Park Hae-jin, 10 years and on

Actor Park Hae-jin reads questions from fans on sticky notes during his fan meeting at SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in eastern Seoul, Saturday. / Yonhap

By Park Jin-hai

Park Hae-jin, the star of the recent tvN hit drama “Cheese in the Trap,” celebrated the 10th anniversary of his debut with a large-scale free fan meeting at SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in eastern Seoul, Saturday.

Park invited some 4,000 fans from around the world, providing 200 million won out of his own pocket. Extended to over four hours instead of the scheduled two, Park, who is known for his manners and fan service, performed a magic show, sang a song and realized fans’ wishes during the event.

The fan event was broadcasted live through V app, an online video platform operated by Naver, and viewers appreciated the event with warm comments. One netizen said, “The whole event felt like a touching movie. It looks clear that Park put in a great deal of effort preparing the fan meeting.”

Below is an excerpt from an interview with Park.

Q Could you tell me what is the significance of the 10th anniversary of your debut? Is there a big difference over the years on how you handle your career?

A Nothing much has changed over those years. I just strived to do my best in my position. If I must tell the difference, it may be that I have learned to make more diverse expressions and ask more from myself in terms of acting.

Q Other than this fan meeting, what else do you personally want to do in celebration of the 10th anniversary?

A Travel? I go abroad a lot, but only on official trips. It seems that the last time I traveled alone in private was six or seven years ago. But I think it would remain as a wish for a while, though.

Q You have risen to stardom. Over the 10 years of your career, what could be your most memorable drama or activity?

A I think I took one small step after another is the right expression and I would really appreciate if people see me that way.

The most memorable drama would be “Bad Guys” (2014). It is the drama that I paid a lot of attention to while filming and it was one of the most thrilling experiences as an actor. Harmony with the other actors has been great as well.

Q Can you name the character that you think shares the most similarities with you?

A Lee Sang-woo from the 2012 drama “Seoyoung, My Daughter.” Although not a twin, I have an elder sister like Lee and was raised in a similar background. That made me easy to understand the character and since the screenwriter So Hyun-kyung has described the character in a delicate and detailed manner, I finished the drama with great appreciation.

Q Yoo Jung of your recent drama “Cheese in the Trap,” based on the webtoon of the same name, has left a strong impression on viewers. The drama is going to be adapted into a movie and if you have a chance to play the same role on the big screen, how differently would you act him?

A Although nothing is decided at the moment, if I take the same role again, I think I should portray Yoo Jung more close to the original webtoon.

Q What character or genre do you want to challenge in the future?

A I would like to try some feel-at-ease genres such as human melodrama. I used to play smart and rational characters a lot, but it might be fun to act out a silly character.

Q Your fan meeting is free and all the proceeds from the live broadcast will go to charity. Is there a reason for you to start all these charity activities?

A I myself grew up in a needy environment. I think I’m now in the situation where I can look out for others. Within my boundaries, I am trying to do what I can. Always doing first is difficult, but I think rather than the amount of the contribution but the mindset to give what one has really matters.

Q Your popularity in China is immense. You were named Actor of the Year at the LeTV Entertainment Awards for your role in Chinese drama “Far Away Love.” What do you think is the reason you became so popular in China?

A When I first entered the Chinese entertainment market, I didn’t want to make it as a publicity stunt nor rely on the hallyu star image. Rather, I have been anxious to be involved in good works as I did in Korea.

Instead of making one-off appearances in Chinese dramas as a foreign star, I wanted to have more solid opportunities to work with great Chinese actors and staff on site. I was lucky to take part in a good drama that led to great results. I think having authenticity is what makes the difference in whatever you do.

Q Could you talk about your close directors or costars in China? Is there any funny episode happened while starring in Chinese dramas?

A Although I cannot meet them often, I have a close relationship with people from various walks of life. Model Zhiang Liang is one of my close friends, since we appeared in the same drama as well as a recently aired variety show.

Regarding the episodes, I would say every day is full of funny episodes, because of the language barriers. Once I thought I finished the scene with my line (which gets dubbed in Chinese later), then my opposite said he had one more line left to do. Since we didn’t know from where it went wrong, we had to film it again from the start.

Q When not working, what do you usually do? If you hadn’t become an actor, what do you think you would be doing now instead?

A I like staying at home. I love spending time with my niece, watch dramas and films and read books. If I didn’t become an actor, I think I would be working in the design industry by now, as I studied design in university.

Q What kind of actor do you want to be remembered as decades later?

A I want to be remembered as a trusted actor whose acting gathers great anticipation from all. Not as an actor who mimics the role he plays, but an actor who is believed to be the character itself.