[Interview] Cha In-pyo "Trapped in a Gentleman Image, No More Secrets to Hide Now" (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Cha In-pyo said he experienced a period of stagnation trapped in the ‘gentleman’ image and expressed his desire to transform through a film bearing his own name.

On the morning of the 7th, Cha In-pyo shared various stories about the film Cha In-pyo (directed by Kim Dong-gyu) during a video interview.

Cha In-pyo is a comedic work depicting the struggles of the once top star actor Cha In-pyo as he fights to regain the glory of his prime. Using the real name of the star who dominated the 1990s, the film delivers fresh humor by blending reality and fiction through image variations.

That day, Cha recalled, “I received a film proposal from About Film’s CEO Kim Seong-hwan and director Kim Dong-gyu five years ago. At that time, I occasionally got film offers and even proposals for American projects, so there were opportunities.”

Although he initially declined the offer, Cha said, “When I read the script, the concept was fresh, and the title was my name. It was an experimental film, so I wanted to participate. However, I wondered if a low-budget film could be properly distributed.”

Over the next five years, Cha’s position changed, and he candidly shared his honest feelings about joining the project.

“Four years passed, and I went through a stagnation period as an actor. I wanted to do films or anything to remind my fans that I was still active, but I experienced a slump. Just when I was eager to work again, the production company’s CEO proposed the film Cha In-pyo once more. A major investor was confirmed, and I accepted the offer and decided to appear.”

In the film, Cha In-pyo plays himself, clinging to the glory, popularity, and image of those days. When asked if he felt burdened by being the subject, he laughed and said, “The subject was burdensome, and the title was the biggest burden.”

Cha explained, “The film would be advertised under my name, so I was most worried about it being ridiculed. After going this far, if the audience ignores it and it ends without anyone knowing it was released, it would leave a big scar.”

How did he view the Cha In-pyo who moves between reality and fiction? He said, “The Cha In-pyo in the film is how third-party director Kim Dong-gyu sees me. It is thoroughly Kim’s interpretation. I saw that as the public’s perspective. The public gave me that image, and I lived thinking I had to meet those expectations.”

He added, “I tried to act as closely as possible to the script. I firmly decided not to say anything else about it during filming. If I started complaining just because I was used as the subject in an experimental attempt, the film wouldn’t be made well.”

Cha said, “I insisted on leaving out one decisive part. In the script, there was a scene where Cha In-pyo tries to get into politics, but no matter how much I thought about it, it was different from me. I suggested omitting it because I was worried the audience would focus on that part instead of the story when the film was made.”

Cha In-pyo was originally produced aiming for a theatrical release but was released on the OTT platform Netflix on the 1st due to the impact of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection). He humbly said, “If there was no COVID-19 and many people were going to theaters, this might not have been a film that would get this much attention.”

He continued, “Fortunately, the film was chosen by Netflix in difficult circumstances and was released. I am happy that many people have shown interest,” but also said, “As someone in the film industry, I feel sorry thinking about the many people who have made films but cannot release them.”

Cha In-pyo said he watched the film on the day of its release on the 1st with his wife Shin Ae-ra and their son and daughters. He shared, “I watched the completed work with my family for the first time on the release day. The kids liked it. My son said his friends liked it, and my two daughters, who are in puberty, I’m just grateful they watched it with me. I was worried they might get up in the middle, but they watched until the end and said, ‘Dad, good job.’”

When asked about the reaction of actress Shin Ae-ra, who lent her voice to the film, Cha said, “I think she expected a comedy. She said her husband looked a bit pitiful. She said it gave her a feeling of sympathy.”

Is he satisfied with the film? Cha said, “We shot the entire film in a month. It was a low-budget project, and during filming, there was a rainy season and a typhoon. Filming was stopped three times. I am satisfied that we safely shot all the scenes.”

Jo Dal-hwan plays Kim Aram, who has worked as Cha In-pyo’s manager for a long time. Cha said, “The manager role is similar to my actual manager, who has worked with me for over 20 years. He is a perfect fit for me.” He added, “The scene where the manager and I fight and I say, ‘You’re getting paid now because of my image,’ was the most touching. It was funny and sad. I think most celebrities, including myself, would relate.”

Cha In-pyo debuted in 1993 with the MBC drama Han Jibung Se Gajok and became a top star the following year with Sarang-eun Geudae Pumane (1994). He gained near-syndrome-level popularity and was considered the ideal type for many. He was regarded as a representative handsome star who dominated the 1990s.

He recalled, “Sarang-eun Geudae Pumane aired in the summer of ’94 and I gained sudden popularity overnight. After that, I filmed a project in Russia for a month and went to the military two months later. I got married during my service. I had no time to think. Now I have much more leisure.”

Cha said, “At that time, I didn’t appreciate my youth. If I could go back to my younger days, I would be grateful every day, express it more, and be faithful to the people I meet.”

Looking back on his 28 years as an actor, Cha In-pyo objectively viewed himself. He confessed, “I was deluded alone. I valued that the public saw me as a ‘gentleman’ and a ‘good boy’ and tried to live a life that fit that image. As a result, I kept layering that image on myself. I was trapped in that cage.”

He said, “After several decades, I realized I hadn’t changed and was trapped. The fans had already left. It was similar to being trapped in a building in the film. When I was thinking about how to break out of that mold, I met the project Cha In-pyo.”

He added, “This is a film I chose. Regardless of likes or dislikes and box office results, I am somewhat satisfied that the film was released.”

Cha promised active activities through this film. He said, “My last leading role in a commercial film was Crossing (2008), and Cha In-pyo is a project I participated in after 12 years. Seeing fans say ‘We waited for you’ and cheer me on made me happy. I feel they recognize my sincerity as I try to transform. I want to break away from my existing image and try various things to meet fans often.”

Having recently opened social media accounts to communicate with fans, Cha said, “Times have changed, and fans are on social media. If I want to continue working as an actor without retiring, I think it’s right to use social media. Before, I kept putting myself in a box. Now, there’s no need to be mysterious or hide anything. I started it because I want to share my daily life.”

When asked what kind of actor he would be if he lived his life again, Cha surprisingly answered that he wants to stand on the theater stage.

“No matter how busy or famous I become, I will return to the theater stage for at least a few months a year. I want to thoroughly work on basics like voice training and warming up my body. If dramas and films are the front lines of the battlefield, you have to be well-prepared to fight well. You need to build and train the basics essential for an actor. I have neglected that.”

Regarding future plans, Cha said, “I am developing a TV series into a film with director Song Il-gon. We are working hard to produce it when the situation improves.” He added, “I have no plans to direct. If I ever do, I will study more before coming out.”

Finally, Cha asked the audience to “view it as an experimental film and continue to show interest in Korean comedy films that will be produced in the future.”

Photo = Netflix

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.