023 Netflix hit 'In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal,' which revealed alleged abuses by religious organizations in Korea, including JMS leader Jeong Myeong-seok, who is currently imprisoned for sexual assault. Just days before the scheduled premiere, JMS filed for an injunction against MBC and Netflix at the Seoul Western District Court on July 29, seeking to block "The Echoes of Survivors: Inside Korea's Tragedies" from airing. A hearing was held on Tuesday and, though the outcome remains pending, the series is set to premiere Friday. 'The result of the injunction filing has not come out yet. ... Before our broadcast has aired, a total of three injunction requisitions have been filed," said producer Jo Sung-hyun during a press conference held in Seoul Wednesday. "Honestly, I don't understand why they have to go so far as to block this broadcast. Whether it's Season 1 or Season 2, this only proves that revealing this is very uncomfortable for someone ... I believe this is something that everyone needs to know." Jo also emphasized that he trusts the South Korean courts, saying he has "no doubt that they will make a good decision, one that serves the people.' While the English title reflects the broader theme, the series' Korean title, 'I am a Survivor,' was carefully chosen to emphasize the ongoing struggles faced by those featured. The first season's Korean title was 'I am God.' Producer Jo explained the reasoning behind the new title: 'I thought of the title 'I am a Survivor' first, and then planned the program in more detail afterward. This is because after our previous work aired, I saw the ongoing situation of one of our most representative victims, a friend named Maple. Her current circumstances reinforced the idea (to create the show) even more," he said. Jo said he was most hurt by people who dismissed survivors, including Maple, as foolish individuals manipulated by religious groups. "I believe many supporters are more than victims — they endured trauma, witnessed societal issues and deserve respect. To honor them and raise awareness, I created the show titled 'I Am a Survivor.'" Producer Jo also outlined the criteria behind the selection of the four featured cases: 'First, we looked at the most tragic disasters that have occurred in South Korea — disasters that must never be repeated. With that in mind, the first case that came to my mind was the Busan Brothers Home case that I reported on 12 years ago," he said. The Busan Brothers Home was a welfare facility in the 1970s and '80s that was revealed to be more of an internment camp. Numerous human rights abuses were committed against those held there. "Back then, many victims remained hidden and did not come forward. But about 12 or 13 years later, when I met two survivors again, what I thought was: this is a completely different case than what I had understood before," Jo said. "The second criterion was that the victims' suffering persists today. ... Although these events happened long ago, the cases highlight how similar tragedies continue or how survivors' struggles remain unresolved," added Jo.
Korea Herald
9 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Samsung launches 'KPop Demon Hunters' theme on Galaxy smartphone
Samsung Electronics Co. said Wednesday it has launched a theme package for Galaxy smartphones, allowing users to customize their devices with characters from Netflix's global hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters." Galaxy smartphone users can download the theme for free from the Galaxy Store for a limited time and customize their phone screens and icons with popular characters from the animation, including Rumi, Zoey and Jinu, according to Samsung Electronics. "The set features one special theme package spotlighting the in-universe K-pop groups Huntrix, along with ten character-based wallpapers," the company said. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, a US film studio, the Netflix original film tells the story of a girl group who protect the human world from evil spirits. Reflecting its global popularity, "Golden," a track from the film, reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 main singles chart on Monday. "The company will continue to explore creative partnerships to deliver engaging and personalized user experience that resonates with global audiences," the company said. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
9 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Twice scores career-high on Billboard's Hot 100
Twice jumped to No. 69 on Billboard's Hot 100 with 'Strategy,' reaching the highest spot in its decade-long career, according to the chart published Wednesday. 'Strategy,' featuring American rapper Megan Thee Stallion, is the title track from its 14th EP that rolled out in December. A snippet of the single was played in the Netflix animation 'KPop Demon Hunters' and emerged on the main songs chart dated Aug. 2 at No. 92. It then rose to No. 74, higher than its two previous entries — 'The Feels' at No. 83 and 'Moonlight Sunrise' at No. 84 — and climbed up another five rungs. In the meantime, 'Takedown,' sung by Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung for the film's soundtrack, is enjoying its fifth week on the chart, up a rung to No. 66.
