INTERVIEW Hwang Jung-min: 'Starring in film series has always been my dream as actor'

Actor Hwang Jung-min says he has abstained from alcohol for the filming of the sequel to "Veteran." Courtesy of CJ ENM

Actor Hwang Jung-min said he had long dreamed of leading a film series and attributed the success of the "Veteran" series to a focused yet enjoyable approach, emphasizing that he and the director prioritized maintaining a fun, stress-free atmosphere throughout both films.

In an interview with the Hankook Ilbo, Hwang Jung-min shared that he had no hesitation in joining the "I, the Executioner," the sequel to "Veteran."

Hwang said, “When I listen to the audience who watched the first film, many are surprised to realize that nine years have passed. Since the first film often plays on TV during holidays, I didn’t realize so much time had passed either. I hoped the audience would feel like it hadn't been long since the first movie.”

The "Veteran" sequel is an action crime thriller in which veteran detective Seo Do-cheol (played by Hwang Jung-min) continues his relentless pursuit of criminals. The story heats up when rookie detective Park Sun-woo (played by Jung Hae-in) joins the team, and they track down a serial killer.

“In the second film, I wore the same costume from the first one, and Seo Do-cheol has always been in my heart. I had the confidence that I could bring him to life again, as if taking him out of a drawer," Hwang said. "Our first scene was at the National Forensic Service, and when I arrived on set with my makeup done, the director and everyone else said it felt like we were shooting the first film again.”

From left, actors Jung Hae-in, director Ryoo Seung-wan and Hwang Jung-min pose during the production press conference for the sequel to "Veteran" at CGV Yongsan in Seoul, Aug. 20. Yonhap

Affection for character Seo Do-cheol

Why does Hwang have such affection for the character Seo Do-cheol, more so than his other roles?

“Of course, I’m proud because the film was so popular with audiences, but the reason we made the movie is more important. The director and I wanted to do something fun without stressing about it, and we really enjoyed working on 'Veteran.' The fact that it became such a hit was a pleasant surprise.”

Hwang also shared some behind-the-scenes stories from the release of the first movie.

“We couldn’t decide on a release date for the first film, so it got delayed. We wanted to release it during Lunar New Year, but that didn’t happen. Then we aimed for May, but got pushed back because of Marvel movies," he said. "Eventually, we ended up releasing it in the summer by chance, and it turned out to be a big hit. That’s why this movie holds a special place in our hearts.”

Hwang said he approached the filming of "I, the Executioner" with great excitement.

“As an actor, it’s an honor to star in a series. Ever since I became an actor, I’ve always dreamed of being the lead in a series. There are so many iconic series like 'Lethal Weapon,' 'Alien,' 'Die Hard' and 'The Godfather.' Being the lead in a series like that is a huge honor.”

When asked about any differences in filming the sequel, Hwang laughed and said, “It felt like the director was even more relentless this time around.”

He added, “The crew has grown in size and become younger. It just means I’ve gotten older. The film industry has expanded, so we have a lot more people on set now.”

Actor Hwang Jung-min speaks at a press conference. Yonhap

Abstinence from alcohol

Although filming wasn’t easy, Hwang showed confidence in his physical fitness, thanks to his rigorous self-discipline.

“Filming during the winter was really tough. The shoot at Mount Nam was freezing, and just thinking about it gives me chills. We also had a rooftop scene in January that involved rain, which made it even harder," he said. "But I still feel up to doing action scenes. I prepared hard, and since the audience’s response has been good, I think I could take on another action role."

Hwang joked about his dedication to fitness during the filming of the "Veteran" sequel, noting that his decision to abstain from alcohol contributed to his stamina on set. "It seems like my abstinence from alcohol is paying off. Haha. I’ve been alcohol-free since February for six months now," he shared with a laugh.

The "Veteran" sequel, released on Sept. 13, has surpassed 4 million viewers just six days after its release, crossing the break-even point. This achievement fulfills the hopes expressed by Hwang in the interview conducted before the film's release.

This pace is even faster than that of its predecessor, "Veteran," as well as other major films this year, such as "Exhuma" and "The Roundup: No Way Out."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.