Wi Ha-jun Reflects on His Role in 'Siren' and the Journey of Becoming a Leading Actor

"I was greatly inspired by the saying, 'It's human nature to see flaws first, but a talent to see strengths first.' After reading it by chance, I started trying to see people's strengths first. By finding and expressing the strengths of those I meet on set, everyone feels better, and the atmosphere becomes more vibrant."

Recently, an interview with actor Wi Ha-jun, who starred as the male lead in tvN's 'Siren,' was conducted at a café in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. 'Siren' is a captivating romance thriller about a man investigating insurance fraud who becomes entangled with a woman suspected of being a suspect, with the deadly premise that loving her leads to death. Wi Ha-jun played the role of Cha Woo-seok, an insurance fraud investigator chasing Han Seol-ah (played by Park Min-young), delivering a performance that balanced cold rationality with deep affection, earning stable praise.

Debuting in the 2015 film 'Coin Locker Girl,' Wi Ha-jun dreamed of becoming an actor while living in Wando until his senior year of high school. He has built his career through various works such as 'Romance Is a Bonus Book,' '18 Again,' and 'Little Women,' and expanded his global fandom with 'Squid Game.' Recently, he has focused on OTT projects and returned to television with 'Siren,' marking his first TV appearance in two years since 'Graduation' aired in 2024.

Despite appearing in several successful romance projects, Wi Ha-jun's performances in genre works like the 'Squid Game' series, 'Bad and Crazy,' 'Midnight,' and 'The Worst of Evil' have been particularly notable, leaving a strong impression on the public. However, in the interview, Wi Ha-jun expressed his desire and willingness to take on romantic roles, highlighting his gentle nature and sharing various stories with a calm and humble demeanor.

'Siren' started with a 5.5% viewership rating for its first episode, dropping to 4.6% for the second episode. Except for the seventh episode, which recorded 3.9%, it maintained ratings in the 4% range until the finale. Regarding the ratings, Wi Ha-jun commented, "It was better than I expected. I was relieved. Since it's not a completely mainstream or lighthearted genre, I was worried about how many people would watch it. But I'm grateful that a dedicated fanbase formed and continued to watch."

Regarding the preparation process for the character Cha Woo-seok, Wi Ha-jun explained, "I didn't reference any specific character or work. The SIU setting was unfamiliar, so I met with people in the field and researched documentaries and case materials. I studied basic aspects, like the fact that many in the profession are former detectives. From there, I focused on how to build the character within the script, considering the character's significant emotional changes and discussing how to express them appropriately."

Wi Ha-jun shared his thoughts on his co-star Han Seol-ah, saying, "If I met her in real life, I might have kept my distance," but noted that his perspective changed as he immersed himself in the role. "Listening to recordings and delving deep into the character, I realized she was someone with significant wounds and pain. The most resonant emotion was compassion. Even when I tried not to care, I couldn't help but be concerned, and the more I learned, the more guilty I felt for pushing her. From that emotion, I developed a desire to protect, care for, and ultimately save her."

When asked what 'Siren' means to him, Wi Ha-jun said, "It's incredibly meaningful. It taught me a lot about the attitude I should have on set, how to view scripts, and how to act, giving me a completely new mindset." He added, "I'm excited about how I'll act and move on set in my next project. I hadn't thought deeply about it before, but this project was a significant learning experience."

He also confessed, "It was challenging and stressful, but I think it was the project I worked hardest on so far. This process was essential for me to continue as an actor, and without this experience, taking on leading roles would have been difficult." Wi Ha-jun smiled, saying, "It was undoubtedly a tough time, but I'm glad I could embrace it as a valuable and precious learning experience."

"'Siren' will remain an unforgettable project that laid the foundation for me to advance as a leading actor."

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