With a mischievous yet endearing charm, actor Jo Bok-rae captivates audiences in the film 'The Informant.' Jo, who stars in the movie, expressed his affection for the project, describing it as a work created with passion and dedication by everyone involved. As the film's release approaches, Jo also shared exciting personal news: he is set to have a wedding ceremony in February next year, having already built a family with his beloved partner and their children.
On the 27th, Jo Bok-rae was interviewed at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, about his role in 'The Informant,' which premieres on November 3. The crime action comedy follows demoted ace detective Oh Nam-hyuk (played by Heo Sung-tae) and informant Jo Tae-bong (played by Jo Bok-rae) as they stumble into a major scheme. Jo plays the cunning informant Jo Tae-bong, and he expressed his excitement about the film's release, saying, "It's a dream come true. I'm grateful to the director for making this possible."
'The Informant' was invited as the opening film at the 24th New York Asian Film Festival in July, where Jo attended for the first time. He shared his awe of the experience, saying, "It was my first time in the U.S., and everything felt like a dream, from flying business class to staying in a five-star hotel."
In New York, Jo was particularly moved by the reaction of an elderly couple who thanked him for the film. "It was shocking to hear such direct feedback, not just 'it was fun' or 'it was touching,' but gratitude for making an entertaining film," Jo said. "It made me realize the positive impact we can have on audiences, and I felt a great sense of responsibility."
Jo described his character, Jo Tae-bong, as having strong comic elements, noting that the character becomes an informant after being caught by Oh Nam-hyuk. Despite his seemingly clumsy demeanor, Jo Tae-bong is clever and adept at navigating situations, which Jo portrayed with wit.
He credited the director's guidance for inspiring his performance, saying, "I tried to express exaggerated speech and humorous situations in a comic way." Jo highlighted the character's charm, noting, "He's not your typical con artist; even when he's scheming, he doesn't come across as unlikeable."
Jo also praised his co-star Heo Sung-tae, describing him as an instinctive actor. "While I'm more cautious and like to work within a set framework, Heo is naturally gifted," Jo said, adding that their chemistry was a perfect match.
Recently, Heo has been actively promoting the film through dance challenges and meme videos on social media. Jo expressed admiration for Heo's dedication, saying, "I've never seen an actor so committed to promotion. He's lifted the team's spirits and led us with great courage."
Heo's marketing efforts draw from his past experience working in corporate roles at LG Electronics and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. Jo joked, "You can really tell he worked at a big company. Having an actor with a marketing background is incredible." He added with a laugh, "Every morning, I wake up to messages from Heo. The marketing team must be exhausted."
When asked if he could emulate Heo's promotional style, Jo admitted, "I could never do it like him," but added, "I've learned a lot from him and will incorporate it in my own way." He also joked that Heo's efforts might set a high bar for other actors.
Jo has also been appearing on variety shows to promote the film, recently surprising host Jeon Hyun-moo by revealing his marriage on 'Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 3.' Jo married his partner in 2021 but kept it private, leading Jeon to believe he was single. Due to the pandemic, Jo postponed the wedding ceremony, and he is now a father to a son born in 2023 and a daughter expected in 2025.
Jo shared that the wedding is planned for February, coinciding with his daughter's first birthday. "Many people now prefer quiet family gatherings for first birthdays, but I thought it would be nice to combine it with the wedding and have a small event with guests," he explained.
Reflecting on family life, Jo said, "I used to be quiet and contemplative at home, often feeling negative or anxious. But with my supportive wife and cheerful children, my energy has become more positive. It benefits my acting career as well."
Known for intense roles in films like 'Chinatown' and dramas like 'Moving,' Jo has recently embraced more comedic and relatable characters, as seen in 'Undercover High School' and 'The Informant.'
"I used to be very cautious, thinking it was better to be a bit lacking than excessive," Jo said. "Now, I believe in showing my true self. I want to be more helpful and have a positive influence on younger actors." He added that his approach to choosing roles has become more adventurous, aiming to leverage his ability to portray diverse characters. "I plan to continue confidently, learning from past experiences," he concluded.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr