Jung Sung-il on Changes Since 'The Glory': "Writer Kim Eun-sook Is a Benefactor.. I Greet Her Every Holiday" [Interview ②]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Interview with Jung Sung-il for 'Made in Korea Season 2'.

Actor Jung Sung-il recalled the starting point of Ha Do-young from 'The Glory', which etched him into the public consciousness, stating, "Writer Kim Eun-sook is a benefactor."

On the 28th, we met with actor Jung Sung-il of the Disney+ series 'Made in Korea' at a café on Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to discuss his work.

In both Season 1 and Season 2 of 'Made in Korea', Jung Sung-il portrayed Cheon Seok-jung, Chief Secretary to the President, vividly depicting an ambitious pursuit of power and a tenacious instinct for survival even at the brink of collapse.

Interestingly, he admitted that he initially hesitated when first offered the role. Jung Sung-il said, "When I received the offer for 'Made in Korea', I personally considered declining it. The character required wearing similar suits and carrying a certain weight, which felt burdensome, and at the time, I was in a period where I wanted to show a different side of myself."

Nevertheless, what changed his mind were the people he would be working with. Jung Sung-il stated, "The director was excellent, and the actors were wonderful, so it felt like a loss to miss out on this opportunity." He added, "After meeting with the director, I proposed, 'I really want to play this character, but I will use a dialect.'"

Ha Do-young from 'The Glory', which became a major turning point for Jung Sung-il, also began through a special connection. He revealed, "I heard that the writer of 'The Glory' saw 'Stranger 2' and chose me for Ha Do-young while monitoring actress Yoon Se-ah. She was watching to evaluate Yoon Se-ah, and I happened to be there." He continued, "She viewed me very favorably and said she thought, 'Ha Do-young should have this kind of image,' which is why she cast me."

He further added, "Fortunately, I make it a point to greet people when the time comes. I at least reach out during holidays." He expressed gratitude, saying, "There are many benefactors like her. Director An Gil-ho is one, and so are the actors; many provided great help during filming."

While 'The Glory' was a major opportunity for Jung Sung-il, it also brought new concerns afterward. He admitted, "In the beginning, I consciously avoided roles similar to Ha Do-young. Since all the incoming characters had a similar profile to Ha Do-young, I turned down many offers."

He explained further, "I wondered if there was another character similar enough to surpass Ha Do-young. That's why I chose to pursue works in completely different directions, like 'Jeonran', to keep multiple possibilities open."

However, his perspective shifted over time. Jung Sung-il said, "Now I even think, 'Do I really need to avoid this?' If the public and industry professionals want that kind of image from me, I don't feel it's necessary to turn them away. I believe that even within similar profiles, something beyond can emerge."

He added, "In the beginning, almost all incoming offers felt like Ha Do-young, but now I receive more varied proposals. So I no longer feel the need to avoid similar characters."

Jung Sung-il, who once described himself as having become a "permanent employee" after 'The Glory', admitted he still harbors anxiety.

He said, "I am always anxious. Even though I should be satisfied and relieved now that I'm a permanent employee, I keep thinking, 'When will my retirement from this permanent position come?' Acting is the same; this anxiety seems to actually drive me to work harder."

He continued, "Some people tell me, 'It must be nice to have become a permanent employee,' and I am truly grateful. The current market situation is not good at all; the number of projects has decreased, and many actors are resting. Fortunately, just being able to continue working is something I'm thankful for. I live each day with a grateful heart."

Yet, when asked about the best part of becoming a "permanent employee," he honestly replied, "Not having to audition anymore." Jung Sung-il smiled and said, "Even though I'm still anxious despite being a permanent employee, at least I don't have to go through auditions every time like before, which is good."

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*This content was translated by AI.