[On The Record] Jeon Seok-ho "I'm Stunned by the Popularity of 'Crime City 3'"

Actor Jeon Seok-ho Interview

Movie 'Beomjoedosi 3' Surpasses 8.4 Million
Hit Stars Yangho and Chorong Say "Did Not Expect"

Seokho Jeon [Photo by Ace Factory]

"Over 10 million viewers? I hope I get to meet that person. I'm amazed and a bit dazed by the positive response."

Actor Jeon Seok-ho (39) was cheerful. He couldn't stop smiling, saying he felt good. The movie 'The Outlaws 3,' released on the 31st of last month, has attracted a cumulative audience of 8.4 million, bringing the series close to surpassing 20 million viewers. Anyone who has seen the movie will surely remember two names: Yang-ho and Chorong. They unintentionally help actor Ma Dong-seok and bring laughter.

On the afternoon of the 16th, Jeon Seok-ho met at a cafe in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and said, "I didn't intend to be funny, but I'm grateful that people found it amusing. I've been reflecting lately on what exactly made people laugh." He kept smiling throughout the interview. He added, "Recently, at a restaurant in a remote mountain village in Muju, an auntie came with her daughter after watching 'The Outlaws 3' and recognized me. It's a fascinating and new experience," showing a smile.

'The Outlaws 3' (directed by Lee Sang-yong) depicts detective Ma Seok-do (Ma Dong-seok) moving to the Seoul Metropolitan Investigation Unit and launching a crackdown operation to catch Ju Seong-cheol (Lee Joon-hyuk), the mastermind behind a new type of drug crime, and another villain involved in the drug case, Ricky (Aoki Munetaka).

The film, released on the 31st of last month, drew 3 million viewers by the 4th day, 5 million by the 6th, and 8 million by the 14th, gaining popularity. By the 15th, it had attracted a cumulative audience of 8,262,896, signaling a green light for the series to surpass 20 million viewers.

Seokho Jeon [Photo by Ace Factory]

Jeon Seok-ho plays Kim Yang-ho, an unexpected helper to detective Ma Seok-do, portrayed by Ma Dong-seok, injecting vitality into the story. Many viewers who watched the movie highlighted Kim Yang-ho and Chorong (played by Go Gyu-pil) as impressive characters.

He said, "I didn't feel pressured to make Yang-ho funny. Neither the director nor Ma Dong-seok hyung discussed that with me. I just focused on the situation earnestly and enjoyed filming."

Regarding the enthusiastic response, Jeon Seok-ho sighed with relief, saying, "I'm glad." He added, "They didn't 'spoil the already cooked rice by adding Jeon Seok-ho'." He looked at Go Gyu-pil, who played Chorong, and said, "When I first saw Go Gyu-pil as Chorong on set, I said, 'Your style is crazy.' Chorong at least has Mimi, but honestly, I'm wandering around all alone. I think the audience might have felt sorry for me in that regard."

Jeon Seok-ho said, "I wanted to express my gratitude to the other actors through this interview. No one forced me to do anything. Everyone just accepted me having fun and encouraged me, which helped complete Yang-ho's character."

Lee Joon-hyuk, who left a strong impression playing the villain Ju Seong-cheol, and Jeon Seok-ho are both born in 1984. The two actors, belonging to the same agency, hit the jackpot together with 'The Outlaws 3.' Jeon Seok-ho said, "Lee Joon-hyuk had never played such an intense role before, so I was worried, but it was all for nothing. As a friend and colleague, I was amazed at how well he pulled it off. Watching him boldly try new changes, I felt he is a friend I can learn a lot from."

Jeon Seok-ho described Ma Dong-seok as a meticulous actor. He called Ma Dong-seok the principal of the 'The Outlaws' school and himself a graduate of the 3rd class. Jeon said, "Contrary to his tough exterior, he takes good care of those around him. He's delicate and detailed." He added with a laugh, "I recently talked with Kim Sung-kyu, whom I became close to while filming 'Kingdom.' Sung-kyu said, 'I'm from the 1st class of The Outlaws,' so I said, 'I'm from the 3rd class.' I'd be happy to re-enroll."

Seokho Jeon [Photo by Ace Factory]

Jeon Seok-ho, who found working with Ma Dong-seok interesting, said that the motel bed scene, which became a hot topic in 'The Outlaws 3,' was also his idea. He said, "It was a set. I didn't know the bed could rotate, but Ma Dong-seok suggested we try turning it once. I was surprised. The director also approved the idea without hesitation, so the scene was completed."

The briefing scene at the motel was originally not Yang-ho's line. Jeon Seok-ho said, "During the script reading, I accidentally read the motel briefing lines. I said, 'Oh, sorry,' and laughed it off, but at the filming site, the director asked me to try reading that line once, so I did my best. It was another actor's line, but that actor willingly supported and gave way."

Jeon Seok-ho debuted with the movie 'If You Were Me' (2000) and became known through the drama 'Misaeng' (2014). He showed his presence in many works such as 'Life on Mars' (2018), 'Kingdom' (2019), and 'Hyena' (2020). He described himself as someone who lives diligently. Jeon said, "There are many ways to comfort someone, but as an actor, I want to comfort many people through my work."

He said, "I turned 40 this year. I started my 30s with 'Lost' and opened my 40s with 'The Outlaws.' I've been happy to meet many good adults while working."

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