Ryu Seung-ryong: "From piano to dance, I feared being left behind in my youth… I finally took a break after turning 50" [31st BIFF]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong reflected on his life of relentlessly pushing himself forward, revealing that he only came to understand the meaning of "healthy rest" later in life.

The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) "Actors House" was held on the 9th at the Shinsegae Department Store Cultural Hall in Haeundae-gu, Busan. Actor Ryu Seung-ryong attended the event and shared various stories about his life and acting career.

Ryu said that he often watches theater and films, adding, "Listening to good music is the same; those times keep me healthy. They are also a great help in portraying diverse characters."

He continued, "I have also gained quite a bit of direct experience. I traveled a lot and had various experiences in life," recalling the times that filled him as an actor.

He also said that he has lived in competition since childhood. Ryu stated, "I was born in the 1970s, but in elementary school, there were 65 to 70 students per class, and we had up to 15 classes. There were morning and afternoon shifts," recalling, "It was constant competition. It is still that way now, but it seems it was even more intense back then."

He added, "There were many second-year and third-year repeaters, and I had the obsession that if I stayed still, I would be left behind," saying, "I did part-time jobs, learned piano, and did dance with my short legs. It seems I consistently continued doing things I thought were necessary as an actor."

He said he also felt great fear about an unseen future. Ryu stated, "Because of the fear that the future was invisible, I never gave myself a leisurely gift," adding, "Then I got married and started working in film. Fortunately, as I received love from many people, my sense of responsibility gradually grew."

Running without rest like that, he soon reached his 50s. Ryu revealed, "At some point, I realized that when things were difficult, I was not handling that difficulty well with my own methods."

He revealed that he started walking the Jeju Olle Trail about 10 years ago, marking the first time he had time for himself. Ryu said, "Before that, it seems I never gave myself a gift. I just kept pushing forward," adding, "I lived fiercely and hard without regret, but I never soothed myself or gave myself the rest needed at the moment."

He continued, "Walking the Olle Trail gave me time to empty my mind. I began to think about priorities and what is important, and walking alone, I started to hear my own breathing," sharing, "Then I began to hear the sounds of birds and trees, and those moments came to me like gifts."

Ryu stated, "When I soothed myself a little, that was when I felt healed," adding, "From then on, I started thinking about healthy rest."

He added, "Unfortunately, it seems I learned that too late," saying, "So I want to share this story with young people, even if just a little. While continuing to run is important, I want to tell them that time to care for oneself and take a break is also essential."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original