Park Hyung Sik is super excited to visit Japan for the first time in 7 years! Interested in Japanese works: “Can I get my hopes up? (laughs)” | Kstyle
Park Hyung Sik held a fan meeting in Japan for the first time in seven years on March 10th, coinciding with the massive success of the new drama “Doctor Slump” on Netflix. His two sessions, one in the afternoon and another in the evening, drew 7,000 attendees, showcasing his immense popularity. The day after the event, we had an interview with him at Kstyle. During our chat, we discussed various topics including the events, behind-the-scenes anecdotes from dramas, his leisure activities, and even his ambitions for future endeavors in Japan.
Meeting Japanese fans for the first time in 7 years was “feeling happy!”
How was the event yesterday where you met your Japanese fans for the first time in 7 years?
It was really moving, and I’m still feeling the impact. It passed so quickly that I’m filled with regret. Luckily, an official fan club has been launched in Japan, so we’ll be able to hold another fan meeting in April. I was thrilled to hear this news during last night’s performance, and I hastily announced it from the stage.
Q: What stood out to you at the event?
It was my first daytime performance, the moment I stepped onto the stage. Seeing the fans fill the room before me was incredibly moving and unforgettable. Initially, I could only see up to the second-floor seats. Then, I suddenly noticed the third-floor seats and thought, “Wow, the venue is this big?” I was utterly shocked. I felt so happy to have the opportunity to hold an event on such a grand stage. (in Japanese) 幸せでした〜 (I‘m feeling happy.)
What specific points did you focus on during your preparation?
Since it’s an event in Japan, I wanted to perform Japanese songs. So, I asked someone who knows a lot to recommend popular songs there. Since I didn’t know many, I figured using familiar songs for the fans would be a good idea this time.
That’s why you picked Sukima Switch’s Kanade and Uru’s If You Call It Love.
I listened to a few songs and picked out the one I liked. I also learned Japanese and practiced diligently. I’m not sure if I can sing well, but I tried to prepare in my own way.
A big hit on Netflix: “While I was acting, I wondered if there really was a person like this (laughs).”
Hyungsik’s latest work, Doctor Slump, is currently gaining popularity in Japan. At the production presentation, you mentioned “I wanted to laugh because I had been working on a series of serious genres.” Did your feelings change as you worked on it?
It’s currently airing in Korea, and the final episode is approaching. While I feel relieved, I also feel a bit lonely. Is there a similar expression in Japanese? The shooting period lasted about 10 months, and including the preparation period, it took about a year. I have fond memories of it, so I’m hesitant to move on. The time has finally come to bid farewell to this project.
So you were filming for that long? The cherry blossom scene in high school was impressive, but does that mean you filmed it in the spring too?
Yeah, that’s right! The director wanted to film under real cherry blossoms, so we traveled around the region to shoot.
I thought it was a CG cherry blossom, you know?
That scene was the director’s main focus. “I want to capture real cherry blossoms on camera, not CGI.” That would set the mood better, so I thought it would be a good idea to say that. “Sure, I’d love to do that.” So, I suddenly decided to focus only on shooting the scenes where the cherry blossoms appeared. I traveled all over the region and captured them all at once. The director said, “We were given only two weeks. If it rains during that time, it’s game over.” But I’m glad we were able to film some good scenes.
What’s your favorite scene?
The scene that left an impression on me was when Jeongwoo and Haneul raced through the cherry blossom trees at our high school. I actually took this photo there. There were so many cherry blossoms, and they were incredibly beautiful. It was such a shame that they only lasted for two weeks.
I think there are many fans who would like to visit the filming location, so please tell us which university you filmed it at.
Hey, where’s that school again? Oh, Soonchunhyang University in Chungcheongnam-do. Speaking of cherry blossoms, Japan is famous for them too. I’ve been wanting to go see them for a while now. It’s pretty tricky to time the flowering season just right, so I haven’t been able to go yet.
Jeongwoo, the main character in Doctor Slump, is a hardworking young man who has endured the harsh struggles of society. Despite their different professions, I felt he shares something in common with Hyungsik, who works in the entertainment industry.
