[Interview] Park Hae-soo "Not a Global Star, but I Feel a Calling for K-Content"

Movie 'Yacha' Prosecutor Han Ji-hoon Role
"Seol Kyung-gu and Lee Jung-jae Seniors Opened Their Hearts and Approached Me"
"Took a Photo and Hugged with Benedict Cumberbatch"

Park Hae-soo / Photo by Netflix

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Following "Time to Hunt" (2020) and "Squid Game" (2021), actor Park Hae-soo continues his role as Netflix’s civil servant with the film "Yaksha." Having gained recognition through the drama "Prison Playbook" (2018), he has been acting nonstop, moving seamlessly between the small screen and the big screen like a workhorse.

On the 15th, Park Hae-soo met with Asia Economy via video call and laughed, saying, "Recently, as I met many viewers, the phrase 'Netflix’s civil servant' naturally came up, but I didn’t come up with it myself."

Released on the 8th, director Na Hyun’s Netflix film "Yaksha" depicts the intense battleground in Shenyang, China, where a secret black team led by the so-called Yaksha, a covert operations unit of the National Intelligence Service, clashes with a special inspection prosecutor and intelligence agents from various countries.

Park Hae-soo plays Han Ji-hoon, a special inspection prosecutor who suspects the black team’s operations that have not been reported to headquarters and persistently follows them, delivering a strong presence.

On this day, Park said, "The viewers follow the same timeline as Prosecutor Han Ji-hoon. As Han arrives in Shenyang and experiences events, the audience gains information together. I thought the situation had to be desperate to gain empathy," adding, "I wanted to portray the desperate collapse without being old-fashioned." He laughed, saying, "I got hit a lot, so it was tough."

He clashes with Ji Kang-in (played by Sol Kyung-gu) over differing beliefs. The solid acting of Park Hae-soo and Sol Kyung-gu leads the drama, adding another layer of enjoyment within the meticulous espionage operation. Following Lee Jung-jae from "Squid Game," Park continues to work with powerful actors like Sol Kyung-gu.

"Before acting with senior actors who have a lot of experience, I feel pressured. Before the script reading, I usually don’t sweat, but I get so nervous that my hands sweat. It was the same with 'Yaksha.' But rather, senior actor Sol Kyung-gu made me feel comfortable. He opened his heart first and approached me. I thought that when I get older and reach a senior position, I should do the same."

Park Hae-soo was recently invited to numerous overseas award ceremonies, including the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG), thanks to "Squid Game." Reflecting on this, he said, "I was next to senior Lee Jung-jae when he received the award, and I was indescribably happy and grateful." He added with a chuckle, "I was surprised that many people in the U.S. recognized me. I told them I’m not a villain, but they didn’t like me much, saying I was a villain."

"Among many famous actors, hearing the names Lee Jung-jae and Jung Ho-yeon called was a joy. It was nice to see my beloved colleagues receiving awards. But the atmosphere there still felt uncomfortable. I participate in 'Squid Game' with a sense of mission, a small calling, as K-content."

He also shared an anecdote about taking a photo with Hollywood actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Park said, "I’m usually not the type to ask to take a photo first, but since he played the Creature in a play adapted from the play 'Frankenstein,' a role I also played, I really wanted to take a photo. When I told him that, he said, 'I think you did better,' and gave me a hug."

He said he feels the intense interest and achievements of K-content on the overseas stage. Park Hae-soo said, "It seems like this is the time when K-content, K-movies, and K-culture are being shown to global viewers through online video services (OTT). Our country has always had great directors and actors. It’s just that our excellent works are now being recognized," expressing pride.

Park Hae-soo / Photo by Netflix

He said, "It is meaningful that we have created an opportunity for the U.S. market to watch content with subtitles. I want to serve as a bridge as many good works expand overseas. I feel proud and grateful that our dramas evoke empathy in the global market."

Looking back on last year, Park Hae-soo said, "It will be an unforgettable year." "It was a blessed year. My baby (son) was born and is growing up healthily. I received an overwhelming amount of love through 'Squid Game.' I also visited the U.S. for the first time (laughs). I met many people and had various experiences. I wonder if I will be going to the U.S. this often. But I don’t think of myself as a global star. I just hope to be a small part of K-content and contribute a little going forward."

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