So Ji-sub: "More drawn to the narrative than 'Manager Kim' action... Role may change in Season 2"

*This content was translated by AI.

Recently, So Ji-sub, who received great love for his role in SBS's Friday-Saturday drama "Manager Kim," opened up about the changes and sense of responsibility he has felt over his 30-year acting career.

Global media platform BoldPage released part of its global interview series "Global Q's" with So Ji-sub on the 18th. In this interview, So Ji-sub discussed the changed reactions following the success of "Manager Kim," his criteria for selecting works, his desire to take on romantic comedies, and his thoughts on living as a star for so long.

Notably, this interview was conducted with BoldPage's global editors from overseas countries such as France, India, and Mexico directly asking So Ji-sub questions and receiving his answers.

When first asked about the changed reactions following "Manager Kim," So Ji-sub said, "(Drama) 'I'm Sorry, I Love You' has a generation that hasn't seen it, but many generations have watched this 'Manager Kim,' so these days my name is less mentioned than 'Manager Kim.'"

Regarding why he chose "Manager Kim," he pointed to the character's narrative rather than action. Having wanted to do an action drama again after his previous work "Square," he revealed, "What came in was 'Manager Kim.' I liked the narrative that Manager Kim has more than the action—the environment this person lived through and such things really appealed to me."

He also shared why he has often portrayed characters who try to protect someone until the end, including in "Manager Kim," "Only You," and "I'm Sorry, I Love You." So Ji-sub said, "It seems like both. I don't actively seek them out, but when I see such scripts, I feel drawn to them." He added with a smile, "I think I have a strong backbone that makes me tenaciously hold on," and "I really seem to like things that don't let go and go all the way through."

The conversation also touched on "I'm Sorry, I Love You," which continues to be loved steadily overseas. Upon hearing that in South America, dramas that keep lingering in one's mind and bring tears even after watching are called "K-Trauma" and that "I'm Sorry, I Love You" is one of the representative works, he said, "It's amazing that such emotions resonate together," and added, "Even though languages differ and emotions might be conveyed slightly differently, it's fascinating to feel them together."

When asked to deliver a warning message to those who haven't seen the work yet, he replied, "It's very classic and has a sad ending. If watched incorrectly, it could cause big trouble." He then laughed, saying, "Clicking by mistake could lead to serious consequences," before adding, "You might feel sad for a while."

Although he has reached his 30th year as an actor, the burden of approaching each work has actually grown. So Ji-sub said, "I don't think I've let go well in some aspects," and explained, "If one work goes wrong, it can cause harm to too many people, so I must always be careful and attentive."

He particularly noted, "Back then, I didn't know and just did it, but now I see so much more. The market is difficult these days, and if a work fails, regardless of my own issues, other works may not get produced. It seems to be getting harder the more I go on."

Having experienced many characters already, he also shared his concerns about finding new aspects. He said, "It feels like there's hardly anything I haven't done, but actually, I've done quite a lot—too much," and added, "Showing you something new isn't easy. I've shown a lot before, and it doesn't seem like there are that many things I can do anew." However, he concluded, "But I will keep looking for new things."

He also shared his thoughts on "Manager Kim" Season 2. So Ji-sub said, "Rather than calling it new, personally, I think it would be better if there was a major central thread like the disappearance of my daughter this time, rather than an episodic format."

Continuing, he stated, "I don't know how to prepare yet. Depending on that, Manager Kim's role may change slightly," and added, "Then I think I'll be able to show various things within that. Maybe we won't move as a team? Anyway, the worldview is too big."

He also answered honestly about living as a star for so long. When asked what it's like to live one's life known by the public, So Ji-sub said, "It's something to be grateful for. But maybe 51% good and 49% not so good?"

He then remarked, "It's definitely not an easy life. It seems to get heavier and harder as time goes on," and explained, "Now it doesn't end just in Korea; many people overseas also like me and react to that. Especially for lead actors like myself, I believe there is a clear sense of responsibility regarding that."

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*This content was translated by AI.