(Following Interview①) From 'Ask the Stars' to 'Poksak Sogassuda', 'Good Boy', and the soon-to-be-released 'Polaris', Oh Jung-se has constantly met with viewers through various works this year. Is there a reason he has become the 'icon of hard work' with so many projects?
“I enjoy working, so if I have the opportunity, I keep working. I know there are downsides to doing too much. But when a good project or character reaches out, I feel like I just grab it. The criteria for a good project can be reading the script with interest, the project itself being fun, or the characters being ones I want to portray. Sometimes, even without reading the script, I feel like I want to work with a certain person. That feels like a 'good project' to me. This time, the script was interesting, and I was curious about the 'Good Boy' team's performance, so I participated.”
Oh Jung-se is an actor known as the 'God of Acting.' Although he is well-regarded for his acting, he finds acting to be a difficult homework assignment every time.
“It's difficult every time. It feels like new homework is given. And it doesn't feel like it accumulates. Even if I did well then, there are times I can't do it now. Each time brings different challenges. I think all actors go through such a journey.”
What is the most challenging part of acting? After a moment of thought, Oh Jung-se said, “I think the focus is different for each work.” He continued, “Sometimes you need to analyze the work, and at times, the on-site breathing and emotions are more important than the preparation process. When I think about it, I believe that 'constantly pondering' is the most important thing. What I need to do, what is important. Even if the direction is different, I think I've pondered over every work. That pondering can lead to finding answers, but there may also be works where I couldn't find them. But I think that process is important.”
What values does Oh Jung-se, the human, consider important? He said, “Personally, I think positive thinking is the most important. It's the foundation of who I am. I want to live comfortably (with that mindset),” adding, “If I just switch to a positive mindset, it helps in living life. I hope there are more good people who don't hate each other.”
Even for Oh Jung-se, who is loved for his numerous works, there are concerns. He said, “I will continue to make efforts. But I think there will come a time when viewers will be disappointed in me. It will come someday. But I don't want to be afraid of that and stress about it. I do my best, but if that time comes, I think I should accept it as it comes to stay healthy. I am mentally prepared for it.” He also vowed, “I will do my best to prevent that time from coming, or to delay it as much as possible.”
How does Oh Jung-se spend his leisure time while working non-stop? He replied, “When I rest, I go to see performances. I love music. I listen to indie band songs. If I hear something and wonder 'who is this?', I look it up and go to their performance. I also go to see other performances of artists I discover there.”
Oh Jung-se also expressed his 'fan heart', saying, “Recently, I went to a concert by a singer named Kim Pil-seon. The Busan concert followed, and the Seoul concert sold out immediately.”
Actors who have moved from theater to TV or film often miss the theater stage, which feels like a 'hometown.' Many actors are returning to the theater stage to breathe with the audience. Will Oh Jung-se also stand on the theater stage again someday? He began, “I might stand there someday.”
“A long time ago, 20 years ago, I stood on stage. But I was not a free actor on stage. I still feel that way in front of the camera. When I think of theater, I usually feel a sense of 'hometown' or 'original intention.' But for me, it has always been a scary place. Back then, if I hadn't prepared while practicing, I couldn't do it. There was a time when I had a lens stuck to my eye on stage, and I couldn't even think of taking it off while continuing my lines. I was that kind of person without any composure. Someday I will perform, but I think it will be an attempt to break that tension and fear on stage.”
Oh Jung-se also said, “I can't even do a wedding ceremony well. I tried it once and messed it up. It was a request from a friend who is an ordinary person, but I also refused, saying, 'I feel uncomfortable. I can't do it.' After they kept asking, I said I would just read what was written, but even while doing that, it wasn't smooth. I feel uncomfortable doing things in front of people. Since then, I haven't done any wedding ceremonies.”
Finally, Oh Jung-se mentioned his upcoming project on Disney+, 'Polaris', which is set to be released this year, saying, “The overall story is more interesting than the charm of the character I played. I participated in this work because I wanted to have a long collaboration with the director. I watched the highlight video, and all I could say was 'Wow,'” urging anticipation.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
