Actor Choi Woo-shik / Courtesy of Netflix

Actor Choi Woo-shik shared his thoughts on acting and the challenges of his youthful image, revealing that he is ready for a new chapter in his career beyond the youthful roles that have defined him so far.

In a recent interview, Choi discussed his latest Netflix original series, "Melo Movie." Directed by Oh Choong-hwan of "Hotel Del Luna," and penned by Lee Na-eun, known for the 2021 series "Our Beloved Summer," the romance drama portrays young adults navigating love, dreams and their emotional baggage.

The story follows characters in their 30s as they reconnect, offering heartwarming moments and relatable struggles.

Choi plays Ko Gyeom, a self-proclaimed movie enthusiast who dreams of watching every film in existence. His passion leads him to become a bit-part actor before transitioning into a film critic.

Since his debut in the 2011 drama "The Duo," Choi has gained recognition for roles in "Set Me Free" (2014), "Train to Busan" (2016), "Parasite" (2019), "The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion" (2018), and the drama "Our Beloved Summer."

His favorite romantic film is "About Time" (2013), which he admires so much that he once wished to ask its cast about their acting experiences.

Reflecting on "Melo Movie," Choi said that public reception was a source of anxiety, especially given the success of his previous romantic comedy "Our Beloved Summer."

“The ratings weren't particularly high when 'Our Beloved Summer' aired, but it resonated with many viewers,” he said. “Working with the same writer again brought both pressure and excitement. I wanted to show a side of myself that I hadn't before.”

Aware that comparisons between the two works were inevitable, Choi said, “Of course, the settings and characters are different, but with the same writer and actor, comparisons are unavoidable. I worried a lot at first, but I trusted the director to guide me, and that helped ease my concerns.”

Praising writer Lee, Choi said, “She knows me better than anyone and understands what type of acting feels natural for me. Her script made me want to take on this challenge.”

Choi described "Melo Movie" as a stepping stone for him. "Although I felt pressure, especially with the emotional scenes, I also found the process incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Analyzing his character Ko Gyeom, Choi said, “He's a straightforward, optimistic guy who pursues what he wants, even if it seems unrealistic. I can relate to that because, sometimes, people who are struggling internally still put on a bright face. The drama's message resonated with me — no one has to face everything alone. It's OK to lean on others, just like Ko Gyeom does.”

Having primarily acted in thrillers and other genres, Choi said he leaned on co-star Park Bo-young, who has more experience with romantic comedies.

Their on-screen chemistry was evident in scenes like the spontaneous kiss near a utility pole at the end of the first episode.

“This was my first time working with a peer of the same age. Although she's more experienced, she made it easy for me to share ideas and open up. Her focus and emotional range, especially during emotional scenes, were impressive,” he said.

Actor Choi Woo-shik as Ko Gyeom in "Melo Movie" / Courtesy of Netflix

Toward more mature, masculine persona

Choi said that "Melo Movie" portrays a relatable depiction of young adulthood, adding, “It's not about the cliche ‘youth is painful' idea."

"The characters face challenges that anyone could encounter. Sometimes, you just need a break or a moment to fail and fall before you can move forward," he said. "As Ko Gyeom learned from Ko Jun (his elder brother in the drama), having people around to support you during those moments is essential.”

Reflecting on his career, Choi acknowledged that many of his roles have depicted coming-of-age stories or youthful struggles.

“I've been fortunate to have many opportunities to play characters that people can relate to. Those roles are valuable experiences, but they're also familiar to everyone, so I approach them carefully," he said. "While acting can be mentally taxing at times, I still find it enjoyable. My filmography isn't extensive, but since I've portrayed many youthful characters, I now want to explore different roles.”

One challenge Choi faces is his youthful appearance, which he describes as both a blessing and a challenge.

“In this series, I even played a high school student, but going forward, I'll need to portray characters in their late 30s and beyond. The question is how to shed my youthful image and present a more mature, masculine persona," he said.

Choi noted that he must transition into more mature roles gradually, without forcing the change.

"Up until now, I've portrayed characters close to my actual age, but as I move into new roles, I don't have as much personal experience to draw from," he said. "I need to take things step by step, like buttoning up a shirt one button at a time.”

Choi Woo-shik as Ko Gyeom in "Melo Movie" / Courtesy of Netflix

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.