'Manager Kim' So Ji-sub's AI and Yoon Kyung-ho's Silent Meditation: The Untold Story.. Joo Sang-wook: "I Didn't Know, I Talk More"[Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

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

Actor Joo Sang-wook revealed funny and bittersweet anecdotes about his on-screen chemistry with So Ji-sub and Yoon Kyung-ho in 'Manager Kim'.

Recently, Joo Sang-wook held a wrap-up interview for SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Manager Kim' (written by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun) at the HB Entertainment headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

'Manager Kim' is an action revenge drama about a father who becomes "the most dangerous man in the world" to reclaim his only daughter, described as "the most ordinary dad in the world." According to ratings survey company Nielsen Korea, the final episode aired on the 25th recorded viewership of 23.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 23.0% nationwide. Notably, the peak viewership soared to 27.1%, shattering its own record high.

Regarding his acting chemistry with So Ji-sub, who played Manager Kim, Joo Sang-wook said, "This is our first time working together, and he's truly a kind person." He added, "He's genuinely good-hearted and upright. Thanks to that, the atmosphere on set was excellent. As So Ji-sub himself mentioned on set, there are sometimes uncomfortable filming environments while acting. But 'Manager Kim' was an exciting and comfortable set."

Approximately three minutes of a sequence showing Manager Kim's past in 'Manager Kim' was entirely produced using AI. This marks the first time in Korean drama history that such a scene was created with AI, leaving many viewers stunned upon learning the truth. Surprisingly, even Joo Sang-wook was unaware of this fact.

Joo Sang-wook joked, "I didn't know that sequence was made with AI either. I thought the filming crew must have worked hard, but when I learned it was AI, I wondered, 'Was that really AI?' That's probably why (So Ji-sub) covered half of his face." His remark drew laughter from everyone present.

Joo Sang-wook also sparked the trend behind Yoon Kyung-ho's "silent meditation." During the press conference, when asked about a ratings pledge question, Joo Sang-wook suggested to Yoon Kyung-ho, "How about you go on silent meditation if the ratings exceed 13%?" Yoon Kyung-ho promised, "Then I'll do 13 hours of silent meditation." In reality, 'Manager Kim' achieved a nationwide viewership of 15.7% in just two episodes, making Yoon Kyung-ho's 13-hour silent meditation pledge a reality.

Regarding this, Joo Sang-wook revealed, "Originally, I planned to say, 'If ratings hit 15%, let's do something in Gwanghwamun,' but if I had said that, Manager Kim (So Ji-sub) might have scolded me. Actually, the silent meditation pledge was just a joke, but it turned out like this. When Yoon Kyung-ho called asking, 'What should I do?' I told him to film himself drying up in a solitary confinement cell for 13 hours," which caused widespread laughter.

He then awkwardly admitted, "Thinking back, I probably talked more on set than (Yoon Kyung-ho)."

Given 'Manager Kim's' remarkable box office success, the production team and cast are planning a reward trip to Guam. However, SBS stated, "Currently, some actors and key production staff are discussing a small-scale team-building trip to accommodate personal schedules. Specific dates or locations have not been finalized."

Joo Sang-wook shared, "I've had three opportunities for reward trips while working on dramas, but I couldn't go due to work commitments each time. This time, I'll definitely take one," adding with a playful tone that he was excited about the upcoming trip.

Debuting in 1998 with KBS's drama 'New Generation Report: Adults Don't Know', Joo Sang-wook is now entering his 28th year since debut, showcasing unwavering passion for acting. He remarked, "I thought I hadn't taken a break since 'Giant,' but that was already 16 years ago. It's not about the number of years; the more you act, the less bored you get on set. Every time is new, and that energy is enjoyable. In a way, it might be the secret to staying young. There's an energy unique to filming sets. I want to continue emitting such energy in the future."

He also added, "I'm now trying hard with Instagram as well. I'm preparing many diverse photos. On YouTube, I share my daily life, so it seems some people enjoy it. I'll work hard on both fronts—those personal projects and my acting roles. Please like, turn on notifications, and subscribe."

He also expressed interest in variety shows. "I really love variety programs. If there's a show that suits me well, I'd like to appear on it," he said.

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*This content was translated by AI.