Actor Kim Jae-won. Courtesy of Tving
The Tving original ‘Yumi's Cells Season 3’ can fairly be called a work that showcased the true worth of actor Kim Jae-won. Having skillfully tackled the formidable task of ‘Shin Soon-rok’ that the vast fandom of the original had awaited and bringing the story to a graceful close, Kim Jae-won described the entire process as a ‘pleasant pressure’.
“It would be a lie to say there was no pressure, since in the original he is an almost perfect figure. But many people around me encouraged me, saying ‘it seems you could do well’. I worked 200% to prepare, and I am glad that I seem to have conveyed the fantasy fans had about Soon-rok not badly.”
Meeting Sports Kyunghyang at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 7th, Kim Jae-won spoke about everything from his thoughts on the success of ‘Yumi's Cells 3’, which wrapped on the 5th, to the firm convictions he has built as an actor.
Tving ‘Yumi's Cells 3’. Courtesy of Tving
In this project, Kim Jae-won took on the role of Shin Soon-rok, the final lover and husband of Yumi (played by Kim Go-eun). He explained the reactions of viewers to Soon-rok's arrival with a witty analogy.
“It felt like when a cherished daughter from a big family brings a new boyfriend home for the holidays. Because fans who had cherished Yumi like a daughter through Seasons 1 and 2 knew that Soon-rok would be the final husband, there were probably arms-crossed, more stringent gazes watching. But Soon-rok is a character without flaws, so he was comfortable to play, and even those scrutinizing eyes were enjoyable.”
To bring out Soon-rok's ‘unexpected charm’, he also paid attention to external details. Outside, he is a thorough ‘work ace’ in sharp glasses, but at home he aimed to make clear the gap to a ‘homebody’ in pajamas with curly hair.
Tving ‘Yumi's Cells 3’. Courtesy of Tving
“In real life I am rather extroverted, so the way my energy flips once I get in the car was similar to Soon-rok. I drew out those sides within me to build the character.”
About his co-star Kim Go-eun, he offered unstinting praise, calling it a ‘precious, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’. In particular, he overcame the daunting feeling of taking on his first leading-level role with the help of his senior.
“As a lead actor, it is not just about doing my own acting; the responsibility of steering the tone and manner of the entire work is important. I lacked that kind of experience, but she (Kim Go-eun) set me straight every time my tone wavered. Seeing how she herself is such a lovable presence that she even brightens the set atmosphere, I came to dream of becoming that kind of good senior someday.”
Tving ‘Yumi's Cells 3’
In expressing emotions in the work, the advice of Kim Go-eun and collaboration with the director were a big help in calibrating the ‘fine line between cloying and fluttering excitement’.
“I tried to deliver even lines that could easily turn cheesy in a straightforward way. Thanks to her respecting my choices while also setting clear guidelines so I could act with no regrets.”
As for Kim Jae-won's ‘prime cell’ (a concept in the ‘Yumi's Cells’ universe, referring to the most powerful cell), what would it be? He pondered briefly, then offered a bashful confession.
“At first, mine was the Rationality Cell. You could say what I gravitated toward was reason. But in reality my prime cell seems to be the ‘Love Cell’. Looking at the way I feel toward fans and how I treat the staff who struggled together, in the end it is love that becomes the driving force.”
Actor Kim Jae-won. Courtesy of Tving
His next goal is to earn new descriptors, including ‘villain’, that he has not shown so far. The reason he shows such devotion to fans that he even does daily check-ins on ‘Bubble’ (a fan communication platform) for the sake of interacting with them also ultimately stems from his firm belief of ‘not taking love for granted’.
“I want to be an actor and a person with a solid center who does not get overly excited when things go well and does not get too down when they are slow. I will keep showing you how I continually grow through my work.”
