Song Kang-ho shares his creative philosophy on Korean cinema in Hong Kong
Actor Song Kang-ho speaks during his masterclass held at Hong Kong Baptist University, Oct. 14. Courtesy of Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
HONG KONG ― Cannes-winning actor Song Kang-ho’s approach to acting is pretty simple. His secret to his longstanding success is leading a monotonous lifestyle and emptying his mind.
“I have no hobbies. I do nothing at home. Compared to other actors, I don’t watch a lot of movies ― including my own ― because they distract me. I like to let things go and empty my mind,” he said.
He divulged this secret during his master class held at Hong Kong Baptist University, Saturday.
“On set, I prefer to stay quiet. If there is a person with an opposite personality, I try to get away from the noise. When directors talk too much, I often tell them, ‘Please don’t talk to me. Go away.’”
His strategy seems to have paid off. The actor won the Best Actor award at the 75th Cannes Film Festival for his performance in “Broker” (2022). Song, who began his career as stage actor and made his film debut with the 1996 film “The Day a Pig fell into the Well,” has been a screen fixture in Korea for nearly three decades.
Song reflected on the booming success of Korean cultural content, attributing it to the nation's dynamic and creative social fabric, which nurtures innovation.
“Koreans don’t settle; they always strive to be better. This kind of vibrant dynamic environment unleashed the innovative potential of creators. The success didn’t happen overnight,” he said.
“However, I don’t think Korean movies or dramas are superior to those from other countries. I think we are simply in the middle of new waves of movies (film movements that emerge in other countries in the history of cinema), just like Hong Kong New Wave.”
Song recently visited Hong Kong on the occasion of his latest film “Cobweb” being selected as the opening film of the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival.
Actor Song Kang-ho's fans wave as the actor's car leaves the Academic Community Hall of Hong Kong Baptist University, Oct. 14. Korea Times photo by Kwak Yeon-soo
The veteran actor said he was able to work with some of Korea’s biggest filmmakers, from Park Chan-wook to Lee Chang-dong and Bong Joon-ho, because he wasn’t “handsome enough.”
“I haven’t got a handsome face, so there was a wide array of roles I can play,” he laughed. “I can also connect with audiences emotionally by portraying my characters in a relatable and believable way.”
Calling Hong Kong the city of dreams, Song expressed his admiration for the golden age of Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s and 1990s.
“I grew up watching Hong Kong movies. Some of the most iconic ’80s and ’90s Hong Kong movies sparked my fascination with cinema. I’m confident that Hong Kong cinema can thrive again in the near future,” he said.
Despite his global appeal, the veteran actor understated any Hollywood ambitions, stressing that the quality of content is his priority when choosing a role.
“Like Tony Leung once mentioned, I don’t think ‘going to Hollywood’ expands my range as an actor. I’m not really concerned with location. I’m concerned with a good script and a good character,” he said.
For aspiring actors, he suggested they not be afraid of failing. “When I started out as a stage actor, I performed in small theaters. One day, I noticed a hate stare from the audience. It was so frustrating and humiliating, but those moments piled up and made me a better actor,” he said.
He concluded the master class with an encouraging message, saying “So keep going no matter what. Go against expectations of the audience and try to surprise them.”
His latest film “Cobweb” has been pre-sold to 187 countries and regions, including the U.S., France and Thailand. The film is set for a Hong Kong release on Oct. 26.