“It was the first time I felt a “chemistry reaction” towards the other party”
— Impression you had when you first read the script?
Joo Won: Even though the title is the same as the movie 7th Grade Civil Servant, the content differs by a large margin. It’s not that the movie was bad, its just that I am glad the drama can give audiences a sense of novelty. Although there is the heavy image of a story revolving around the national intelligence service, it was approached with a light touch, making it interesting.
— Did the director have any specific expectations/request from you?
Joo Won: There wasn't any detailed expectations/request, but he said “I hope that you can act out the character freely, don’t read the script” (laughs). “I hope that you can show me the Joo Won style Han Gil Ro that only Joo Won is capable of”. Therefore, I read the script secretly (laughs) and acted freely. For example, even though the script wrote “do it in a irritating manner”, if the sense of irritation could not be felt in the flow of acting, I will prioritize the flow and not act out the sense of irritation. And even if there was “do it while laughing” being written, if the emotions was not suitable or did not reach the stage of laughter, I will take into consideration of the emotion and not include laughter in the acting.
— How similar/in sync were you with the free spirited and lovable Gil Ro?
Joo Won: The everyday me is not so full of action. Even though it is also dependable on situations, I do not really laugh too much and I guess I have a plain character (laugh). However, in order to appear more natural this time round, I have to show things that I originally had. I tried to put in things such as the natural, innocent and pure feeling that I usually do not show and the child like side of me too. Therefore, the synchronization rate should be about 50 percent? It might be due to this that people around me said that I became more free spirited and cheerful.
— Gil Ro is very pure and love with all his heart with regards to love relationships, how about Joo Won?
Joo Won: Hmm…We are similar in terms of being very direct and honest towards the person we like and going all out for them. But, Gil Ro talks in a very tight way towards Seo Won. We are different in this regard. I am the type that speaks quietly. I think we are similar in terms of way of loving.
— It’s your first time acting in a love comedy, how did if felt after trying it out?
Joo Won: In love comedy, the proportion of the main couple is very high, there were a lot of scenes that only involve the 2 of us. Even though there were times that both of us felt tired, I think we were able to do it through supporting each other well. Although emotional involvement scenes were very important, as we had a good relationship, everyday scenes were become natural and we were able to film with a relaxing mood. I felt that that was very great. In addition, I think that the determining point of love comedy is not 100% dependent on only the character. I am currently filming a medical drama titled Good Doctor and in this drama, there is a necessity for me to become/ transform into that character thoroughly. However, in 7th grade Civil servant which is a love comedy, I felt that it was necessary for me to be have both the character Han Gil Ro + my own character. It was the same for Kang Hee. I thought that adding the charisma of Kang Hee into the character of Seo Won made it even more charming.
— The interaction between Gil Ro and Seo Won were very laughter inducing, were there any scene that you particularly liked?
Joo Won: In this drama, in contrast to action scenes, the scenes involving Gil Ro and Seo Won are very interesting. I will like to recommend in particular the scene where Seo Won’s parents suddenly came for a visit and I had to hide in the closet. The scenes in Seo Won’s room were all very fun and interesting. Putting snacks on the table and exchanging lines while eating the snacks, purely broadcasting the scene as it is was also very interesting. Above all, acting with Kang Hee was very fun and interesting. It was the first time I felt a “chemistry reaction” towards the other party and it was a work that was praised for its “chemical reaction”.
— How about the synchronization rate between Seo Won and Choi Kang Hee?
Joo Won: There is a slight difference between Kang Hee and Seo Won. Seo Won is a character that is very independent and possesses strong ability and mental strength that does not pale in comparison to males, but in reality also has a spot that hurts her heart. Kang Hee…..its not that she is not strong, its just that she does not have the thought of wanting to win anyone. For example, even if someone was to attack her, there will not be a reaction aiming for a backlash. I was shocked initially as such a reaction differs from other people, but it was also a novelty on hind side. Different reactions from me also surfaced as a result, it was interesting.
— Gil Ro was fooled by Seo Won numerous times, if it was you will you be able to continue loving such a female?
Joo Won: I will not be able to do it. However, if I did not realized that I was being fooled/cheated, I think I will be able to continue loving her. Just that if I knew about it, it will not be possible. Personally, as I think that having trust with the person you love is very important, if such a trust disappears, wouldn’t it be difficult to continue loving the other party?
— Why was Gil Ro continuously being attracted to Seo Won despite being cheated?
Joo Won: I think the reason that Gil Ro was continuously being attracted to Seo Won was that, he could see the hurt in her heart that she has despite her strong appearance. And, even though the charm of Seo Won also played a part, the charm was further enhanced because Kang Hee was the one acting out the character. The charm of Seo Won and Kang Hee sustain the attraction for both Gil Ro and me.
— The scenes between Gil Ro and Doha were also very comical, what impression did you have of Chang Sung?
Joo Won: I had the impression that he really had a huge body when I first meet him face to face. Although I knew that he is a member of the popular idol group 2PM, I am not very familiar with idol groups as I am a guy. After acting with him, he did not felt like a idol to me. He was very matured and adult like. He is also very knowledgeable and even though he is still young there were lots of happenings that made me felt that he was older than me. He’s passion for acting also impressed me. I was also touched when he was able to give a solid performance during difficult times when one has to act pleasantly even there were unpleasant situations during filming. There were times where I thought if I were in a similar situation, would I be able to give such a solid performance? We remained in contact occasionally until now. He is a good friend.
— For the scene of National Intelligence Service’s newbie training, it was filmed with everyone staying in the countryside and it seems that there was the atmosphere of a training camp.
Joo Won: It was really like a war during that period (laugh). Even though the facilities of the campsite were good and there was also a place for us to sleep and cook, it was a difficult situation for Kang Hee and me. Both of us had a lot of scenes, we did not had a chance to move and had to continue filming at the same location all the time. As filming continued without having a chance to rest, I do not have any memory of eating there (laughs). I choose to sleep without eating even if there was time for meals. The lack of sleep is till that extent. Therefore, I lost quite a lot of weight during filming. However, as everyone were also to spend time together like in a camp when filming first started, we were able to become close instantly. We also spent Christmas there. We managed to have a Christmas party and ate chicken and pizza together despite the lack of time. Having said that, as there wasn’t any carol decorations and it was not snowing, I don't know if it can be considered Christmas (laughs).
— What did you gain from the drama?
Joo Won: Being able to meet great actor and actresses. We keep in contact even till now. I contacted Kang Hee yesterday. Being able to meet people whom I will one to travel with and meet with when I am able to take a break was something that I gained. Also, this work posed as a new challenge to me. As I did not have any experience with regards to a lighthearted genre like love comedy, after challenging such a genre and everyone was able to view it pleasantly, I developed a confidence that if one works hard at something nothing is impossible.
— Lastly, please tell us the charm of this drama.
Joo Won: I think that everyone has the dark image of the drama upon hearing that the drama has the National Intelligence Service as the background, however, it is actually a drama that progresses light heartedly. A lot of effort was also invested to make the action scenes look cool. Of course, even though there are various incidents and cases, it is also about love, comrade and bonds. I think that it is a drama that audiences won’t feel a sense of burden and able to receive it lightheartedly upon watching.
Joo Won from King of Baking, Kim Takgu, Choi Kang Hee from Protect the Boss and 2PM’s Chan sung, a new love comedy featuring 3 big stars, the release of DVD box 1 & 2 of 7th Grade Civil Servant on November 22nd is fast approaching, gathering much popularity. This work was a drama that gathered high popularity, gaining 1st place in Korea’s Wednesday/ Thursday drama viewership rating. Joo Won acted as a free spirited, lovable Gil Ro, developing a knockabout love romance with Choi Kang Hee.
The eye-catching points of drama include the chase with Choi Kang Hee and action scenes. In addition, with regards to the acting with 2PM’s Chang sung, Joo Won recalled his memory and expressed his thoughts in this interview.
— Impression you had when you first read the script?
Joo Won: Even though the title is the same as the movie 7th Grade Civil Servant, the content differs by a large margin. It’s not that the movie was bad, its just that I am glad the drama can give audiences a sense of novelty. Although there is the heavy image of a story revolving around the national intelligence service, it was approached with a light touch, making it interesting.
— Did the director have any specific expectations/request from you?
Joo Won: There wasn't any detailed expectations/request, but he said “I hope that you can act out the character freely, don’t read the script” (laughs). “I hope that you can show me the Joo Won style Han Gil Ro that only Joo Won is capable of”. Therefore, I read the script secretly (laughs) and acted freely. For example, even though the script wrote “do it in a irritating manner”, if the sense of irritation could not be felt in the flow of acting, I will prioritize the flow and not act out the sense of irritation. And even if there was “do it while laughing” being written, if the emotions was not suitable or did not reach the stage of laughter, I will take into consideration of the emotion and not include laughter in the acting.
— How similar/in sync were you with the free spirited and lovable Gil Ro?
Joo Won: The everyday me is not so full of action. Even though it is also dependable on situations, I do not really laugh too much and I guess I have a plain character (laugh). However, in order to appear more natural this time round, I have to show things that I originally had. I tried to put in things such as the natural, innocent and pure feeling that I usually do not show and the child like side of me too. Therefore, the synchronization rate should be about 50 percent? It might be due to this that people around me said that I became more free spirited and cheerful.
— Gil Ro is very pure and love with all his heart with regards to love relationships, how about Joo Won?
Joo Won: Hmm…We are similar in terms of being very direct and honest towards the person we like and going all out for them. But, Gil Ro talks in a very tight way towards Seo Won. We are different in this regard. I am the type that speaks quietly. I think we are similar in terms of way of loving.
— It’s your first time acting in a love comedy, how did if felt after trying it out?
