Photo Courtesy of: ONE
Korean actor Ji Sung shares with InCinemas his transformative journey as Park Jung Woo in prison drama 'Innocent Defendant' where he lost 6kg! In addition, he talks about his working relationship with co-stars Kwon Yuri and Uhm Ki-Joon, and the experiences they shared on set.
InCinemas: Hi Ji Sung, what about ‘Innocent Defendant’ that made you accept the project? Was it the story/character that you were drawn to?
Ji Sung: It wasn’t a difficult decision at all. I was very intrigued when I first saw the script for Innocent Defendant; when I met up with the Director, I was convinced that he will do a great job telling this compelling story. Also, I find was very drawn to my character, Jung Woo or ‘Inmate 3866’ – the drama takes him through an emotional roller coaster – waking up in prison without memory and accused of murdering his family. It has to be one of the most challenging, emotionally-charged characters I’ve played, and I love that it pushes my limits as an actor.
InCinemas: Your role as Jung Woo can be rather emotionally draining, what do you do to break out of the character after each day of the shoot?
Ji Sung: My character Jung Woo has so much burden and emotional stress to bear, and it is not enough to just show it through my lines but also how he looks as well. There’s a lot of work behind building the character, from my make-up to adjusting my lifestyle. To be honest, I cannot really break away from the character totally because I have to go back to it the next day. I just need to know how to compartmentalise my thoughts and emotions… (laughs) which takes a lot of practice.
Photo Courtesy of: ONE
InCinemas: What are the challenges playing a character like Park Jung-Woo?
Ji Sung: It was honestly tough; it was difficult to even read the scripts sometimes. I have been having trouble sleeping and have been haunted by nightmares. I keep having dreams of myself hanging, being suffocated, trying to gasp for air and on the verge of death. There were a few nights that I woke up in tears, too. I’ve also been working out vigorously, pushing myself physically and mentally… I think I lost about 6 kilogrammes, or maybe more by now.
InCinemas: Are these occurrences something new for you as an actor?
Ji Sung: It is always a new experience – new set, new staff, new co-stars and new characters. I guess the feeling is like ‘changing jobs’ all the time. (Laughs) Every role requires me to be somebody I am not used to, and that takes time and effort to shape up. It’s quite a rough process because you need to be able to draw the line between reality and your character. It’s all about self-control.
InCinemas: Can you share what is it like to work with your co-stars Kwon Yuri and Uhm Ki-Joon?
Ji Sung: It is a great cast and the chemistry is excellent – I am sure you are able to tell watching the drama unfolds on screen. I think the both of them embody their characters really well. I had a lot of fun working with them… there were many intense scenes, and the more intense the scenes are, the more fun it is.
InCinemas: What will you say is a role you’ve always wanted to try, but hadn’t had the chance to?
Ji Sung: Sometimes when I watch a movie or a show, and I will go like ‘oh, that looks interesting!’ But the truth is to not have expectations and be very open-minded. Sometimes we get too obsessed what we think is good for us and we miss out on opportunities that come our way.
Photo Courtesy of: ONE
InCinemas: What’s your biggest takeaway from being a part of this production?
Ji Sung: There’s no better word to describe this experience as surreal. It’s not every day you get roles like these, set in a prison and attempting a break out. It’s also a story that is close to my heart, as a parent. Like my character Jung Woo, I am a father and husband, and I cannot imagine being in his situation. I hope viewers in Asia will continue to support and watch till the end. And of course, to continue watching my wife’s drama <Whisper>. (Laughs)
"Innocent Defendant" airs every Tuesday and Wednesday, 8.10pm on ONE (Singtel TV Channel 513/604 and StarHub TV Channel 124/820/823)
Are you are a huge fan of the drama? Share with us some of your favourite scenes from it in the comments section below!