InterviewAfter long hiatus, Bae Sung-woo tests waters with new movie

Actor Bae Sung-woo in a scene from “The Ultimate Duo” / Courtesy of Acemaker Movieworks

For a leading actor here, a drunk driving scandal often leads to an immediate and prolonged halt in their career. For actor Bae Sung-woo, the release of the crime action film "The Ultimate Duo" follows a long, self-imposed hiatus that began after he fell from the height of his career due to a highly publicized legal controversy.

Bae was once considered one of the industry’s most sought-after actors, successfully transitioning from a reliable supporting player to a powerful leading man.

After years of adding depth to various films, he proved his star power in the 2015 thriller "The Phone." He then earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of a righteous police officer in the 2018 tvN drama "Live," a role that resonated deeply with viewers.

In 2019, his career reached a new peak with the box office success of horror film "Metamorphosis," where he took on the demanding lead role of an exorcist priest.

However, his activities came to an abrupt stop in 2020. While starring in the SBS drama "Delayed Justice," Bae was caught driving under the influence on a day he was not filming. The incident forced him to step away from the spotlight amid heavy public criticism.

Due to the backlash, it has taken seven years for "The Ultimate Duo," a 2019 production, to reach the big screen.

"I feel a profound sense of debt to the production team and my fellow actors," Bae told The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul on Thursday. "I am fully aware that my past actions caused significant trouble for everyone who worked on this project. I could barely sleep because I was so nervous about this interview and the screening.”

Bae acknowledged that stepping into the public eye again was a difficult decision. While some choose to remain out of the spotlight during a comeback, Bae felt he had a duty to support the film because of his central role in the movie.

"I am not here to force a return or ignore what happened," he said. "Since I played a major part in this movie, I felt it was my responsibility to help promote it and use this setting to offer my sincere and repeated apologies to the public."

Actor Bae Sung-woo / Courtesy of Acemaker Movieworks

The film features Bae in a familiar setting, playing a veteran detective named Jae-hyeok. With its solid ensemble of supporting actors and exciting stunts, "The Ultimate Duo" stands as a well-made buddy thriller that keeps the audience engaged.

While his character might remind viewers of his previous work in "Live," Bae said he focused on the specific energy of the new script.

"Detectives are often demoted or out of luck in these kinds of movies or dramas, but Jae-hyeok has a unique rhythm where his stubbornness is eventually softened by his partner," Bae said. "Instead of trying to be different on purpose, I wanted to deliver the genuine fun that I felt when I first saw the script."

He also expressed deep regret toward his younger co-star, Jung Ga-ram. A fan of Jung’s performance in the 2016 film "4th Place," Bae had hoped the film would showcase the young actor’s talent much sooner.

"I saw so much potential in him, and it pained me that his hard work was kept away from the public for so long because of my actions," Bae said. "Seeing his dedication on screen again reminded me of how much I owe to my colleagues."

When asked how he expects the public to view his return, Bae remained humble and cautious.

"It is not for me to ask for forgiveness or predict how people will react," he said. "The cold gaze of the public is something I must naturally endure. Whether people find my presence uncomfortable or choose to focus on the story is a matter I leave entirely to the audience."

Bae added his focus remains on fulfilling his role as an actor who provides meaningful entertainment.

"I don’t choose roles based on whether a character is good or bad," he said. "I look for stories that can truly convince and engage the audience. Whether the result is laughter, fear or excitement, I only hope that those who watch 'The Ultimate Duo' feel that their time was well spent."

"The Ultimate Duo" is set to hit local theaters on April 2.