Director Jang Hang-jun of 'The Man Who Lives with the King' praised actor Park Ji-hoon.
On the 23rd, director Jang Hang-jun was interviewed at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, about his film 'The Man Who Lives with the King'.
The film tells the story of King Danjong, the 6th king of Joseon, who was dethroned and exiled to Yeongwol, and the village chief who oversees the exile. The film stars Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon.
In the film, the exiled king, played by Park Ji-hoon, and the village chief, played by Yoo Hae-jin, gradually develop a bond that resembles a father-son relationship.
Director Jang explained, "I didn't foresee it during the script stage, but during filming, I realized 'this could become a father-son relationship'. It seemed like their relationship could evolve from master-servant to father-son." He added, "In reality, Yoo Hae-jin cared for Park Ji-hoon, and although Park Ji-hoon didn't fully understand, he followed Yoo Hae-jin," bringing laughter. He continued, "Strangely, they liked each other from the start. It's curious. People seem to have a natural attraction to each other. I felt they increasingly trusted and relied on each other, so I wasn't worried about their scenes."
Regarding the casting of Danjong, people around him recommended Park Ji-hoon, who appeared in 'Weak Hero'. Director Jang said, "I liked the depth in Park Ji-hoon's eyes. The character is filled with anger, and you never know when it will explode. It happens at a moment's notice. I saw that in Park Ji-hoon's performance in 'Weak Hero'."
While history often portrays Danjong as a weak figure, director Jang depicted him differently. He explained, "He was the only person to go through the stages of Crown Prince, Grand Prince, and King. His grandfather and father were kings, and his grandmother and mother were queens. He was of the purest royal lineage. I thought it was a historical assumption to say he was weak and cowardly. He was intelligent and skilled in archery. Initially, he actively engaged in politics, trying to assert himself among the ministers."
The director wanted to portray a king who appeared weak but was strong inside. He believed Park Ji-hoon embodied both aspects. Director Jang said, "Park Ji-hoon is not someone who shows off. He doesn't seem like someone in his 20s. He gives off a consistent vibe." He continued, "Even though he's a big star now, I think he'll remain grounded even if he becomes an even bigger star. He doesn't get carried away."
However, there was a surprising moment during the casting process. Director Jang expected Park Ji-hoon to have a gaunt appearance, but during his 'rest period', Park Ji-hoon had gained weight. Director Jang said, "He had gained so much weight that I almost didn't recognize him. We talked about weight loss, and he said he would lose it. But even after meeting him several times, he hadn't lost it. I thought, 'This might be my last work'."
Contrary to concerns, Park Ji-hoon lost 15kg. Director Jang said, "He appeared with all the weight gone. He said he didn't exercise because adding muscle on top of fat wouldn't suit the character of Danjong, who shouldn't have muscles or a prominent trapezius." He added, "Later, I was surprised every time I saw him because he kept losing weight. He was a determined young man. I thought, 'He'll become a great actor someday', so I thought, 'I should make the most of him early on'."
'The Man Who Lives with the King' is set to release on February 4th.
Reporter Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr