Actor Jo In-sung Looks Back at Defining Roles
Renowned actor Jo In-sung has offered candid insights into his career, revisiting some of his most impactful roles from his early days to the present. In a recent interview, the star shared behind-the-scenes anecdotes, particularly focusing on the unforgettable and shocking conclusion of the drama ‘What Happened in Bali’.
The discussion took place in a video released on the YouTube channel ‘Arena Homme Plus’ titled ‘The Genres That ‘Jo In-sung,’ Whom We Love,’ explored his filmography as he anticipates the release of his new film, ‘Hope’.
Early Career and Sitcom Success
Jo In-sung expressed a particular fondness for sitcoms, citing the 2000 MBC sitcom ‘New Nonstop’ as a standout. He described the genre as his “favorite,” appreciating its ability to be “heavy yet approachable, with humor and wit.” He noted that the characters he portrayed during that era were unique, stating, “The Jo In-sung of that time is something I can’t replicate even if I tried today.” He identified it as a personally cherished project.
Reflecting on the 2001 SBS drama ‘Piano,’ Jo In-sung admitted to his immaturity as an actor at the time. “My acting was very rough,” he recalled. “Every scene was difficult. Expressing the relationship with my father and senior actor Kim Ha-neul was challenging. I think I acted with energy rather than full understanding.”
Unveiling the ‘What Happened in Bali’ Ending
The actor then delved into the pivotal 2004 SBS drama ‘What Happened in Bali,’ a series that significantly boosted his public recognition. He revealed a striking detail about the filming of the drama’s conclusion: “I die in the ending.” He explained, “When I first went to Bali to film, we shot that ending scene first.”
Jo In-sung described his mindset during that initial shoot: “At the time, I approached the set thinking, ‘Is this how filming is done?'” He confessed, “I didn’t even know what the plot was in the middle. I filmed without knowing the process that led Jung Jae-min to make such a choice.” He added that the memory of filming that particular ending scene remains vivid to this day.
Exploring Diverse Roles
The film ‘A Dirty Carnival’ also received praise from Jo In-sung, who called it “the first work that gained me recognition in the film industry.” He explained, “I was able to shed the image I had maintained up to that point and take on the role of a gang member.” He expressed his desire to “tell the story of youth through the character of ‘Kim Byeong-doo,'” adding that the character’s resonance with audiences is the reason he continues to make films today.
His affection for the 2014 SBS drama ‘It’s Okay, That’s Love’ was also evident. Jo In-sung shared a message of comfort, hoping that viewers could find solace through the series during difficult times.
Anticipation for ‘Hope’
Looking ahead, Jo In-sung expressed his excitement for his upcoming film, ‘Hope.’ “I realized again that courage is needed to create something new,” he stated, hoping for a fresh reception from audiences. He highlighted the film as director Na Hong-jin’s long-awaited project, noting its “unique suspense, realism, and dynamism.”
He also recalled the challenging filming conditions in Romania, mentioning, “We filmed in Romania under very difficult circumstances. Because it was a remote location, the staff became even closer.”
‘Hope’ tells the story of a port security chief in a non-free zone who hears news of a tiger appearing among local youths. As the entire village falls into a state of emergency, the narrative unfolds as they confront an unbelievable reality. The film features a star-studded cast including Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender, and is directed by Na Hong-jin, known for ‘The Chaser,’ ‘The Yellow Sea,’ and ‘The Wailing.’ The film is set to premiere on July 15th.
