Top rating of 27.1% for 'Manager Kim': Joo Sang-wook, "I was puzzled by the ratings; I lost 7kg to increase exposure" [Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Interview with actor Joo Sang-wook, who played Kang-chan Ju in SBS's Friday-Saturday drama "Manager Kim"

Actor Joo Sang-wook expressed surprise at the box office success of "Manager Kim," which concluded with a top rating of 27.1%.

Recently, Joo Sang-wook held an interview to commemorate the conclusion of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama "Manager Kim" (script by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun) at HB Entertainment's headquarters in Sinse-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

"Manager Kim" is a father-universe revenge action drama about an ordinary dad who becomes the world's most dangerous man to reclaim his only daughter. According to Nielsen Korea, the final episode aired on the 25th recorded a rating of 23.4% in the capital area and 23.0% nationwide. Notably, the peak rating soared to 27.1%, shattering its own previous record.

Joo Sang-wook portrayed Kang-chan Ju, a construction company chairman who rose from being a gangster enforcer, vividly depicting everything from his ruthless power-hungry demeanor to his twisted paternal love and obsessive madness. As the villain who puts Manager Kim (played by So Ji-sub) in danger, he left an indelible impression that drew strong criticism from viewers.

Regarding the phenomenon-level success, Joo Sang-wook stated, "I was hoping for double-digit ratings, but I never imagined it would be loved to this extent. We broke into double-digit ratings within just two episodes, creating an atmosphere where everyone wondered, 'What is this?' I'm grateful to have encountered such a work after a long time, and I don't know what else to say. It seems something unbelievable has happened."

Starting his acting career in 1998 with the KBS drama "New Generation Report: Adults Don't Know," Joo Sang-wook garnered attention through "Manager Kim" by taking on his most despicable villain role to date.

Joo Sang-wook humbly remarked, "I think it might have been refreshing for someone who doesn't look like a typical villain actor to play such a role rather than an actor who obviously looks the part."

He also revealed behind-the-scenes details about the sauna scene that announced Kang-chan Ju's striking entrance. He said, "When I saw the sauna scene in the script, I thought, 'What should I do?' For three months before filming began, I followed a strict diet and exercise regimen and didn't drink alcohol at all. My weight was around 78kg when I started exercising, but it dropped to 71kg by the time filming commenced. It was my first time drinking water instead of alcohol at social gatherings. Friends told me, 'You're not acting like yourself; I can't stand seeing you.' But I felt my hard work paid off," eliciting laughter from the audience.

He continued, "Actually, the pool in the sauna scene was a cold plunge, not a hot tub. We filmed for about three hours, and just thinking about it now makes me feel exhausted. After each take in the cold water, I immediately went into a hot tub to warm up."

He also expressed his desire for a second season. He said, "I don't know how the series will develop in terms of seasons, but I'm sure there will be a Season 2. Since there's an original webtoon, Kang-chan Ju might lose some power, but new stories should emerge. If Kang-chan Ju tries to scheme again, viewers might get tired of it."

He added jokingly, "If we call him 'Manager Kim Villain' like in the movie 'The Outlaws,' people will expect more. I hope the story can expand endlessly until the next season. Of course, it's a bit disappointing that it ended quickly as a 10-episode series despite all the filming. If Season 2 is produced, wouldn't it be interesting if Kang-chan Ju, who has been living a good life, made a cameo appearance? Or perhaps he could appear as Manager Kim's (played by So Ji-sub) twin brother with just one mark on his face."

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*This content was translated by AI.