Choo Young-woo Opens Up About Role Doubts & Dramatic Physical Transformation for New Film
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Rising star Choo Young-woo is making waves ahead of the release of his debut film, ‘Even if this love disappears from the world tonight’ (O Seisa), sharing candid details about the anxieties and physical dedication he poured into the role. The film, a Korean adaptation of the beloved Japanese novel by Misaki Ichijo, is already generating significant buzz, and Choo’s insights offer a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes. This is breaking news for fans of Korean cinema and a key moment for Choo Young-woo’s career.
From 88kg to Jaewon: A Journey of Transformation
At a press conference held yesterday at the Yongsan CGV I’Park Mall in Seoul, Choo Young-woo revealed he initially worried about living up to the image of the male protagonist as portrayed in the original Japanese film. “I wondered if I looked similar to the male actor in the Japanese movie, but I didn’t seem to resemble him very much,” he admitted. Adding another layer of concern, Choo was carrying significantly more weight at the start of filming. “At that time, I weighed 88 kg, and now I weigh 74 kg, but I couldn’t lose weight during the two months I had to film. I was worried about that, and I thought I had to do well and work hard.”
This isn’t just a story about weight loss; it’s a testament to an actor’s commitment. The pressure to embody a character, especially in a remake, can be immense. Many actors employ physical transformations to connect with their roles, and Choo’s experience highlights the dedication often required. Interestingly, his attempt to achieve a specific physique – a lean, “sickly evil beauty” as he described it – didn’t quite align with the final cut. He intentionally avoided exercise to maintain a thinner frame, but the muscle loss wasn’t fully captured until after filming wrapped, leaving him feeling slightly disappointed.
Capturing First Love & the Essence of Jaewon
Beyond the physical aspects, Choo Young-woo delved into the emotional core of his character, Jaewon. He emphasized the importance of portraying the freshness and innocence of first love, a universal theme that resonates deeply with audiences. To prepare, he tapped into personal memories, consulted with his cousins, and even sought input from a passing high school student. “I thought more about Jaewon’s situation and mentality, and how he changes due to someone who approaches him in his ordinary daily life,” he explained.
He also described Jaewon as an “ordinary boy,” resisting the urge to define him with a specific charm. This nuanced approach suggests a deliberate effort to create a relatable and authentic character, a key element in the film’s appeal. The film’s premise – a young man falling for a girl who loses her memories each day – is inherently poignant, and Choo’s portrayal promises to amplify that emotional impact.
‘O Seisa’: A Fresh Take on a Beloved Story
Directed by Kim Hye-young, known for her work on ‘It’s Okay, It’s Okay, It’s Okay,’ ‘Even if this love disappears from the world tonight’ is poised to become a significant entry in the youth melodrama genre. The film stars Cynthia as Seo-yoon, the young woman grappling with daily memory loss, and explores the powerful bond that develops between her and Jaewon as he strives to keep her memories alive. The Korean adaptation aims to bring a fresh perspective to the story, appealing to both fans of the original novel and a new generation of viewers.
The film is set to release on the 24th, and anticipation is building. For those following Korean cinema and the rising stars within it, Choo Young-woo’s performance is undoubtedly one to watch. His willingness to be vulnerable and share his creative process offers a compelling narrative that extends beyond the screen, solidifying his position as a promising talent in the industry. Keep checking Archyde for further updates and reviews as ‘O Seisa’ hits theaters.
