"It was a tense shoot for my first leading role, and it ended too quickly, leaving me feeling empty."
Actor Heo Nam-jun (32) recently conducted an interview with Maeil Business Star Today at a cafe located in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to mark the end of the JTBC drama 'A Hundred Memories' (written by Yang Hwa-seung and Kim Bo-ram, directed by Kim Sang-ho).
‘A Hundred Memories’ is a new-tro youth melodrama that depicts the shining friendship between the bus guide Go Young-rae (played by Kim Da-mi) and Seo Jong-hee (played by Shin Ye-eun) in the 1980s, as well as their fateful first love with a man named Han Jae-pil (played by Heo Nam-jun).
Heo Nam-jun said, "We filmed for quite a long time from January to August. I could feel the change of seasons to some extent. It was my first leading role shot in a tense atmosphere. After working hard for a long time, it feels like it ended too quickly. I don't feel the end of this drama more than any other. The feeling of emptiness is really big," expressing his thoughts on the conclusion.
Heo Nam-jun played the role of Han Jae-pil, the 'prince on a white horse' who receives the love of both Go Young-rae and Seo Jong-hee. Although he is a wealthy character, the son of a department store owner and a senior at a prestigious high school, he struggles internally due to childhood wounds. He approached this first leading role with affection and a sense of responsibility.
"There were many functional parts I had to fulfill. When I was doing supporting or minor roles, I thought I had done my best within my efforts. (As a lead this time) I realized that I couldn't just focus on my own parts during the filming. I thought I needed to look far and try to see the bigger picture. I still feel lacking, but I need to practice to have a broader perspective. I felt I needed to approach my acting more accurately and delicately, and I regretted the things I still lack," he said.
In the drama, Han Jae-pil experiences complex emotions between Seo Jong-hee and Go Young-rae over the years. Some viewers have evaluated Jae-pil as 'indecisive.'
Regarding this, Heo Nam-jun said, "From the outside, this friend Jae-pil might seem indecisive. I can fully understand that perspective," and explained, "I feel he is someone lacking experience. He has never been in love. Young-rae is the friend who tells him, 'It's okay to be yourself.'
He continued, "When I'm with Young-rae, I feel comfortable and can act spoiled. Realizing that this is love," and added, "We match well, and she gives me comfort. Even if we talk about trivial things, it's enjoyable. I think that's why he might have gone to her. I don't think he would have gone to someone who didn't explain a special reason and just left," he joked.
Ultimately, Han Jae-pil chose Go Young-rae. Heo Nam-jun expressed, "It's a happy ending for everyone. It seems like each person ultimately finds their happiness," and added, "I'm satisfied with the ending. In the end, it becomes warm. I really like it," showing his satisfaction. He also countered the evaluation of being 'indecisive' by saying, "Once he knows what love is, Jae-pil goes straight for it."
Han Jae-pil, who grew up with a coercive and patriarchal father and a distant stepmother, shows emotional clumsiness in his family relationships.
Heo Nam-jun explained, "Jae-pil feels that his family is not like a family, and his home is not like a home," adding, "The childhood years when his personality is formed are important. Misunderstandings arise during that time, and he had to grow up unable to express his emotions while turning his back on his father."
He continued, "He instinctively knows that his stepmother doesn't dislike him, but he doesn't know how to express it. Since his mother left early, Jae-pil never learned how to express himself and just lives suppressing his feelings. I acted with the mindset that my relationship with my stepmother is at the level of 'I know she's a good person for me...'"
Heo Nam-jun previously received praise for portraying a cold and cruel character, Kim Sang-hyuk, in his last work 'Your Honor,' but showed a warm side as an older brother only to his half-sibling. In this work, he once again drew attention by revealing his 'brother fool' side only to his half-sister Han Se-ri (played by Oh Eun-seo). He described his younger sister Se-ri as a 'harmless being' and showed his brotherly smile again.
"Se-ri is the only one who is harmless. She comes to Jae-pil and worries, 'Did you get scolded again?' She is a pure and innocent friend who sees only what is visible. The moments with Se-ri are the only times Jae-pil can be truly pure. Also, when I see puppies or children, don't you think, 'Cuteness cannot be defeated'? Jae-pil's actions are because Se-ri is cute." ([Interview ②] continues)
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
