[INTERVIEW] Actor finds worries increase along with popularity

Actor Park Seo-joon / Courtesy of Content Y

Park Seo-joon lands a role in ‘Midnight Runners'

By Kim Jae-heun

Actor Park Seo-joon's popularity is climbing as if there was no limit but he says there are more things to worry about than there are to enjoy.

The 28-year old Park is undoubtedly the hottest actor on the current scene with his three consecutive hit dramas on TV, "She Was Pretty," "Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth" and "Fight for My Way."

Female fans swooned over his chic and caring boyfriend character in the latest TV drama "Fight for My Way," and now he feels worried about his new character Ki-joon in his upcoming comedy-action film "Midnight Runners." In this film, Park wants to portray an image different from his previous roles.

But Park says his concerns over developing his acting skills are far easier to take as he finds himself looking back over his life.

"It's natural that I always think about how I should diversify my roles in acting, but these days I have more concern over how I should live," said Park during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Friday. "Now that I have more people watching me and expecting more from me, I feel burdened because I don't know how to satisfy them."

"At the beginning, I thought I just need to act well but I learned people expect something beyond that as I get popular. People talk about my private life, my personality," said Park.

The actor was once confused about whether he had to live as a man of integrity. Park felt it is impossible to live righteously only if he has to act out various emotions and roles. But after witnessing young fans following his characters and hairstyle he owned in the TV dramas, Park learned that his influence in the public is far bigger than he thought.

"People following my hairstyle and fashion is a small part that helps me behave when I'm off screen. The major reason is that I am an actor and have to make people share their feelings with me. If they know I am a different person in real life, it is impossible to make them believe in my characters on the screen," the actor said.

Still, Park denied that he was ever a troublemaker.

Park, who was born the eldest of three sons, always controlled himself in front of his brothers. He was worried they could follow his wrongdoings if he deviated from the exemplary life he lived. As a result, he became quiet and inexpressive at home.

"I still restrain myself when I go home. My parents would be surprised how lively I become when I am out with my friends. This is my weakness but I have strengths too. I have leadership. I like to lead people and make a lively atmosphere at film shoots," Park said.

"When I am acting on site, everybody focuses on me. So when I become sensitive, people find it difficult to talk to me. When I am happy, the atmosphere at work becomes lively too. So I try to force myself to feel good and act happy most of the time," he said.

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