(Following Interview①) In the drama, Yoo Yeon-seok plays Baek Sa-eon, the 'youngest presidential spokesperson.' When it first aired on November 22 last year, there were no major issues, but due to President Yoon Suk-yeol's emergency martial law situation on December 3, the role of the presidential spokesperson has garnered unprecedented attention. Yoo Yeon-seok stated, "As various situations arose while doing this drama, I found it difficult to post on social media. I felt that I shouldn't post as a spokesperson (in the drama)," indirectly referencing the martial law situation and impeachment politics. He added, "I hope you view the drama as a drama. I tried not to connect it too closely with reality."
Yoo Yeon-seok also mentioned, "(The spokesperson role) was greatly assisted by MBC announcer Jeon Jong-hwan. He is a high-ranking official in the news department with extensive experience, and from our first meeting, he prepared documents like lecture materials and reference videos, so I received several lessons. I was very grateful for his help. He also showed me videos of spokespersons who were former announcers as references," expressing his gratitude for the assistance in his acting.
Yoo Yeon-seok had a significant affection for 'Jigeojeon.' After the final shoot, he even suggested and hurriedly recorded the OST.
“In the latter part of the filming, the production company representative and the writer came to the set and said, ‘It would be nice to have an OST.’ At that time, I was so busy with filming that there was no time to discuss it. By the end of November, after finishing all the filming and taking a day or two off, I realized there were about ten days left until the finale. I called the production company representative and suggested we do an OST. Within a week, I found a song and created a Korean version of the English guide. I received the lyrics and guide the day before recording. For Sa-eon, Hee-joo is like a sunset, so I wanted the OST to include words like sunset and glow, and they made it happen.”
After a grueling shoot, one would naturally want to rest. Why did he volunteer for the OST? Yoo Yeon-seok explained, “I thought I would feel regret after the drama ended. Since I am planning fan meetings, I thought the OST could soothe the fans' regrets and help them reminisce about the work.”
One of the OSTs from 'Jigeojeon,' Lim Hyun-sik's 'See The Light,' ranked 10th on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart on the 4th. This was thanks to the drama fans who listened to it a lot. Yoo Yeon-seok mentioned this, saying, “I thought it would be a good memory, and it seems I did well. I wasn't thinking about entering Billboard, but I thought it would be nice to have an OST to sing at overseas fan meetings, as fans would enjoy it. I made a fan song just for the fans at the 20th anniversary fan meeting, and it was great. This could be an extension of that.”
On the 5th, Yoo Yeon-seok won the Best Couple Award and the Grand Prize at the '2024 MBC Acting Awards.' He said, “I forgot to mention the writer in my acceptance speech,” expressing his regret, “I was in a state of confusion about what to say that day.” He continued, “The writer had a great affection for Sa-eon and wrote for him. I was so grateful that I wanted to express my thanks with all sorts of flowery words at the end of my speech. But then I saw Han Seok-kyu sunbae. I felt like I was going on too long while expressing my gratitude for him, so I wrapped it up and came down. Afterward, I remembered that I hadn’t mentioned the writer.”
Before the broadcast of the 'Acting Awards' recording, Yoo Yeon-seok filmed a video to apologize to writer Kim Ji-woon. He said, “I sent a video saying I was really sorry. I want to express my gratitude for the affection you put into the character through this interview.”
Yoo Yeon-seok had previously expressed his gratitude towards Han Seok-kyu in his acceptance speech. What kind of advice does Han Seok-kyu give as a senior? Yoo Yeon-seok shared, “As I entered my 40s, I have many concerns. I’m no longer just a young man, so I wonder how long I can continue doing romance. I also feel burdened as I have become a senior on set. I sometimes feel anxious about whether I can continue to do well and whether there will be projects that seek me out.” He then mentioned Han Seok-kyu's encouragement, saying, “He told me that while I should be cautious in my 40s, it is also a time when an actor can truly blossom. He said he experienced that himself. He encouraged me not to be anxious, not to fall into temptation, and to focus on my character, which gave me strength.”
Yoo Yeon-seok also shared, “Han Seok-kyu sunbae said that he should only leave behind one good character every ten years. He also said that ‘an actor is successful if they leave behind just three works in their lifetime.’ In his 40s, he had ‘Deep-rooted Tree,’ and in his 50s, he had ‘Doctor Kim.’ Now, as he approaches his 60s, he has met ‘Such a Close Betrayer.’ I thought I should also not be too impatient and strive for works that the audience will remember.”
'Jigeojeon' seems to remain a satisfying work for both viewers and Yoo Yeon-seok. He expressed, “I have challenged various characters and genres, both good and evil. I was very pleased with the comment that my character is like a ‘comprehensive gift set of the good traits of previous characters,’” reiterating his satisfaction. He added, “The timing of the broadcast was not such that I could ask people to watch and enjoy my drama. So, I feel regret. However, I am grateful that many people found comfort and enjoyment in 'Jigeojeon' while watching it.”
His next project is the SBS drama 'Shin I-rang Law Office,' which is scheduled to air in the second half of this year. Yoo Yeon-seok explained, “It seems it will be a human comedy, where episodes will revolve around resolving the sad stories of ghosts with grudges. Each episode will feature different clients' spirits. I think I can show a variety of characters that change from episode to episode. Since it involves possession, I believe I can showcase multiple roles. I am looking forward to it as it is a genre I haven't done before.”
He is also set to meet viewers regularly through entertainment shows. Currently, he is appearing weekly on the SBS entertainment program 'Timemanamyeon.' Yoo Yeon-seok shared, “I’m not a professional entertainer, and since I’m an MC on 'Timemanamyeon,' I felt some pressure. But working with Yoo Jae-suk made it easier as he leads well and makes it comfortable. I just have to take on a few roles. I feel like I’ve relieved a lot of pressure, and viewers seem to watch comfortably. They seem to separate my appearance in entertainment from my role in dramas. I’m glad I did entertainment,” expressing his affection for the genre and hinting at his continued activities.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
