(Following [Interview①]) So Ji-sub talked about the emotional scenes in the action of 'Square', stating, "The standard is not that the character is a good person."
"However, in the process of seeking revenge on people, I had to convey why it had to be this way," he said, adding, "I hoped that by the end, the character would appear pitiful. I think I researched to give depth as it progressed."
Through 'Square', So Ji-sub collaborated with Heo Jun-ho, Ahn Gil-kang, Lee Joon-hyuk, Gong Myung, and Choo Young-woo.
"Senior Heo Jun-ho seems like he doesn't really act. But when you watch the monitor, he just looks cool. He told me, 'Do whatever you want. I'll accept it all.' I think that's something you can't say unless you have confidence as an actor. I learned a lot from the fact that an actor can perform just with the feelings they possess without struggling to act. Senior Ahn Gil-kang has great energy. He doesn't get tired. He still has a desire for action and enjoys physical work."
Questions about junior actors followed. When So Ji-sub mentioned Gong Myung and Choo Young-woo, he laughed, saying, "I met them just before almost killing them in the drama." "We didn't have many opportunities to talk, but I felt the energy on set was attractive," he praised.
Regarding Lee Joon-hyuk, who made a special appearance as his brother, he said, "He did it so sexily. Just standing there with glasses was sexy. I actually told him that, and he seemed embarrassed but liked it."
The webtoon-based 'Square' received some disappointing reviews from original fans after its release.
Regarding the reactions expressing disappointment about the adaptation, So Ji-sub said, "The script came before I saw the original, and I was attracted to it, so I filmed it."
"I've done quite a few works based on originals, but it seems that 'Square' is particularly loved by webtoon fans. I really felt that. Original fans might have mixed feelings when they watch it, but the most important thing is that when creating a work based on an original, it's never made to damage (the original). In a way, it's made to surpass the original. Even if it's adapted, it's something I brought because I loved the original, so I hope you view it positively."
After filming, So Ji-sub revealed that he distributed gold to the 'Square' team, saying, "Since I became the main character, I've always given gifts. This time was no different."
When asked how much he gave in total, he replied, "I gave it to the staff, actors, and managers who were on set. There were so many that I was surprised too," jokingly adding, "These people are the reason I shine, right? I think I've been doing this consistently to express my gratitude. The price of gold has gone up a lot, but things are a bit tough these days. Of course, the recipients won't sell it. I engraved 'Square' on the gold," which drew laughter.
Recently, through tvN's 'Bbang Bbang Earth Arcade 3', broadcaster Lee Eun-ji mentioned So Ji-sub's representative work, the drama 'I'm Sorry, I Love You', leading to a resurgence of the 'Misa Fanatic' craze among the younger generation.
In response, So Ji-sub said, "In the past, when people talked about 'Misa' and asked me to act, I felt a bit burdened. Looking back now, I'm grateful for that. These days, if there's a medium or broadcast that needs it, I just do it. It's an opportunity for young friends to revisit old dramas. I'm very thankful."
As he approaches his 30th anniversary in the industry, he is deepening his reflections as an actor.
He said, "I'm not an actor known for my acting skills. So, I feel like everything I do looks similar. I wonder, 'What can I do?' and 'Is it right to look for a new face?' Even if I take on new roles, viewers still see them as similar, so I also think, 'Should I just do what I'm good at?'."
When asked if he has colleagues with whom he shares these concerns, he replied, "It's not a concern that can be shared. No one has the answers, so I think I have to solve it myself."
What still excites So Ji-sub is noir.
"I want to keep doing noir while I'm acting. Whether there's a lot of action or not, I just feel my heart racing and getting hot. Since seniors Heo Jun-ho and Ahn Gil-kang do action, I feel like I should do more. Even in my 70s, I want to do it, but I can't do a lot, but if possible, I want to."
So Ji-sub is also active as a film investor introducing overseas independent art films to Korea. As an investor in the film import and distribution company 'Chanran', he has contributed to importing films such as 'Philomena', 'Madame Proust's Secret Garden', 'Midsommar', and 'Substance' since 2014.
Regarding this, So Ji-sub said, "The company 'Chanran', which is my partner, is doing well and working hard. If I can be of any help, I want to continue doing it."
So Ji-sub is also a singer who has released nine hip-hop albums. When asked about the possibility of a tenth album, he said, "I think the next album will come out if 'Square' does well."
"In spaces where I meet fans, don't I always sing? If there's an opportunity, I think about wanting to sing new songs. Anyway, I will think hard about (the next album)."
[Kim Mi-ji, Star Today Reporter]