Joo Won: In love comedy, the proportion of the main couple is very high, there were a lot of scenes that only involve the 2 of us. Even though there were times that both of us felt tired, I think we were able to do it through supporting each other well. Although emotional involvement scenes were very important, as we had a good relationship, everyday scenes were become natural and we were able to film with a relaxing mood. I felt that that was very great. In addition, I think that the determining point of love comedy is not 100% dependent on only the character. I am currently filming a medical drama titled Good Doctor and in this drama, there is a necessity for me to become/ transform into that character thoroughly. However, in 7th grade Civil servant which is a love comedy, I felt that it was necessary for me to be have both the character Han Gil Ro + my own character. It was the same for Kang Hee. I thought that adding the charisma of Kang Hee into the character of Seo Won made it even more charming.
— The interaction between Gil Ro and Seo Won were very laughter inducing, were there any scene that you particularly liked?
Joo Won: In this drama, in contrast to action scenes, the scenes involving Gil Ro and Seo Won are very interesting. I will like to recommend in particular the scene where Seo Won’s parents suddenly came for a visit and I had to hide in the closet. The scenes in Seo Won’s room were all very fun and interesting. Putting snacks on the table and exchanging lines while eating the snacks, purely broadcasting the scene as it is was also very interesting. Above all, acting with Kang Hee was very fun and interesting. It was the first time I felt a “chemistry reaction” towards the other party and it was a work that was praised for its “chemical reaction”.
Joo Won: There is a slight difference between Kang Hee and Seo Won. Seo Won is a character that is very independent and possesses strong ability and mental strength that does not pale in comparison to males, but in reality also has a spot that hurts her heart. Kang Hee…..its not that she is not strong, its just that she does not have the thought of wanting to win anyone. For example, even if someone was to attack her, there will not be a reaction aiming for a backlash. I was shocked initially as such a reaction differs from other people, but it was also a novelty on hind side. Different reactions from me also surfaced as a result, it was interesting.
— Gil Ro was fooled by Seo Won numerous times, if it was you will you be able to continue loving such a female?
Joo Won: I will not be able to do it. However, if I did not realized that I was being fooled/cheated, I think I will be able to continue loving her. Just that if I knew about it, it will not be possible. Personally, as I think that having trust with the person you love is very important, if such a trust disappears, wouldn’t it be difficult to continue loving the other party?
— Why was Gil Ro continuously being attracted to Seo Won despite being cheated?
Joo Won: I think the reason that Gil Ro was continuously being attracted to Seo Won was that, he could see the hurt in her heart that she has despite her strong appearance. And, even though the charm of Seo Won also played a part, the charm was further enhanced because Kang Hee was the one acting out the character. The charm of Seo Won and Kang Hee sustain the attraction for both Gil Ro and me.
— The scenes between Gil Ro and Doha were also very comical, what impression did you have of Chang Sung?
Joo Won: I had the impression that he really had a huge body when I first meet him face to face. Although I knew that he is a member of the popular idol group 2PM, I am not very familiar with idol groups as I am a guy. After acting with him, he did not felt like a idol to me. He was very matured and adult like. He is also very knowledgeable and even though he is still young there were lots of happenings that made me felt that he was older than me. He’s passion for acting also impressed me. I was also touched when he was able to give a solid performance during difficult times when one has to act pleasantly even there were unpleasant situations during filming. There were times where I thought if I were in a similar situation, would I be able to give such a solid performance? We remained in contact occasionally until now. He is a good friend.
— For the scene of National Intelligence Service’s newbie training, it was filmed with everyone staying in the countryside and it seems that there was the atmosphere of a training camp.
Joo Won: It was really like a war during that period (laugh). Even though the facilities of the campsite were good and there was also a place for us to sleep and cook, it was a difficult situation for Kang Hee and me. Both of us had a lot of scenes, we did not had a chance to move and had to continue filming at the same location all the time. As filming continued without having a chance to rest, I do not have any memory of eating there (laughs). I choose to sleep without eating even if there was time for meals. The lack of sleep is till that extent. Therefore, I lost quite a lot of weight during filming. However, as everyone were also to spend time together like in a camp when filming first started, we were able to become close instantly. We also spent Christmas there. We managed to have a Christmas party and ate chicken and pizza together despite the lack of time. Having said that, as there wasn’t any carol decorations and it was not snowing, I don't know if it can be considered Christmas (laughs).
— What did you gain from the drama?
Joo Won: Being able to meet great actor and actresses. We keep in contact even till now. I contacted Kang Hee yesterday. Being able to meet people whom I will one to travel with and meet with when I am able to take a break was something that I gained. Also, this work posed as a new challenge to me. As I did not have any experience with regards to a lighthearted genre like love comedy, after challenging such a genre and everyone was able to view it pleasantly, I developed a confidence that if one works hard at something nothing is impossible.
— Lastly, please tell us the charm of this drama.
Joo Won: I think that everyone has the dark image of the drama upon hearing that the drama has the National Intelligence Service as the background, however, it is actually a drama that progresses light heartedly. A lot of effort was also invested to make the action scenes look cool. Of course, even though there are various incidents and cases, it is also about love, comrade and bonds. I think that it is a drama that audiences won’t feel a sense of burden and able to receive it lightheartedly upon watching.
—
Source: kstyle
English Translation by Sukie@moonjunworld
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