Cha In-pyo "After rejecting 'Cha In-pyo', experienced a 5-year stagnation period, now appearing as if in a movie"

by Lee Yiseul

Published 28 Dec.2020 11:49(KST)

Cha In-pyo "After rejecting 'Cha In-pyo', experienced a 5-year stagnation period, now appearing as if in a movie"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Cha In-pyo candidly shared behind-the-scenes stories about starring in the movie 'Cha In-pyo.'

On the morning of the 28th, at the online production briefing for the Netflix film 'Cha In-pyo,' actor Cha In-pyo, Jo Dal-hwan, and director Kim Dong-gyu appeared via video call.

On this day, director Kim Dong-gyu said, "I wanted to create a story about image. I thought actors are a representative profession. Actors either create their own image or have an image exposed to others from outside, and I envisioned and worked on a situation where they struggle to break free from that."

Regarding Cha In-pyo, director Kim Dong-gyu described him as a "top star," adding, "He is the epitome of a top star as I see it," reflecting on a special meaning.

Cha In-pyo revealed that he once declined a film role five years ago. He honestly said, "I felt a great burden because the title was my own name. I first received the film offer five years ago, but at that time, I did not know producer Kim Seong-hwan or director Kim Dong-gyu. Since unknown people came with a film about me, I was initially suspicious."

He continued, "Five years ago, the concept was fresh and I was happy to receive the offer, but I denied the Cha In-pyo in the film. After much consideration, I declined the role," adding with a laugh, "After refusing, my reality over the past five years really unfolded like the movie. I went through a stagnation period. I had no choice but to appear in the film."

Cha In-pyo candidly said, "While I was stagnant over the past five years, producer Kim Seong-hwan made the film 'Extreme Job' and hit a huge success," which again drew laughter.

He then shared, "Just the other day, I reread an email from director Kim Dong-gyu sent five years ago. Even though being rejected could have been upsetting, he sincerely wrote, 'I will come back with a better image. Please wait for me,'" showing tears.

Regarding his wife Shin Ae-ra's reaction, Cha In-pyo laughed, saying, "Five years ago, she wondered if it was really necessary to do such a project, but now she just tells me to do whatever I want."

'Cha In-pyo' is a comedic film depicting the struggles of the once mega-star actor Cha In-pyo as he fights to regain the glory of his prime. Using the real name and image of the star who dominated the 1990s, the film plays with the image, blending reality and fiction. Cha In-pyo plays himself, holding on to the glory, popularity, and image of that era.