"I still feel lacking, but I have a desire to find a project that I can fully lead. This work has instilled a sense of 'challenge' in me, which is slow and cautious."
Cha Hak-yeon (36), a member of the group 'VIXX' and an actor, is making his screen debut. He stars alongside Jung Ji-so in the musical film 'Song of the Sun.'
Meeting him at a café in Samcheong-dong a day before the film's release on the 10th, he shyly expressed, "I feel happy, excited, and nervous." He added, "Since it's based on an original work, I felt more reassured than burdened," and shared his satisfaction, saying, "We tried to capture our own modern emotions based on that sentiment, and I think we did well."
Cha Hak-yeon described his screen debut as "a work where I could feel the fragrance of youth," and reflected, "Every time I watched my acting, I always felt lacking and had many regrets. Acting is really difficult. However, in this work, I felt like the character 'Min-jun' was speaking to me. Every line felt like encouragement directed at me, which made it special."
"Although this is my first leading role on screen, I feel like I've gained more confidence from the happy and trendy energy of this project. It made me think that I shouldn't be afraid of anything. I still have a lot to learn, but for the first time, I have a desire to have the opportunity to fully lead the entire work. I want to act in a way that resonates with many people through various challenges and new attempts. (laughs)"
The film 'Song of the Sun' (directed by Jo Young-jun), based on a Japanese film of the same name, is a musical romance about Mi-sol (played by Jung Ji-so) and Min-jun (played by Cha Hak-yeon), who can only date at midnight and fall in love through music while striving to achieve their dreams together.
Mi-sol spends most of her time with her best friend Ok-kyung (played by Kwon Han-sol) due to a rare disease that could be fatal if exposed to sunlight. Their main topic of conversation is Min-jun, the fruit vendor who comes to their house every day. Cha Hak-yeon portrays the pure energy of Min-jun in his own stable way. His chemistry with Jung Ji-so is also quite good.
He commented on his chemistry with Jung Ji-so, saying, "I liked the fresh and healthy energy. I had many concerns about bringing a teenage story into the twenties, but I think that point was handled excitingly. Both main characters haven't had much experience in love, so they are inexperienced but express it clearly and purely, shyly."
He continued, "Personally, I prefer fresh romances. I tend to strive to be devoted in relationships, so it resonated with 'Min-jun's view on love,' which made it quite enjoyable to act. It felt comfortable."
"I could become 'Min-jun' because Jung Ji-so was 'Mi-sol.' I'm not just saying that. I had no experience, many concerns, and worries, but Ji-so was a great support. I relied on her a lot, and she was reassuring. At some point, I realized I just had to respond well to the energy she provided. Since she threw things at me skillfully, I didn't have to worry too much. I even told her, 'Thanks to you, I've become much freer. I'm really grateful,' and she was genuinely touched and thankful."
"When asked if there were any memorable reactions since it premiered in Japan first, he replied, 'My sister saw the work in Japan first and gave me a lot of positive feedback. That's what I remember the most. General audiences have praised the OST a lot. I feel proud and happy that our intentions were well received," he said with a smile.
The film not only showcases the chemistry between the two young stars but also features music directed by AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk, adding charm with OSTs like 'Piece of Star,' 'Yellow Day,' 'Imagining Every Time,' and 'Love.'
Regarding the ending, he explained, "I hoped it would be sad but not too sad. The director and we all felt that way. While filming, it was emotionally challenging, and I cried a lot... Our story is not just a sad ending, so I hoped it would be beautiful and joyful. I tried not to lose that feeling." He added, "I want to continue challenging myself in various fields. If given any opportunity, I want to prepare diligently and put in the effort."
He couldn't miss talking about his active group 'VIXX.' He expressed gratitude for reaching their '13th anniversary,' saying, "I'm always thankful for the time that has made me stronger. I think it has calmly guided and supported my somewhat slow self."
He reflected, "Looking back, I don't think there were any times that were just difficult. Every moment back then has contributed to who I am now, and thanks to that strength, I feel like I've found some ease. It has become the foundation for me to work happily. I'm just grateful for that precious time," showing deep affection.
Finally, he named 'So Ji-sub' as the industry senior who has supported him the most.
He said, "He is someone who always sends me messages after the first episode of every project comes out," adding, "In a way, feedback from such a senior could feel daunting, but I was very grateful. I thought I wanted to be a senior like that. When I'm with him, I feel like I want to talk more, get closer, and learn a lot from him, so I'm thankful for him as a senior and a role model." He also cleverly added, "I plan to binge-watch his comeback work 'Gwangjang' today."
'Song of the Sun' will be released on the 11th.
