Im Si-wan Reflects on Nerve-Wracking Performance at Blue Dragon Series Awards

Actor Im Si-wan recalls a nerve-wracking moment from his career.

On September 30, an interview with Im Si-wan was conducted at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, discussing his role in the Netflix film 'Mantis.' The movie portrays the story of an A-list hitman, Mantis (played by Im Si-wan), who returns from a long hiatus to a world where all rules in the contract killing industry have collapsed. The film also features his trainee rival Jae-i (played by Park Gyu-young) and retired legendary killer Dok-go (played by Jo Woo-jin) as they vie for the top spot in this action-packed narrative. Im Si-wan plays Han-ul, a naturally gifted A-list killer.

During the interview, Im Si-wan elaborated on his dazzling opening performance at the Blue Dragon Series Awards, describing it as "the most nerve-wracking and overwhelming moment" of his life. He gained attention by parodying 'Squid Game' with various performances.

Im Si-wan shared, "After that stage, I felt like I could do anything. The stage was so close that I could see the actors' eyes, and the pressure was immense," adding, "The writers' courage was astonishing. Despite not having many hit songs, they allocated 10 minutes for me alone and even suggested I could take more time."

Particularly, Im Si-wan mimicked a past mime performance by Lee Byung-hun, joking, "I thought I might never be able to visit Byung-hun's house again. I was worried I might lose him as a senior... I called him right after, and he said it was fun. I was genuinely concerned if he really enjoyed it or if I had crossed a line." He added, "In the end, I did visit his house again."

Reported by Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr