TVXQ's Shim Changmin says was worried about playing male lead in drama

Shim Changmin speaks to reporters at a press conference for upcoming SBS TV series "Paradise Farm" held at the broadcaster's headquarters in Seoul, South Korea on January 18, 2011. [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

Shim Changmin, better known as Max Changmin from boy band TVXQ, has said he was worried and felt burdened about having to play the main character for his acting debut role.

He made the remark on Tuesday during a press conference for upcoming SBS drama "Paradise Farm" held in front of hundreds of local and international media outlets.

"I worried a lot not just because it was my first acting role but even more so since I was the central male character," Changmin said.

In the new drama, Changmin plays the role of Han Dong-joo, a grandson of a conglomerate who has a harsh yet loveable personality, that ends up living with his ex-wife named Lee Da-ji, played by Lee Yeon-hee, while developing a resort on Jeju Island.

Director Kim Chul-kyu, whose works include dramas "Hwang Jin-i" and "The President" said, "I had my worries at first since it was Changmin's first acting role so I called him to my office everyday to practice one-on-one."

He further explained how Changmin came to pull off his character and that his acting became more natural towards the middle of the shoot.

"I know that I lacked in many areas but the other actors helped me and instead of director Kim scolding me, he was more like a teacher," Changmin said, adding that he learned a lot and had fun during the six months that they shot the series in Korea's southern island of Jeju.

"Paradise Farm" is a romantic comedy that will air every Monday and Tuesday night starting January 24 after current series "It's Ok, Daddy" finishes its run.

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Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@