Why is NCT in 'Crash 2,' the traffic crime crackdown drama? Director reveals behind-the-scenes story: "Park Ji-sung's casting? Because he's popular" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Park Ji-sung, a member of the groups NCT and NCT Dream, makes his acting debut with "Crash 2."

The production press conference for ENA's new Tuesday-Wedrama "Crash 2: Road of Rage" (hereinafter referred to as "Crash 2") was held on the afternoon of the 10th at Stanford Hotel Korea in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Director Park Jun-woo and cast members Lee Min-ki, Gwak Sun-young, Heo Sung-tae, Lee Ho-cheol, Moon Hee, and Park Ji-sung (NCT) attended the event.

"Crash 2" is the second season of "Crash," which aired to great popularity in 2024. The first season was widely loved by viewers, ranking as the second-highest rated drama in ENA's history.

Returning after two years on the back of its success, "Crash 2" depicts an investigative action drama in which the Traffic Crime Investigation (T.C.I) team of the Namgang Police Station is transformed into a metropolitan investigation unit under the National Investigation Agency to solve nationwide traffic crime cases.

In particular, "Crash 2" is generating further anticipation with the participation of Park Ji-sung, a member of the popular idol group NCT Dream. In the drama, he takes on the role of Ji Dae-se, marking his first acting challenge. Ji Dae-se is a passionate rookie police officer who joined the Traffic Division of the Namgang Police Station out of admiration for T.C.I.

On this day, Park Ji-sung said, "I have newly joined 'Crash 2,'" adding, "Ji Dae-se is a charming character who is an energetic rookie and the youngest member of the team, possessing a cheerful personality and passion, while also harboring hidden pain."

He also shared the reactions of his group members to his appearance in "Crash 2." Park Ji-sung revealed, "To be completely honest, my members teased me a lot. They said, 'Who do you think you are to act with such amazing seniors?'" which drew laughter.

He continued, "It was so much that I couldn't single out one person; everyone really teased me together." He added, "Although they teased me a lot, it actually became a source of comfort for me. It was our own way of showing support, so I loved it very much."

Soon after, Park Ji-sung revealed his earnest mindset toward "Crash 2." He said, "It might be a somewhat complacent thought, but when I first approached the project, I was so nervous on set that I thought, 'Let's just make sure not to cause any trouble.'" He added, "Because everyone around me has been helping me so much and because I have my own ambitions, by the time of the broadcast, I found myself thinking, 'I want to receive some praise.' Receiving praise once from fans, or the general public, or industry professionals—that was my goal, and I kept working hard toward it," he said confidently.

Director Park revealed the reason for casting Park Ji-sung, stating, "We invited him because he is very popular." He praised the actor, saying, "Even though his schedule as an idol is busy with performances, (Park) Ji-sung often went to action school. He would set aside separate time to practice what the director wanted."

Additionally, true to his status as a top idol, Park Ji-sung made a bold promise regarding viewership ratings, saying, "The seniors' voices are so good that I wish we could all sing together and release a music track."

"Crash 2" consists of 12 episodes in total and is scheduled to premiere at 10 p.m. on the 16th.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original