"Serve" Jo Seongha: "Compliments on how well the uniform suits me are nice to hear"

Jung Sung-ha / Photo by C-JeS

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Jo Seong-ha returns as an ambitious division commander in the film Serve the People.

On the 15th, Jo Seong-ha stated through his agency C-JeS Entertainment, "I tried to convey the outward advantages and a flawless feeling that have been ingrained through many years of military service."

Serve the People, directed by Jang Cheol-soo and set to be released on the 23rd, tells the story of exemplary soldier Mugwang (Yeon Woo-jin), who dreams of success and faces conflicts between the insurmountable social status barrier and dangerous temptations after meeting the young wife Suryun (Jian) of the division commander.

In the film, Jo Seong-ha plays the division commander, Suryun's husband. The division commander, who holds immense power, survived the battlefield at a young age, became a hero of the people, and harbors ambitions to gain even greater power by joining the Central Military Commission.

Jo Seong-ha said, "Living as a soldier for a lifetime must be truly difficult. I tried to bring out both the appearance and mindset well."

He added, "The division commander has a strong military spirit to the bone and is a power-oriented figure. I thought a lot about how to portray his outward appearance, inner self, and mind control. Internally, as a leader, I focused on showing an unwavering presence in front of subordinates and a sense of self-control in my acting."

The film is the new work by director Jang Cheol-soo, who previously directed The Truth Beneath (2010) and Secretly, Greatly (2013), marking his return after nine years. Jo Seong-ha said, "I wanted to work with the director, and I am grateful for being given such a powerful role in a great project. The filming period was enjoyable and good."

He continued, "The director prepares extensively on set, so the filming proceeded very quickly. Thanks to thorough preparation, we were able to produce a high-quality work in a short time."

Regarding the compliment that the uniform suits him well, Jo Seong-ha said, "It's a compliment beyond just something nice to hear, and I am thankful. I will work hard to meet you next time in an even more impressive uniform."

About working with Yeon Woo-jin, he said, "Yeon Woo-jin has a habit of making the atmosphere comfortable on set and being very considerate of others. Although the time was short, it was an enjoyable shoot and a good collaboration with a great actor."

About Jian, he said, "Although it was our first meeting, she approached me warmly, greeting me first as a junior from school," adding, "both actors gave off a kind feeling."

Jo Seong-ha said, "After reading the script, there were many interesting parts but also many that made my heart heavy. I believe the audience will be able to empathize as well. If you watch it comfortably, you will see the unique charm of this work."

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