Actor So Ji-sub, known for ‘So-gang-ji’, returns to the noir action series <Gwangjang> after 13 years, proving his ‘coolness’ once again. In the Netflix series <Gwangjang>, So Ji-sub plays the role of Nam Gi-jun, who returns to a dark and ruthless world for revenge. His restrained emotional performance is inscrutable, yet simultaneously exudes a heavy presence and charisma. His action, which never retreats but only moves forward, vividly showcases the energy of So Ji-sub’s action style. We met to discuss the work, the character, and activities beyond acting.
After 13 years, you returned to the noir action genre with <Gwangjang>. What made you decide to take part in this project?
First of all, I really like the noir genre. And these days, scripts in this genre are quite rare. There aren’t many around. As far as I know, this was the first one offered to me, so I’m very grateful.
Is there another reason, aside from the genre, that made you want to do this project?
To be honest, I wanted to do something I’m good at after a long time. Not so much that I’m good at it, but something that suits me.
It seems important to follow Gi-jun’s emotional line in <Gwangjang>. Should we see his relentless forward movement as solely driven by revenge?
Of course, at the starting point, revenge is the energy, but after killing Gu Jun-mo (Gong Myung) in episode 4, I think Gi-jun realizes that to truly end everything, he himself must die, rather than just eliminating all the related people. It’s a desire to end it himself. So, in the middle, when Gi-jun goes to the columbarium and says to his brother, “See you soon,” it means that if he waits, he will also go. It’s like a ritual of atonement. From Gi-jun’s perspective, living any longer seems meaningless.
When you received the offer to appear, how aware were you of the webtoon?
I received the script without knowing there was a webtoon. Later, I heard it was the top priority, and when I read the webtoon, I found it very interesting. Now that our work has been released, I’ve just realized how many people love the webtoon. Because when we were filming, I didn’t know. But there are a lot of fans. I was quite surprised. (laughs)
In fact, original fans often feel disappointed when many settings from the webtoon are changed or removed. What do you think about the reactions from original fans?
I think this is about my third or fourth project based on original work. Such discussions have always existed. But the important thing is that when you buy a webtoon and invest a lot of money to create it, you don’t make it to just replicate the original. In a way, you want to create something that surpasses the original. Therefore, when the final product comes out, it’s not something you can control if there are mixed feelings about it.
Then, what would you say are the unique strengths of the series <Gwangjang>?
The charms of the two are very different. In terms of the series <Gwangjang>, it seems to have a bit more narrative, and the energy of the directness and the action seems different from the original. Since I received a script that was already adapted, I acted with an understanding of that worldview.
So Ji-sub is known for the difference in his appearance before and after payment. It seems you’ve also been on a diet this time; was losing weight difficult for you?
When I don’t have work, I tend to gain weight. There’s definitely a difference before and after payment. (laughs) After deciding on the project, I lost a lot of weight. I lost 19kg. And as we progressed, I wanted to give a more intense and desperate feeling, so I lost a bit more weight.
Many viewers are calling it the ‘Korean version of John Wick’. Did you use it as a reference during production, and what do you think about this reaction?
Honestly, just being compared to <John Wick> is something to be grateful for. That’s how I see it. It’s very interesting and I’m thankful that they mention things I hadn’t imagined while making it.
Nam Gi-jun is a character with a severed Achilles heel. The action that minimizes movement stands out, but I’m curious about how Gi-jun’s handicap influenced the action design.
Well, there’s a handicap. So when designing Gi-jun’s action, I made it so he can move forward and stop, but not retreat. Also, when I’m walking, it’s not that I’m running towards them; rather, the other actors come towards me. I had to do action scenes with one against many, so I chose spaces that were as narrow as possible.
Gi-jun is a character who doesn’t express much emotion, but I think his emotions were slightly different in each action scene. For instance, when he has to kill an old colleague versus when he kills other characters, Gi-jun’s emotions seem different. How did you approach emotional expression in those moments?
I think I kept developing it while filming. As you mentioned, I had to decide whether to just punish those who obstruct my path or to completely exact vengeance. I think I tried to give a bit more emotion when killing a colleague. If I didn’t, it would feel like just a challenge.
What was the most challenging action scene for you?
The ant nest action scene in episode 4 (according to the director, this scene was referred to as the ant nest scene during filming, where Nam Gi-jun goes to kill Gu Jun-mo) was particularly tough. I’ve done a fair amount of action, but I think this was the hardest action scene I’ve ever done.
Even until recently, <Sorry, I Love You> (2004) has been receiving good responses. How do you feel when you see such reactions?
I feel very good. Personally, I’m very curious about what my friends think when they watch the drama. I wonder if the emotions from back then resonate with them. It’s quite fascinating, but I told them they shouldn’t follow it. It would be a big problem. They could get caught. (laughs) They shouldn’t imitate old dramas.
So Ji-sub, you’re not only acting but also involved in film imports. You’ve brought in successful films like <Midsommar> and <Substance>, but you’re also bringing in artistic films rather than blockbusters for profit. How do you choose such good works?
My hands are not very good at this. The representative of the distribution company ‘Challan’ brings in the films. In the past, when I went to film festivals, they would tell me, “There are these kinds of films,” but now I trust them, so when they choose, I just support from behind.
But don’t you decide together after watching them?
