"No" Actor Park Ji-hoon... "Cooking Soldier" Im Ji-ho Brags of Intense Camaraderie [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Im Ji-ho (33) shared his thoughts on his acting chemistry with Park Ji-hoon (27) in "Cooking Soldier."

The OTV TVING series and tvN Monday-Tuesday drama "Cooking Soldier: Becoming a Legend" (hereinafter "Cooking Soldier") concluded on the 16th with a high viewership rating of 7.6%. It received immense love, drawing in more paid subscribers than any other TVING original work released in the past three years.

With the dramatic transformation of "million-seller" actor Park Ji-hoon, the B-grade comedic humor that hit the mark ("Chullal" from Cooking Soldier + Jirang), and even the birth of the virtual idol group "Migak Boys," "Cooking Soldier" achieved significant success in many ways. Beyond Park Ji-hoon, the series discovered many new talents, including Yoon Kyung-ho, Han Dong-hee, special appearance by Lee Sang, and the "Migak Boys" members: Sorrowful Taste Gyeol (played by Kang Ha-kyung), Sweet Taste Moon-ik (played by Im Ji-ho), Spicy Taste Seung-woo (played by Lee Sang-joon), Sour Taste Sang-wook (played by Kang Jun-gyu), and Salty Taste Ji-yong (played by Kim Moon-gi).

Im Ji-ho, who played the role of Tak Moon-ik, an administrative soldier at Ganglimsocho in the drama, was also a notable discovery in "Cooking Soldier." As a "TMI" spewing "too much talker" and a surprising gourmet, he injected vitality into the series. Since his debut in 2014, he has appeared in numerous works, including the film "Sprinter" and dramas such as "Hospital Playlist Season 2," "Cheer Up," "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938," and "The Witch: Part 2. The Other One."

In a recent interview with StarNews, Im Ji-ho commented on "Cooking Soldier," saying, "I haven't done that many works, but this is the first time I've felt so regretful about a series ending. It feels like a work that I wished would never end has finally concluded. I found the script incredibly fun to read, and while filming, I thought many people would enjoy it, but I am very grateful that it received such great love. I am also thankful that the 'Migak Boys' were well-received. Many people recognize me on the street."

When asked about the secret to its popularity, he cited the strong team spirit. Im Ji-ho stated, "Since most of us have military experience, we got very close, living together as if in a real barracks. Also, while filming scenes of running around with guns and training, a sense of 'camaraderie' developed. The actors and staff all sweated together and endured hardships side by side."

He continued, "There are many group chat rooms. There's the 'Cooking Soldier' group chat, rooms for the 'Migak Boys' members, rooms including the production team, and so on. During the Uljin shoot, an 'intermission running crew' was even formed. Director Jo Nam-hyung and a few actors gathered for morning runs. Occasionally, funny photos are posted in that running chat room." He boasted of their close relationship.

How was the chemistry with "million-seller" actor Park Ji-hoon? Im Ji-ho said, "During filming, I was constantly amazed. There were many moments where I had to wear seaweed like a robe and not hold back my body. I haven't experienced many actors, but Park Ji-hoon has no 'no.' He always says, 'I'll try it,' or 'That's fine.' I thought, 'He can go to such lengths without holding back,' and watching him, I often thought, 'I should do the same.'" He couldn't help but express his admiration.

He added, "I'm also someone who doesn't easily let go of my words, but Ji-hoon didn't let go. I even said, 'Please, just let go of your words.' But in a way, those aspects were actually good. I believe that interpersonal relationships on set have a significant impact on acting. Since we were set up as seniors and juniors in the military within the drama, I think I was able to let go of my words more easily than usual. I wondered if Ji-hoon had considered that relationship, so I stopped telling him to let go of his words after that." He recalled this anecdote.

Regarding Yoon Kyung-ho, he said, "I was so grateful for Senior Yoon's heart. He kept trying to create something. Before filming began, Senior Yoon would often have many conversations with the director, adding ad-libs to develop scenes into even better ones." He expressed his respect.

Im Ji-ho shared, "I learned so much while working with Senior Yoon Kyung-ho, Senior Jung Woong-in, Senior Lee Sang, the director, and others. As I absorb things one by one, I feel I will have more to offer. Everyone suggested good directions for the works, thinking, 'Wouldn't it be fun to try this?' I could really feel that kind of heart."

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*This content was translated by AI.