It’s not exactly the same, but if there are similarities… First of all, Jeongwoo has been studying hard and working diligently to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor since high school. He achieved his goal and was enjoying a smooth journey, but a sudden incident caused him to hit rock bottom. In the entertainment industry, the period from trainee days to debut is incredibly intense and demanding. It requires immense effort. However, making your debut doesn’t guarantee success for everyone; there’s fierce competition. The emotions experienced in such challenging environments and battles are universal, so I believe I was able to portray that in my role effectively.
The main character is a wonderful guy.
While playing Jeongwoo, I thought, “Is there really someone like this?” That’s what crossed my mind (laughs). It’s kind of like something out of a novel, or rather, very dramatic. I think he’s the kind of person who always tries to help others, even when he’s facing tough times himself.
Did you learn a lot?
Sure, but it’s actually difficult to try to be like him…
I’m filled with emotion as we’re co-starring together for the first time in 10 years since The Heirs.
It’s been 10 years since you last collaborated with Park Shinhye in The Heirs, and it was a major talking point. Back then, could you have imagined that 10 years later you’d be co-starring with Shinhye in a leading role?
I couldn’t have imagined it back then. I had such a packed schedule with ZE:A’s activities, musicals, entertainment programs, and commercials, not to mention working on a drama. I was just focusing on getting through each day, so being able to co-star with Shinhye 10 years later overwhelmed me with emotion. It was also wonderful to reconnect with old acquaintances in a more mature way. Right from the start, Shinhye and I got along perfectly. She was already talented in acting, but I wondered how much more experience she had gained over the past decade. Thanks to the synergy with my seniors, I really enjoyed filming.
If you could meet yourself from 10 years ago, what would you say?
I don’t think I need to know anything about “now,” so I’ll keep quiet. The moment we connect, it feels like our future could shift. So, um, yeah, I just want to say, “It’s okay, I’m cheering you on.” You never know what the future holds by saying, “It has to be this way, it can’t work any other way.” The journey has been tough so far, but it’s been incredibly fulfilling and joyful. I believe this is the outcome of it all. That’s why I just want to say, “I’m rooting for you.”
The scenes where you argue, play, and drink with Park Shinhye’s character Haneul were very natural and enjoyable to watch. Could you share any memorable moments from filming?
The area around Haneul’s house frequently shows up in the drama. It gets really hot there in the summer. While filming in that heat, we were sweating buckets and both of us blanked out and forgot our lines. I remember snapping photos with a cooling sheet stuck to me. You can’t really tell how scorching it was from watching, can you?
When you think of Haneul’s house, isn’t the castle wall that runs along the road in front of it beautiful? Many Japanese people visit the filming locations.
That road is stunningly beautiful. However, if you go there in the summer, brace yourself for a pretty tough experience (laughs). We highly recommend visiting during the cooler months!
Are you particular about acting charming? “I was the youngest in ZE:A, so…”
It was the same with Strong Woman Do Bongsoon, but the cute interactions with the heroine felt very realistic. Is there anything specific you look for in “charming acting”?
I often get told that I improvise a lot, but I guess you could say that’s just my acting style. Being the youngest in my family and in ZE:A, I suppose that makes me the youngest at heart. It seems like showing off your charm comes naturally to you.
Isn’t it difficult to switch gears when doing serious acting?
It’s true that I have a positive personality and enjoy having fun and laughing, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel sad or angry sometimes. Because I’m that kind of person, I experience a lot of different emotions. So, when it comes to serious scenes, I tend to focus on the negative emotions.
What’s the toughest role you’ve ever had to play?
The role of Yeonwoo that I played in Suits was in a courtroom drama, so I had a tough time with the lines. I might have been able to take it easier if my role hadn’t been that of a “memorization genius,” but the scriptwriter loaded me up with an enormous amount of lines, as if I were a real genius (laughs). I had to memorize even the difficult terms, so it was really tough.
In Our Blooming Youth, the character is a cursed prince who finds himself in a tough spot. For a year, he’s felt a heavy burden on his heart. Now, as he searches for the true identity of the demon and steps into the role of heir, a series of problems arises that he needs to solve. His character was constantly under threat of assassination and was very suspicious. So, he decided he wanted to have a good laugh for a while and picked Doctor Slump.
What kind of work do you think will come next?