Not anymore. Now I trust them 100%. They have better taste than I do, so I shouldn’t trust my own judgment. The film industry is very tough, so discussing this is quite delicate. And while it’s a bit burdensome that my name keeps coming up, on the other hand, if my name brings even one or two more people to the theatre, I’m grateful for that. That’s what I want to do.
There’s a lot of content introducing ‘So Ji-sub’s picks’ on social media. Have you seen any of it?
Of course. I come across articles and people around me inform me about it. If that brings even one or two more people to the theatre, I’m very grateful.
You might be interested in investing in and producing diversity films or low-budget films in Korea. Do you have any such plans?
I have various plans, but I can’t talk about them yet. However, to be honest, I want to go to the market as a producer, not as an actor. I have a desire to make choices on-site.
There’s a phenomenon where the diversity of Korean films is decreasing. Do you feel a sense of crisis or regret as an actor?
That’s not just a problem for Korea. It’s difficult for films worldwide. I can’t change anything by myself, nor can I present anything. I just go to the theatre as much as I can. I often say we should watch released films in theatres, and that seems to be the best I can do.
You mentioned you chose this project because you wanted to do something that suits you after a long time. Have you fulfilled all your desires for action?
I want to continue doing action in the future. I want to do it even as I get older. Noir is just a genre I really want to do. The energy that comes from action where bodies collide seems to make my heart race.
Then, what would you say are your top noir works?
First, there’s <The Godfather> (1972), but that’s too classic. I really like the performances of the actors in <Peaky Blinders> (2013~) and I tend to seek out and watch such works.
You’ve shown interest and engaged in various fields, and you used to be active as a rapper. Are you planning to return to music?
If the opportunity arises, I might do it again. Recently, I performed together in Japan and Taiwan. But as for a formal album… (laughs) I usually only sing in spaces where I meet fans. I want to share new songs when I have the opportunity, so if there are more chances to meet fans, I might make another album.
Recently, actor Cha Hak-yeon mentioned in an interview that “So Ji-sub always calls to encourage me after the first episode of my work ends,” expressing his respect. As a member of ‘So-ok-cha’ (So Ji-sub, Ok Taec-yeon, Cha Hak-yeon), do you have any words for your fellow members? Their works are also being released around the same time. (So Ji-sub’s <Gwangjang> is on June 6, Ok Taec-yeon’s <I Had a Night with the Male Lead> is on June 11, and Cha Hak-yeon’s <Lawyer Noh Mu-jin> has been airing since May 28)
I hope we don’t talk about So-ok-cha anymore. (laughs) Just kidding. It’s great to see each other more often because our activities overlap. I always support them; they are both really good people. I just hope we can continue to do well like this in the future.
I’m curious about what your wife said and how she supported you while preparing for this project.
She said she enjoyed it, but she also acknowledged the hard work I put in. During filming, she didn’t give specific advice, just general encouragement… (laughs) It’s a bit delicate to talk about what my wife says. I feel a bit shy… I’m very happy!
On Netflix’s YouTube, you also talked about your wife, and the term ‘lovey-dovey’ has been used a lot. What do you think about that description?
I’m grateful. I said, “Getting married is good,” and it turned out that way. When asked if I’m satisfied with being married, I said I am and that it’s really good, but suddenly I became lovey-dovey, which is really nice. Phew, it’s the hardest part. (sweating) (laughs)
Even though you’ve been married for quite some time, does it still make you feel shy and cautious when such topics come up?
In the end, it’s something that my partner has to talk about, so it’s quite delicate. Right now, she’s living a non-celebrity life. So I think it’s a bit more cautious. She needs to live her own life, but when she’s mentioned often, it can be a bit much.
It became a hot topic that you gave each staff member a gold coin after filming.
I think it’s an issue because it’s gold. I’ve consistently done this since becoming the lead. I gave them a lot as a sign of appreciation for our hard work together, but this time it became more of an issue because it was gold.
Giving gold to the staff and your efforts in film imports give off a vibe of spending money in a cool way. You’ve also done charitable activities, and it doesn’t seem like you’re using money for personal gain. In that regard, how do you want to spend money in the future?
As you mentioned, I want to spend money in a cool way. And I hope more people will spend money in a cool way. It’s okay to show off a bit. I hope they spend it in various places. And I hope to encourage that kind of spending.
It seems that the desire to spend money in a cool way comes from the effort to be a good person and a good actor.
I don’t do it to look cool, but as I get older, I want to be a good person. I believe that if I become a good person, good energy will spread. I need to work harder, but I want to be a good person so that when people see me act, they feel positive energy, regardless of the role. So I want to be a good person, a decent person.
This year marks your 30th anniversary since your debut. What do you think has been the driving force or secret to your longevity?
After finishing a project, I think I use as much energy as possible to recover my body. But even now, I often wonder, ‘Why am I still acting?’ There are many aspects that don’t match my personality. But when I ask myself, I can’t answer. Yet, I’m still doing it. It’s quite fascinating. It’s hard, but I’m looking forward to the next project and acting. There’s also a satisfaction that comes after. So, while it gets harder, I feel there’s something in acting that keeps me going. It’s not easy, but I want to keep doing it… It’s hard to express. I think the difficulty is 49% and the desire to act is 51%.
Reporter Chua Young of Cineplay
