[Interview] Jeong Seonghwa, "Focused on the Literary Figure An Junggeun"

Director Yoon Je-kyun's 'Hero' depicting the last year of Ahn Jung-geun's life, lead actor
Portraying Ahn Jung-geun for 14 years in musicals and films

Actor Jung Sung-hwa. Photo by CJ ENM

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Ahn Jung-geun left a will requesting that his remains be buried in his homeland. Although more than 100 years have passed since the incident, the government has yet to locate the whereabouts of Ahn’s remains, who died in Lushun (旅順) Prison. In 2008, the South and North Korean governments jointly attempted to excavate the remains for the first time since liberation, but there was no significant outcome.

On the afternoon of the 12th, actor Jung Sung-hwa (47), whom I met at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, said, “It’s a sensitive political issue between Korea and Japan, so I’m cautious,” but added, “I hope the remains return to our country as soon as possible so that his spirit and philosophy can strengthen us further.” He continued, “I am waiting for the day when the phrase ‘Ahn Jung-geun’s remains have not yet returned to the homeland’ inserted at the end of the film disappears.”

The film Hero (directed by Yoon Je-kyun), opening on the 21st, depicts the unforgettable last year of Ahn Jung-geun, the captain of the Korean Empire’s independence army, from the time he prepared for the assassination in October 1909 in Harbin, to the moment of his death after being sentenced to death by the Japanese court. Jung Sung-hwa, who has portrayed Ahn Jung-geun for 14 years since the premiere of the musical of the same name in 2009, once again takes on the role of Ahn Jung-geun.

Having long pondered and researched Ahn Jung-geun, he visited Harbin Station, where the assassination took place, before the musical’s first performance. Jung recalled, “As soon as I was cast in the musical in 2009, the production company immediately asked for my passport. I was just happy thinking, ‘I’m going abroad,’ and went to China.” He added, “I visited Lushun Prison and Harbin Station where Ahn Jung-geun passed away. After taking some simple photos, I walked the path he likely walked. I felt this is a place we all must remember, and that I couldn’t do it alone.”

There is a saying that the longer you play a role, the more you resemble that character. Jung Sung-hwa, who has lived as Ahn Jung-geun for 14 years, is no exception. When the poster for Hero was released, Jung said he was flooded with messages from fellow actors asking, “Is that really you?”

“I appreciate being told I resemble him, but it’s also a burden. I feel a responsibility to live my life more earnestly. When taking the poster photos, I deeply thought about what the situation was like before Ahn Jung-geun took the photo. Someone probably forced him to sit down, and in a coercive atmosphere, his arms were folded. I focused on the emotions. Physical effort was also essential. I lost 14 kg for the role. I ate little and ran to lose weight. More than my effort, it was thanks to advances in makeup technology. I realized there are many excellent staff in Chungmuro. (laughs)”

Movie still from 'Hero'. Photo by CJ ENM

Jung Sung-hwa emphasized, “Ahn Jung-geun is the pride of the Korean people.” As the lead of Hero, the first original musical to be developed into a film with intellectual property (IP), he also feels a sense of responsibility. He said, “I hope this work introduces the musical film market. The musical industry has a limited market. I acted with the responsibility of wanting talented and good actors to be introduced to the audience.” He added, “There have been musical films domestically, but Hero is the first to adapt an original creative musical into a film. I want Hollywood producers who made musicals like Les Mis?rables and Cats to see this and acknowledge, ‘You guys do well too.’”

Many actors sing well. Many have solid individual skills on the musical stage. However, if another actor had played Ahn Jung-geun instead of Jung Sung-hwa, it would have been completely different. This is because no other actor understands both the narrative and the numbers of Ahn Jung-geun as well while grasping the differences between stage and media. Based on his solid acting skills, he deeply portrays Ahn Jung-geun’s convictions.

He explained, “I focused on Ahn Jung-geun as a man of letters, not a man of arms.” He continued, “He worked hard on education, establishing several schools, and led the National Debt Repayment Movement. Looking at the books he wrote in prison after assassinating Ito Hirobumi, his intellectual and philosophical level is very high.” He added, “In moments of crisis, he was calm and composed, but in the Battle of Hoeryong, he saved Japanese soldiers and caused hardship to his comrades, showing a human side with painful experiences.”

Jung Sung-hwa began his career as a comedian after passing SBS’s 3rd open recruitment in 1994. He started acting as a comedic actor. He began to be recognized as an actor through KAIST (1998). Since then, he has appeared in dramas such as Zoo People (2002), Heungbu’s Family Explosion (2003), films like Finding Mr. Destiny (2010), Dancing Queen (2012), The Pirates (2014), Split (2016), and major musicals including Man of La Mancha, Les Mis?rables, and Rebecca. Although a respectable lead actor, Hero is his first leading role in a film.

His proficiency in both stage and media acting was crucial. While understanding Ahn Jung-geun’s narrative better than anyone, he was also capable of film acting. Jung Sung-hwa said, “Musical actors often struggle with theatrical projection when working in films. But my experience on stage as well as in dramas and films helped me. I also learned how to restrain myself during the work.”

Actor Jung Sung-hwa. Photo by CJ ENM

“When I heard about the film adaptation of Hero, I wanted to play Ahn Jung-geun, but there were many lead actors with excellent singing skills, so I didn’t expect much. I thought my chances were only 6 to 7%. That possibility worked out. Director Yoon Je-kyun told me he had chosen me from the start. I was so anxious; I wish he had told me earlier. (laughs) I felt that if you wish earnestly, it comes true. I was also scared during filming. For someone like me who had only played minor roles on screen to be given the lead role, it was a huge risk they entrusted me with. I thought I must not cause any trouble and decided to do my best, taking one step at a time.”

The collaboration of Yoon Je-kyun and Jung Sung-hwa, both known in Chungmuro as “good director” and “good actor,” resulted in the excellent film Hero. Jung said, “Director Yoon is a great director who lets actors have fun in front of the camera.” He added, “He frees actors from fear, which is why he is called a master. It was lucky to have my first film lead role with Director Yoon. He is open-minded and listened to my opinions without hesitation. It was enjoyable working with such a wonderful director. I feel lucky and blessed as an actor.”

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