Yeah, I’m always into trying new works, genres, and roles that I haven’t done before. I think I’ll use this as a chance to challenge myself and pick something different next time.
Is there any role you’ve never played before?
Even if the genres are similar, what really matters are the roles they play and the values the characters have. Sometimes I pick roles I have no experience with, and other times I choose screenwriters, directors, or co-stars I’ve always wanted to work with. So, even though there’s no single standard, it’s essential that I can really get into the script. In other words, it has to be interesting. I usually pick works that make me eager to find out what happens next, and before I know it, I’m already practicing my lines.
What do you do on your days off?
I didn’t do anything special. Just the usual stuff everyone else is doing. I just hang out at home. Once I start filming a drama, I’m tied up for almost a year. In the meantime, your list of shows to watch is just gonna keep growing. Time will fly when you’re checking out all the different shows. In my free time, I watch YouTube, play games with friends, or go golfing. I find it hard to get to a golf course, so I prefer playing indoor screen golf.
It’s been a while since you were last in Japan! What do you think has changed since then?
How many times have you been to Japan?
Hmm, let me think… (counts on fingers) Maybe around 10 times? It’s been a while since I’ve stayed for more than a few days.
What do you think of Japan?
The first thing that got me was how kind they were. It’s gentle, warm, and really comforting. The same applies to our fans. At fan meetings, when I say, ‘Did you guys have a good time? Are you having a good time?,’ they timidly clap their hands, hesitatingly and shyly, and I always think it’s so adorable.
Right after the fan meeting, social media was blowing up with chatter about “Yuzu bath salts” (laughs). Can you share more details about that?
During the afternoon performance, we got onto the topic of whether you’d go shopping at Don Quijote if you came to Japan. I said, ‘Yeah, I loved it and I’ve been there before,’ but at the time I couldn’t remember what I bought. When the evening performance started, I suddenly remembered I’d bought some bath salts, so I brought it up. Then the MC asked me, ‘What scent were the bath salts?’ (laughs). We decided to grab the chance and get bath salts with my favorite scent for everyone. I really love the scent of yuzu, so I was like, ‘Okay, that’s it!’ (laughs) I’ve always been into taking half-body baths, so whenever I stay in a hotel like this, I make sure to unwind in the tub.
Did you chill out in the bath yesterday?
Yesterday, I was so tired that I actually fainted (laughs). When I finally made it back to my room, I just collapsed into bed. Today, I’m planning to take a half-body bath with yuzu bath salts.
Now that you’re back in Japan after a while, has anything changed?
What’s really changed for me is makeup and fashion. Back then, I could easily spot if someone was Japanese or Korean just by looking at them, but now, even if I’m walking down the street, I can’t tell which is which anymore! (laughs).
Also into Japanese works. “Can I look forward to that? (laughs)”
Your official Japanese fan club is up and running now! What can you share about upcoming stuff or plans for your fans in Japan?
First off, I’ve got a fan meeting scheduled for April to celebrate my fan club’s launch. I’m thinking of organizing a concert and doing other cool stuff to connect with my fans. I also want to drop a Japanese song album and, if I get the shot, maybe even dive into acting in a drama or movie.
Lately, there have been more productions featuring both Japanese and Korean actors together.
Oh, does this sound like it could happen? Can I look forward to that? Haha!
What sort of work are you hoping to get into?
I’m into the kind of romance you see in Japanese dramas, so I’m a sucker for love stories. That’s why I’m all about romantic protagonists! And anime? Love it. Take Rurouni Kenshin, for example. There’s the manga, but then there’s the live-action movie too. The action scenes were insane — I became a huge fan. It was such a great movie, I was blown away by how amazing it was. You could tell the actors put their hearts into it, and that really earned my respect. I’d love to be in a movie like that someday. Those actors are just so cool! (In Japanese) Seriously, so cool! I was in awe. I admire them because I can’t even come close to what they do.
Just so you know, there are also people who wanna see Hyungsik dance like you used to in ZE:A.
Wow…! D dance. It’s been ages since I danced. Wonder if I still remember the moves. Haha, I’ll give it my best shot!
Some parts of the translation have been paraphrased to better fit spoken English and improve readability while still conveying the meaning and nuances of the original context as accurately as possible. Please refer to the original article for further details.
