Yoo Yeon-seok Embraces Romance Roles in K-Dramas, Eyes Future Opportunities

"As I entered my 40s, I wondered if I could still do romance. Romance is an essential element in Korean dramas. I'm grateful that viewers see romance as one of my strengths. If given the chance, I'd love to continue taking on romantic roles," Yoo Yeon-seok shared during an interview at Starship Entertainment in Gangnam, Seoul, on the 6th. The actor, who previously starred in 'Understanding of Love' with Moon Ga-young, now showcases a romance with Chae Soo-bin, who is ten years his junior, in 'The Call You Made'. When asked about acting alongside peers in their 40s, Yoo expressed a positive outlook.

'The Call You Made' is a romantic thriller based on a web novel, centered around a couple in a three-year marriage of convenience, beginning with a threatening phone call. Yoo Yeon-seok plays Baek Sa-eon, a former anchor and the youngest spokesperson for the presidential office, maintaining a facade of a three-year marriage.

Despite some initial skepticism about the web novel's adaptation, Yoo Yeon-seok noted, "It felt awkward when I first read it, but it became natural during filming. As the story with Hee-joo (played by Chae Soo-bin) developed, I could express it without awkwardness. I believed viewers would embrace it, and the global response has been gratifying."

"I'm thrilled that Sa-eon's pure love resonated with many. The scene where they finally express their hidden feelings might seem cheesy, but for the characters, it was something they longed to hear. Baek Sa-eon felt like a culmination of all the characters I've played, showcasing the best of my filmography," he added.

Yoo Yeon-seok has gained attention, surpassing the buzz of Lee Jung-jae from Netflix's 'Squid Game'. Speaking about his co-star Chae Soo-bin, he said, "She's quite shy, so I approached her slowly. As we filmed, we naturally grew closer, and our chemistry improved with each scene."

"I wanted to do a traditional romance recently. While 'Understanding of Love' had romance, it was more realistic. This project felt more like a pure love story. It's the kind of male lead that international fans have long anticipated in K-dramas, which might explain the warm reception. With a flood of diverse, high-quality content, it's refreshing to see a return to the essence of K-dramas with a pure love story," Yoo remarked.

Though Yoo Yeon-seok is prolific in his work, his appearances in OTT series are relatively few. He explained, "It's not that I'm uninterested in OTT. There was a time when OTT originals dominated, causing a lull in domestic broadcasting, but things are changing. There's a balance between OTT platforms and domestic networks. I don't think OTT originals are the only answer. What's important is working on good projects with good people, regardless of the platform."

"There was a time when my variety show image made it hard to get drama roles, but that's in the past. I believe viewers appreciate different genres and evaluate my work positively if I give my best. Although I don't have much variety show experience, participating in 'Whenever I Can' helped promote my dramas and was personally enjoyable. It allowed me to show a lighter side compared to my serious roles. Having the opportunity to showcase different facets of myself has been beneficial. I'm proud of the positive reception for both my variety and drama work."