TV
Park Hyung-sik, "Reuniting with Park Shin-hye was touching, it was a lot of comfort."
JTBC's Saturday-Sunday drama 'Doctor Slump' is a romantic comedy drama depicting the cardiopulmonary resuscitation of Yeo Yeong-woo (played by Park Hyeong-sik) and Nam Ha-neul (played by Park Shin-hye), whose lives were only on the upward curve but then hit the brakes on their 'ruined lives'. The story of Yeo Yeong-woo, who overcame all his misfortunes and grew even more, warmed the hearts of viewers and ended with favorable reviews.
The growth story of Yeo Yeon-woo, who fell into the worst slump of his life, but overcame repeated misfortunes and started a new life until he found his way back to happiness, was deeply moving. The happy ending with Nam Ha-neul, who overcame the slump together and showed us how to overcome pain and sadness and feel happiness, left a lasting impression that was heartbreaking.
Above all, Park Hyung-sik's acting ability shined in every scene of 'Doctor Slump'. Yeo Yeong-woo's sharply contrasting emotional changes in each episode were portrayed with delicate and deep acting skills, eliciting empathetic support.
I sympathized with and was interested in the topic of slump and burnout, and as I read, I liked how these topics were explained warmly and deeply. I also found it interesting that the characters all had their own charms.
- Yeo Jeong-woo is a character who only draws the upward curve of life but falls into a mysterious trap and is suddenly driven to the edge of a cliff. How was the process of approaching the character Yeo Yeong-woo? Is there an aspect you focus on when acting?
First, I thought about how to express the ‘perfect’ Jeongwoo, who has a natural ability to study and even has altruism. Jungwoo has always been a bright and cheerful friend, and until the medical accident, I always believed that everything had gone smoothly and would continue to do so.
In such a situation, I think I thought hard about how I could portray Jungwoo, who goes through the worst crisis of his life due to a sudden medical accident, and how he overcomes this crisis. I talked a lot with the director and writer and got to know Jungwoo. Jungwoo was a much bigger and cooler person than I thought. Jungwoo's 'big heart', who knows how to love and protect himself, and who knows how to smile even when he is in deep pain and hide the pain without showing it for fear that Haneul might worry, was amazing.
- How was the chemistry between the actors and the atmosphere on set?
It was absolutely perfect. It was a scene full of consideration and enthusiasm from all the actors and staff. Everyone huddled together and tried to match their lines, communicated with the director and discussed what needed to be changed, and the ad-libs that came out at every moment devastated the scene. There was always a lot of bright energy, and it was fun because I didn't know what kind of ad-libs and chemistry would come in each scene. I was surprised and learned a lot from the passion and wit of my fellow actors and seniors. It was nice and touching to be able to meet and work with Shinhye and Yoonbak on a deeper level after a long time.
- Do you have any special memories while filming?
I remember filming the scene (episode 14) in Busan where Jeong-woo was sitting on a bench with senior Jang Hye-jin and confessing his painful feelings, saying that forgiveness is not easy. In the middle of filming, my senior gave me sincere support and told me what he felt, and I can't forget the gratitude and emotion I felt at that time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank senior Hyejin Jang once again and tell her that I love her.
- Was there a most impressive reaction from viewers?
I once read an article that said the characters' outspoken expressions were good. I also liked that the characters in ‘Doctor Slump’ were honest and without pretense, so that reaction was the most memorable.
- The so-called ‘body-based acting’, which is humorous yet alive, also became a hot topic. Another fun part of watching 'Doctor Slump' was the ad-lib movement that actor Park Hyeong-sik performed flexibly.
Actually, I don't go in prepared thinking, 'I have to do this this time.' (Laughs) Ever since I was young, I used to enjoy watching comedy movies by Jackie Chan and Jim Carrey. I loved their work that always made me laugh, and I think that influence served as inspiration for ideas and ad-libs that came out of nowhere.
- What significance will ‘Doctor Slump’ be remembered as a work for actor Park Hyeong-sik? Also, what do you want viewers to feel through ‘Doctor Slump’?
‘Doctor Slump’ is a work that gave me a lot of comfort and healing, and it is a drama that I will remember for a long time. Because slumps and burnouts can happen to anyone and are never something to hide, I hope that it becomes natural to go to the hospital for treatment when you are mentally hurt, just as you would go to the hospital when you are physically injured or sick. Furthermore, I think that in overcoming hurt, it is more important than anything to know how to protect yourself and love yourself. I have a great hope that ‘Doctor Slump’ will provide sympathy and comfort to many people.
- This is Yeo Jeong-woo, who endured difficult times. Is there anything you would like to say to Yeo Yeong-woo as you send him off?
Jeongwoo, it was very difficult, right? Don't worry because there are many people around you who care and love you. I hope you can now do whatever you want to your heart's content. May you always be happy and may you continue to run forward with a warm heart.
- Lastly, please say a word to the viewers who have loved ‘Doctor Slump’ and Yeo Jung-woo.
Thank you for loving ‘Doctor Slump’ and Yeo Jeong-woo. I approached the work with the hope that it would bring good meaning, laughter, comfort, and empathy to you, and I did my best in the hope that this would be conveyed well. It is with great regret that I have to say my final goodbye like this, but I am grateful that I have received interest and love from many people. We hope that our viewers’ every day will always be filled with hope and health! Thank.
Taeyuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr
