Veteran Actor Yoo Sung-joo Reflects on His Dramatic Debut and Heartfelt Support from Co-stars

Veteran actor Yoo Sung-joo, who honed his craft on the theater stage, shared touching memories of his dramatic debut and the warm support he received from fellow actors.

On the YouTube channel 'Kim Jung-nan,' operated by actress Kim Jung-nan, a video titled 'Kim Jung-nan's Life-Changing Role in SKY Castle with Villain Husband Yoo Sung-joo and Close Friend Jo Han-chul!' was uploaded.

In the video, Yoo Sung-joo and Jo Han-chul, who played a married couple with Kim Jung-nan in the past drama 'SKY Castle,' engaged in an honest conversation.

Kim Jung-nan hosted a heartfelt meal for Yoo Sung-joo and Jo Han-chul at her home to commemorate their reunion after eight years. She recalled that 'SKY Castle' was Yoo Sung-joo's first foray into television, highlighting his late entry into the drama scene. Yoo Sung-joo, who had been dedicated to theater in Busan before moving to Seoul, credited Kim Jung-nan for the opportunity that led him to 'SKY Castle.'

Yoo Sung-joo revealed the unique story of being cast without an audition, capturing attention. He shared that the director, after watching his theater performance, personally proposed a meeting and encouraged him to join the project despite his overlapping theater schedules.

Jo Han-chul expressed surprise at Yoo Sung-joo's casting without an audition, but Kim Jung-nan praised Yoo's extensive theater experience as a testament to his talent. Yoo Sung-joo confessed the pressure he felt during his first script reading, saying, "Sitting among senior actors I had only seen on TV made my heart race."

In the early days of his debut, it was the thoughtful support of senior actors that sustained Yoo Sung-joo on the unfamiliar set. He recounted an anecdote of dining with child actors due to his awkwardness at a post-reading gathering, expressing gratitude for Kim Jung-nan's care during that time.

Particularly moving was the story of Kim Jung-nan and Yum Jung-ah waiting in a car for hours after their own shoots to help Yoo Sung-joo, who could only film late at night due to his theater schedule, with even the shortest scenes. Yoo Sung-joo admitted that the warm consideration from everyone on set helped him navigate the early days when he was unfamiliar with camera angles and eye lines.

Kim Jung-nan also humorously recalled her intense first collaboration with Yoo Sung-joo. She confessed her fear that Yoo, accustomed to stage acting, might actually hit her in a scene where he was supposed to slap her.

Kim Jung-nan humorously pleaded with Yoo, "Just make the action big, and I'll fall on my own, so please don't really hit me," bringing laughter to the set. Yoo Sung-joo concluded by sharing that after his impactful debut, he received numerous villain roles but is now transitioning to more positive characters, as seen in his recent historical drama 'Takryu.'

Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr