Veteran actor Choi Byung-mo, widely recognized for his intense portrayals of villains, has revealed the profound physical and emotional toll these demanding roles have taken on him. He shared that he has been undergoing treatment for over a year, citing the cumulative impact of embodying negative characters.
Choi Byung-mo took to his personal social media on the 20th to express his struggles, stating, “The villainous roles have now become a physical burden.” He elaborated on the challenges faced by actors who consistently take on antagonistic characters. “Playing villains for such a long time has eaten away at my body and mind,” he wrote. “Constantly having to dredge up anger, even when I’m completely recharged, I can’t sustain it for more than a few hours.”
The Emotional Labor of Playing Villains
The actor explained that the process of portraying extreme emotions like rage and hatred often requires him to tap into deep-seated, personal feelings. This constant emotional excavation, he noted, has left lingering effects. “It’s not uncommon for the work to leave behind a residue of unresolved emotions,” he confessed.
Beyond the emotional strain, Choi Byung-mo also disclosed ongoing health issues. “I’ve been receiving treatment for autonomic nervous system dysfunction for over a year now, but I need to find a fundamental solution,” he stated. He admitted to feeling weary from the effort involved in both his mental and physical recovery. “Lately, I’m feeling exhausted from the efforts to study my mind and restore my physical strength.”
While Choi Byung-mo has delivered flawless villainous performances on stage and screen, it appears the emotional intensity he brought to his roles has been difficult to shake off even after the cameras stop rolling. The lingering tension and emotions from his characters have proven hard to release.
Public Support and Encouragement
Following Choi Byung-mo’s candid confession, a wave of support and comfort poured in from fans. Many expressed understanding, with one follower commenting, “Even after the performance ends, the body might not easily let go of that tension.” This fan wished him time to rest and care for himself.
Other fans echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging his powerful acting. “You portray your roles too well, it feels like the villains keep coming,” one user wrote. Many expressed a desire to see him in more positive and heartwarming characters in the future. “I want to see you in many gentle and warm characters,” another fan added, urging him, “Take care of your health first.”
A particularly insightful comment came from someone who identified themselves as a healthcare professional. This individual emphasized the need for adequate rest and professional medical treatment, suggesting that Choi Byung-mo’s condition requires thorough attention.
Choi Byung-mo Responds with Gratitude
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, with more than 3,000 individuals expressing empathy and encouragement, Choi Byung-mo shared another message of thanks. “Today, so many people offered comfort and encouragement, and I feel a little bit renewed,” he said.
He reflected on the acting profession, describing it as a job that seems to be in constant dialogue with anxiety. “I feel like acting is a profession that is always closely intertwined with anxiety. I am still finding and learning ways to coexist with it,” he shared. He also provided an update on his current work, mentioning that he is filming new projects this year.
Concluding his message, Choi Byung-mo expressed his commitment to his craft and his well-being. “I will contemplate more to be able to show good acting while staying healthy. Thank you deeply for your support,” he said, adding with emotion, “I’m getting choked up.”
Notable Works
Choi Byung-mo has established a significant presence in the entertainment industry through his diverse roles. His notable works include the films ‘Spring of Seoul’ and ‘Kill Boksoon,’ as well as dramas such as ‘The Witch’s Mirror,’ ‘Flower of Evil,’ ‘Secret Forest,’ ‘Another Oh Hae-young,’ and ‘The King’s Affection.’ In these productions, he has showcased his versatility by portraying characters that navigate the spectrum between good and evil.
