Ryu Jun-yeol / Courtesy of Netflix

Actor Ryu Jun-yeol has long been interested in exploring the depths of human nature, and his new Netflix film, "Revelations," delves right into that terrain. One of the core themes of the story is the nature of human belief, something that immediately drew Ryu to the project. The intense energy of the character Sung Min-chan also played a key role in his decision to take on the role.

Ryu sat down for an interview on Wednesday at The Ambassador Seoul, located in the center of the nation's capital, to discuss "Revelations." The film follows a pastor who believes that punishing the perpetrator of a missing persons case is a divine command as well as a detective, haunted by visions of his dead brother. Each character chases their own version of belief, setting the stage for a collision of faiths.

Ryu plays Sung Min-chan, a devout pastor leading a small church with a missionary calling. One day, he claims to receive a divine message instructing him to punish the criminal behind a mysterious disappearance — a moment that radically transforms his life overnight.

"I've always enjoyed exploring the deeper sides of people," Ryu said. "Even when I've held photo exhibitions, I was drawn to looking into the unseen corners of humanity." He continued, "This film is really about people. It asks, ‘What do you believe in? Do you only believe what you want to believe?' Sung Min-chan embodies those questions well."

The actor also said he was captivated by the strong energy that the character radiates. According to Ryu, many people around him complimented him on showing a new side of himself through the role. "I usually try to restrain my emotions when I act," he said. "But this time, I expressed a lot more than usual."

Still, he didn't want the emotions to come across as overdone. "People who like my acting often say it feels ‘real.' I think that comes from not overexpressing. In daily life, we wear masks depending on our roles in society, and we don't always show our emotions openly."

Ryu Jun-yeol / Courtesy of Netflix

Ryu worked with director Yeon Sang-ho on "Revelations." "Director Yeon has probably done more films than I have," Ryu said. "Usually, actors have more projects under their belt than directors. But I find it inspiring that he's already thinking of the next project while filming the current one. I want to emulate that passion."

Reflecting on his own journey, Ryu added, "I still have a long way to go. I just want to keep working hard to make good films. Since there's no such thing as a perfect masterpiece, I think I'll just keep going."

He also spoke highly of his co-stars Shin Hyun-been and Shin Min-jae. "Hyun-been is one of the most comfortable actors I've worked with," Ryu said. "The staff all love her. She just brings this calm energy with her. She's someone I'd love to work with again — a truly great friend." On Shin Min-jae, Ryu said, "He's incredibly considerate. He told me during filming, ‘If anything bothers you, tell me. I'll adjust.' That kind of thoughtfulness helped ease my burden and allowed me to focus more comfortably on my acting."

"Revelations" topped Netflix's Global Top 10 non-English films just three days after its release. Despite its success, public opinion remains divided. Ryu offered a perspective on this, saying, "If viewers try to relate the film to their own lives, they might be able to experience it more deeply. You might think, ‘A person's belief can go that far.' If you watch it with an open mind, you'll see the film differently."

"Revelations" was released on March 21.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.