Park Hyung-sik perfectly took responsibility for the finale of 'Treasure Island', giving birth to another life character.
SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Treasure Island' (written by Lee Myung-hee, directed by Jin Chang-kyu) has concluded with a grand finale, receiving enthusiastic responses from viewers. At the center of 'Treasure Island', which raced through the whirlpool of power, desire, and revenge, was undoubtedly Park Hyung-sik's character 'Seo Dong-joo'. Park Hyung-sik solidly and weightily built Seo Dong-joo, proving his depth and skill as an actor.
Seo Dong-joo, who was climbing the ladder of success as a 'Dae-san man', began to be pushed to the brink after hacking the political slush fund of the behind-the-scenes power player Yeom Jang-seon (played by Heo Jun-ho), worth 2 trillion won. After crossing the threshold of death several times and tragically losing Sister Agnes (played by Han Ji-hye), whom he relied on like a real sister, he was ultimately thrown into a catastrophe, witnessing the death of his biological father Heo Il-do (played by Lee Hae-young) right before his eyes. At the center of this spectacular revenge drama, Park Hyung-sik convincingly completed Seo Dong-joo's narrative with solid character immersion, maintaining the core of 'Treasure Island'.
In addition, with intense action, swimming in the sea, high-pressure water torture, and gunfire, Park Hyung-sik played extreme situations without a stunt double, playing a crucial role in elevating the tension of 'Treasure Island' to its peak. His passionate performance, portraying Seo Dong-joo fiercely while carving out the face of a sharp avenger within a good impression, was enough to draw warm praise from viewers. Having steadily built his filmography across genres such as melodrama, historical drama, romantic comedy, courtroom drama, and zombie apocalypse, he proved his acting spectrum has deepened and broadened through this 'Treasure Island'.
In the final episode aired on the 12th, Seo Dong-joo finally revealed all of Yeom Jang-seon's evil deeds and ugly face to the world, standing tall again from the bottom of his collapsed life. Seo Dong-joo's method of isolating and instilling a sense of powerlessness in Yeom Jang-seon with a cold and meticulous plan, without prioritizing emotions, was truly a refreshing punishment that 'destroys without killing'. Thus, the revenge drama that Seo Dong-joo risked everything for came to a meaningful conclusion, and the heavy ending that Park Hyung-sik completed left a deep aftertaste in the living rooms.
In this way, Park Hyung-sik captured the vast emotional spectrum of Seo Dong-joo with a wide range of emotions and dense acting, imprinting yet another life character. It is noteworthy to see what kind of face Park Hyung-sik, who proved his depth and weight through 'Treasure Island', will show next.
Meanwhile, Park Hyung-sik is set to return with the fantasy action blockbuster series 'Twelve', depicting a massive battle against an evil group trying to awaken sealed powers.
Below is the full Q&A with actor Park Hyung-sik.
Q. 'Treasure Island' has concluded as of yesterday. It must be a special feeling to say goodbye to Seo Dong-joo after such a long journey. What are your thoughts on parting with 'Treasure Island' and Seo Dong-joo?
= The filming period was similar to other dramas, but it felt much longer. There were times when I was emotionally overwhelmed while acting out Dong-joo's desperate life, but thanks to the positive and passionate 'Treasure Island' team, I was able to overcome it well. Now that I think I have to say goodbye to 'Treasure Island' and Dong-joo, I feel a great sense of regret and longing, as I received so much love and support.
Q. There must have been a decisive reason that attracted you to the drama 'Treasure Island' and the character Seo Dong-joo. What captivated Park Hyung-sik when you first read the script?
= 'Treasure Island' is a work that meticulously depicts the psychological changes of various characters centered around events that occur as human desires and ambitions intertwine. I wanted to portray Dong-joo's struggle with ambition and a desire for revenge in his journey toward his own 'Treasure Island'. Dong-joo was a character completely different from those I have played so far, and I found his constantly calculating and moving for survival particularly intriguing. I had high expectations that I could show deeper acting through Dong-joo, who has various colors.
Q. How did you build the character to portray Seo Dong-joo? If there was a particular focus, what was it?
= Dong-joo is not a person who has followed an elite course like the Dae-san family, but he gained the chairman's trust with a powerful weapon called 'photo memory' and rose to the position of secretary general. He dedicates himself to Dae-san and earns the chairman's favor, but as a result, he faces constant checks from other members of the Dae-san family. Although he appears strong and confident on the outside, that very confidence leads him to experience repeated failures and betrayals. When I first encountered the character Dong-joo, I thought of a young man fiercely living in a harsh reality. I think I pondered a lot about how to vividly express Dong-joo's rough and arduous life as he tries to survive in Dae-san and climb to a higher place.
Q. If you felt any similarities between Park Hyung-sik and Seo Dong-joo.
= Dong-joo appears strong and unwavering on the outside, but he harbors deep wounds inside. I think there are similarities in that, rather than dwelling on those wounds, he quietly walks his own path. I also have a tendency to take responsibility for decisions I make and go all the way without regrets, so I empathized a lot with Dong-joo in that regard.
Q. Was there anything particularly memorable during filming?
= The time we went to Namhae for sea filming is the most memorable. I remember being mesmerized by the beautiful scenery in front of me for a while. Even during filming, I was excited about how this wonderful background would be captured in the drama, and I would love to visit that place again if I have the chance.
Q. Seo Dong-joo had to digest extremely intense emotions, being betrayed by a loved one, falling into the sea from gunfire, experiencing water torture, and ultimately losing his sister. It must have been difficult both physically and mentally.
= Maybe that's why, no matter how much I ate, I had the strange experience of continuously losing weight. I wondered if someone in reality could be in a situation like Dong-joo's, and if so, could they somehow endure it? At the end of filming, senior Heo Jun-ho said, "You look like a skeleton. Hyung-sik, after the project ends, go on a trip for a few months and rest well," he said. Haha.
Q. The ending where Seo Dong-joo completely takes away everything from Yeom Jang-seon and beautifully completes his revenge in his own way leaves a deep aftertaste. Was the conclusion in the direction you expected, and what were your feelings when acting out Seo Dong-joo's final scene?
= I felt a sense of relief in being able to let Dong-joo go well. The events that happened to Dong-joo flashed by like a panorama. The ending scene of Dong-joo on the yacht was actually the last filming day of 'Treasure Island'. When the director shouted "Cut!" and everyone exchanged greetings for their hard work, I stood there looking at the sunset with the director, fellow actors, and staff, reminiscing about the past moments. That moment of silence will remain in my memory for a lifetime.
Q. 'Treasure Island' seems to be the most challenging work in Park Hyung-sik's filmography and an important turning point. It shows a different side from your existing image, and praises of 'the rediscovery of Park Hyung-sik' are pouring in. Is there something new you discovered about yourself through this work?
= I realized for the first time that I am a person with such strong physical and mental strength. Looking back now, I can't believe how I managed it, but it would have been impossible without the energy of the 'Treasure Island' team. The appearance I showed through this work is ultimately a part of me, and I was really happy to be able to bring it out and show it.
Q. Please give a final message to the viewers who loved 'Treasure Island'.
= I hope all viewers find their own 'Treasure Island'. And above all, I hope that the precious family, friends, and colleagues are always more important than that 'Treasure Island'. I sincerely thank everyone who loved 'Treasure Island' and supported Seo Dong-joo. I will continue to come back with good appearances. I wish you all happiness!
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]
