Jinyoung Reflects on His Evolving Acting Career and New Challenges

"I used to want to appear more mature. But as time goes by, I wonder if I can wear a school uniform a little longer, or if it's even possible (laughs). When I read scripts for youth dramas, I can't help but ponder over it."

In a recent interview with TENASIA at a café in Gangnam, Seoul, Jinyoung, born in 1991, shared these thoughts as he discussed the conclusion of the drama 'Ms. Incognito'. Jinyoung debuted in 2011 as a member of the idol group B1A4 and has since transitioned into a thriving acting career. Earlier this year, he played a high school student in the film 'You Are the Apple of My Eye,' alongside TWICE's Dahyun. In September, he took on his first father role in the drama 'Ms. Incognito.'

In 'Ms. Incognito,' Jinyoung portrayed a single dad raising his son alone while running a strawberry farm in Muchang. He was the only one in the village wary of the new teacher, Boo Se-mi, who had impeccable credentials.

'Ms. Incognito' is a crime romance drama about Kim Young-ran (played by Jeon Yeo-been), a bodyguard from a humble background, who enters a contract marriage with terminally ill chaebol chairman Ga Sung-ho (played by Moon Sung-keun). The drama achieved a nationwide rating of 7.1%, making it the second highest-rated show on ENA after 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo.'

Reflecting on his role as a father, Jinyoung said, "It was a big challenge. The gap was significant since I wore a school uniform in my previous work. I was initially worried because it was a role I had never played before. But as I read the script, I thought I could bring a surprising image to the character." He added, "Since I don't have a fatherly image, I found it intriguing to take on such a role with my current image. It made me want to try it."

"It was very difficult. I usually incorporate my experiences into my acting, but I have no experience as a single dad. I like children, but it's more like an uncle's affection, not paternal love. So, I struggled and made a lot of effort to get close to the child actor."

When asked about his satisfaction with the role, Jinyoung replied, "I'm not there yet. If there's another role like this, I'd like to think more deeply and do it again." He rated his performance "60 to 65 out of 100." Despite feeling inadequate and awkward, he expressed gratitude for the new experiences and lessons learned from the project.

Celebrating his 15th year in the industry, Jinyoung revealed that his perspective on acting has changed. "I used to aspire to be like the great senior actors, wanting to act really well. But now, I think that's a given, and I wish to be someone who engages in everyday conversations in a project," he said. "It's about living the character's daily life naturally, making it feel like a conversation rather than delivering lines. I've practiced a lot to ease my acting."

Jinyoung, who receives scripts for both youth and adult roles, said, "As time goes by, choosing projects becomes more challenging. I want to play strong and cool characters, but I also wonder if I should take on youthful roles while I still can. I'm at a stage where I'm open to challenges." He expressed gratitude for the unexpected roles offered to him, saying, "I receive proposals for roles that make me think, 'Did this really come to me?'"

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