'Housewife Killer' Jung Jun-won: "Nolmwo controversy, I was so nervous my system crashed... 'Ugly'? I did my best in my own way..." [Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Jung Jun-won opened up about the public's negative gaze he received while appearing in 'Housewife Killer' and 'What Do You Do?' (Nolmwo).

On the 14th, Jung met with StarNews at a cafe on Bongunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, for an interview marking the finale of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Housewife Killer' (script by Kim Eun-hee, directed by Yoon Jong-ho and Kim Ji-hoon).

'Housewife Killer' is a drama depicting the struggle of a working mother with one of the most dangerous professions in the world to protect her work-life balance. The story unfolded with balanced tension as Kingfisher, a killer who eliminates criminals (played by Gong Hyo-jin), Kwon Tae-sung, Yoo Bo-na's husband and a social affairs reporter who tracks down the truth behind the case until the end (played by Jung Jun-won), and Lee Dong-jin, Kwon Tae-sung's best friend and a destined detective who must catch criminals (played by Lee Sang), each held different beliefs.

Jung Jun-won vividly portrayed the dramatic story of Kwon Tae-sung, a family man and a reporter relentlessly investigating Kingfisher, as well as a serious husband who embraces his wife's secret. In the final episode, after facing all the truths, he completed a harmless and warm ending befitting Kwon Tae-sung with an unwavering choice to protect his beloved wife, leaving a lingering warmth until the very end.

-'Housewife Killer' concluded with good ratings. What are your thoughts?

▶I feel very grateful that we were able to wrap things up well.

-Last August, actor Jung Jun-won appeared on MBC's 'What Do You Do?' (Nolmwo) with actress Gong Hyo-jin for promotional purposes for 'Housewife Killer', but he failed to immediately perform the requested situational comedy and showed a passive side, sparking a 'attitude controversy'. This also raised concerns about whether viewership for 'Housewife Killer' would grow smoothly. Did you go through any emotional hardship?

▶I had no experience with improvisational variety shows. I appeared to promote the work, and it was a program I often watched myself. Meeting my senior Yoo Jae-suk, whom I have long admired as a fan, made me very nervous. With a strong desire to do well, I think I malfunctioned; my mind went blank, and I couldn't do anything. I felt deeply sorry that many viewers found it uncomfortable.

-What was senior Gong Hyo-jin's reaction during the 'What Do You Do?' filming?

▶The production team tried to make it fun, and seniors Yoo Jae-suk and Gong Hyo-jin said, "It's okay." I will not repeat the same mistake.

-Actress Gong Hyo-jin reportedly said that actor Jung Jun-won even vomited after filming 'What Do You Do?' that day.

▶He said he was so nauseous that he barely remembers that day. If given another chance, I want to do better.

-If you could turn back time, what would you have done differently on 'What Do You Do?'?

▶With the memories I have now, I think I would calm down and give my best effort.

-What kind of variety show do you hope to appear in the future?

▶The variety shows I have appeared in so far were filmed realistically without me knowing there was a camera, but this time ('What Do You Do?') required improvisational variety elements. I realized I was very weak in that area. I need to gain experience points by trying various experiences.

-There were also comments that the beginning of 'Housewife Killer' differed significantly from the original protagonist.

▶The initial script described a husband and father figure who was unrealistically perfect. Fans expecting the original work might have naturally felt disappointed.

-In what way do you think 'Housewife Killer' was a hit?

▶I think viewers appreciated Tae-sung's sincerity well. I am grateful that many people liked it, fortunately.

-What do you consider your own unique charm that surpassed the original Tae-sung?

▶I tried to show my love for my family as much as possible.

-There were also many evaluations of actor Jung Jun-won's appearance. Did this public evaluation make you pay more attention to your looks externally?

▶I have been working hard in my own way, but I think viewers' tastes and standards differed. I am currently managing myself diligently on an ongoing basis. It may not feel good to be called 'ugly', but that was not my priority; acting was. It's not that I don't care about my appearance. (Laughs)

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*This content was translated by AI.