Wi Ha-jun Reflects on His Journey from Wando to Stardom and His Love for Performance
"I was deeply impressed by 'Bogum Magical.' I'm familiar with the emotions of spending time with elders, perhaps due to my upbringing in the countryside. My sister is currently working as a hair designer in Australia, and I've been interested in such environments since childhood, even cutting my own hair."

On the 8th, an interview with actor Wi Ha-jun, who played the male lead in tvN's 'Siren,' was held at a cafe in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. 'Siren' is a gripping romance thriller that unfolds as a man investigating insurance fraud becomes entangled with a woman suspected of being a suspect. Wi Ha-jun portrayed Cha Woo-seok, an insurance fraud investigator who pursues Han Seol-ah (played by Park Min-young), delivering a nuanced performance that earned him critical acclaim.

Wi Ha-jun Reflects on His Journey from Wando to Stardom and His Love for Performance
Wi Ha-jun, who debuted in the 2015 film 'Coin Locker Girl,' spent his high school years in Wando before moving to Seoul to pursue his dream of becoming an entertainer. He has built a solid career with roles in various projects such as 'Romance Is a Bonus Book,' '18 Again,' and 'Little Women,' and expanded his global fanbase through 'Squid Game.' Recently focusing on OTT projects, he returned to the small screen with 'Siren,' marking his first TV appearance since 'Graduation' in 2024.

Despite his success in romance genres, Wi Ha-jun's standout performances in genre works like 'Squid Game,' 'Bad and Crazy,' 'Midnight,' and 'The Worst of Evil' have left a lasting impression on audiences. In the interview, Wi Ha-jun expressed his yearning for romance roles, revealing his gentle nature and sharing various stories with a calm and humble demeanor.

Wi Ha-jun Reflects on His Journey from Wando to Stardom and His Love for Performance
Wi Ha-jun mentioned that his interest in fixed variety shows has grown. He recently enjoyed watching 'Bogum Magical' and expressed his fondness for healing variety shows. "Park Bo-gum is amazing, even earning certifications. I found the show fascinating and thought it was a great program," he added. He also expressed a desire to appear on 'Excuse Go,' saying, "I hope they invite me."

When asked about his familiarity with rural sentiments, Wi Ha-jun shared, "I lived in Wando until May of my senior year in high school. I loved dancing as a child, formed a club, and enjoyed performing on stage. That thrill made me dream of becoming an entertainer. I wanted to pursue dance groups and performances."

He continued, "I faced many rejections, but I believed there was a reason for each. There weren't many opportunities in Wando, so I decided to move to Seoul before it was too late. I left a letter for my parents and moved to Seoul, where I went through the transfer process and found a place to live, enduring hardships with my family. Eventually, I graduated in Seoul."

Wi Ha-jun Reflects on His Journey from Wando to Stardom and His Love for Performance
"I asked my parents to send me to an arts high school in middle school, but they never agreed. I continued my dream through club activities while living in a dormitory, but eventually decided to move to Seoul. After failing a dance group audition, I naturally started attending an acting academy, which led me to where I am today."

When asked if he was popular in Wando during his school days, he confessed, "I had a tanned complexion and a strong impression as a child. I never thought I was handsome."

Wi Ha-jun recalled that while he wasn't confident in dancing, he excelled in performances. When asked about the difference, he explained, "Dancing requires repetitive practice of set choreography. I enjoyed acrobatics and was best at aerial moves, which made me strong in performances." He added, "That's why I hoped to become an idol like 2PM, known for their performances."

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
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