Choi Woo-shik of 'Parasite' seeks transformation, personal growth with 'Time to Hunt'

Actor Choi Woo-shik poses for a photo after an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of Netflix

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Choi Woo-shik, one of the stars of Bong Joon-ho's Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” has returned to the screen, in a new role as a tough, rebellious character, in crime thriller “Time to Hunt.”

The film was originally scheduled for a theatrical release in February but due to the COVID-19 concerns, it went straight to streaming on Netflix instead.

“I'm actually glad that 'Time to Hunt' got distributed by Netflix. I've been getting a lot of attention from Hollywood lately, so I was hoping our film could reach more international audiences,” Choi said during a video interview with The Korea Times, Wednesday.

Given the massive critical and commercial success of his previous film “Parasite” that instantly skyrocketed Choi to a new level of fame, the actor confessed that he had felt pressure when deciding on his next project.

After reading the script for “Time to Hunt,” the 30-year-old actor decided to join the project because he was curious about how the director would craft the near-future dystopia and deliver thrills and suspense.

In “Time to Hunt,” Choi plays Ki-hoon, a loyal friend to ex-convict Jun-seok (Lee Je-hoon). Although Ki-hoon is the only one of his friends with a family and a home, he stays loyal to friends Jun-seok and Jang-ho (Ahn Jae-hong). He considers them family, and that incites him to take part in robbing an illegal gambling den at Jun-seok's suggestion.

Even when they are being chased by Han, a mysterious, cold-blooded villain, Ki-hoon refuses to leave his injured friend Jang-ho behind.

Choi shared that he and Ki-hoon have a lot in common. “Like Ki-hoon, I try to be a good son and loyal friend. I really care about people around me, and I can't live without my family and friends,” he said. “The big difference is that I don't swear like Ki-hoon.”

The Korean-Canadian actor said that he was worried about how he would be perceived by the audience for playing this kind of character.

“I've played a lot of characters before, but none like Ki-hoon,” he said. “I was ready to transform into a new character and take up the challenge, but I was worried that the audience may find my character awkward.”

Choi Woo-shik, center, in a scene from the film “Time to Hunt” (2020) / Courtesy of Netflix

On working with Lee, Ahn and Park Jung-min, Choi expressed satisfaction with their chemistry as best friends. “Starring alongside them was on my bucket list, so I was happy to be part of the project. We had a lot of fun together and became really close friends,” he said.

Choi especially showed admiration for Lee. “Not only is he a great actor but he's actually a really good person who makes sure that other actors are comfortable on set. I felt aligned with him very quickly,” he said.

Choi recalled shooting “Time to Hunt” was a demanding process where actors had to push themselves mentally and physically to fit their roles.

“I remember shooting 44 takes for the opening scene. It was challenging, but fun and thrilling at the same time. I liked that ferocity,” he said.

Choi also shared his candid thoughts on his acting career and personal growth.

“Winning the best ensemble award at the 2020 Screen Actors Guild (SAC) was the most memorable moment of my life. I was moved to tears,” he said. “I remember that the trophy was really heavy that it made me think of withstanding pressure and carrying on to be a good actor.”

The meteoric rise of “Parasite,” from its first big win at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival in May 2019 to its four historic wins at the 92nd Academy Awards in February 2020, has gained him international recognition.

Choi made his debut in period drama series “The Duo” in 2011. In 2014, he took on his first leading role in critically acclaimed independent film “Set Me Free,” playing a 16-year-old student who pretends he wants to become a priest in order to extend his stay at a youth shelter. He won several awards for this film, including Actor of the Year at the 19th Busan International Film Festival in 2014.

Later on, he appeared in romantic drama “Hogu's Love” (2015), where Choi played a man who has never had a girlfriend before, and “Train to Busan” (2016), in which Choi played a young baseball player who was shy yet bravely tried to protect his friends from the onslaught of zombies.

Then Choi starred in Bong's “Okja” (2017), playing a young truck driver for the corporation that bred the super pig.

In 2019, Choi reunited with Bong for the black comedy “Parasite.” Choi played Ki-woo, the son of a poor family who feigns his educational credentials and infiltrates a wealthy family as a tutor.

“I still enjoy acting so much that it doesn't feel like work,” he smiled. “I get the most joy out of acting and studying new characters. I'm grateful for the fact that I can choose from multiple genres and characters.”

When it comes to work, Choi believes that the process is more important than the result. “I want to continue working with actors who truly enjoy the process of acting,” he said.