[Interview] Ha Seok-jin "We won, but I didn't want to win badly"

Netflix 'Devil's Plan' Winner Ha Seok-jin Interview

'Great Escape' PD Jung Jong-yeon Brain Survival Content
"You can't play Omok" Memorable Line... Praised for Neat Personality

"How can I beat a twenty-year-old after turning 40? I went in with the mindset of not trying to win, but to play stylishly and not play miserably or pitifully. As a participant, I wanted to convey good energy, and I ended up having the experience of producing great results. Even I was pleased to see my own face, which I had never seen before. I realized what I was lacking and what areas I had grown in. This is my current record in my 40s and feels like a Kyoboje (a personal milestone) for the human Ha Seok-jin."

Actor Ha Seok-jin [Photo by Netflix]

Actor Ha Seok-jin (41) was called a "brainy man" (a man with a sexy brain) through his appearance on "Problematic Men" (2019). He is also known as the "Engineering Oppa" since he majored in Mechanical Engineering at Hanyang University. He met PD Jung Jong-yeon through a collaboration special between "Problematic Men" and the variety show "Great Escape." At that time, his impressive problem-solving skills that transcended time and space led to a rise in viewership. Because of that connection, he became a member of the Netflix survival show "Devil's Plan." Although they didn't even know each other's contact information, PD Jung, who had been paying close attention to his gameplay, reached out to him while assembling the cast. He left a memorable line, "You can't play Omok," and claimed a fiery victory.

On the 16th, Ha Seok-jin met at a cafe in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and said, "The prize money of 250 million won has been deposited into my account," adding, "I want to use it meaningfully, so I'm considering how to spend it." The original prize was 500 million won, but the amount decreased through gameplay. He laughed, saying, "I never expected to win, but in the final, the two guys (Ha Seok-jin and Gwedo) lost 200 million won."

"Devil's Plan," released on Netflix on the 26th of last month, ended its 12-episode run on the 10th. Thanks to this, his overseas fanbase has grown. He has engraved his full name in the minds of international viewers. Ha Seok-jin said, "My personal SNS account followers increased by more than 100,000," and "I receive messages (DMs) in various languages from around the world." He laughed, saying, "After sending Seungkwan from the group Seventeen to jail, I was showered with snake emojis, which was cute and appreciated." He added, "I truly feel the power of the platform. I hope the dramas I appeared in before will gain renewed popularity. I also expect that when I appear in new works, I will start with the strength of being a 'Devil's Plan' winner."

'Devil's Plan' stills [Photo by Netflix]

Ha Seok-jin, a 19-year veteran actor, said he was not a fan of brain-play survival programs like other participants. He was different from the start compared to those active in variety shows or YouTube content. He appeared on "Devil's Plan" viewing it simply as content. Early in the gameplay, he thought it was a disadvantage, but it turned out to be beneficial. He said, "I'm not the type to play games often, so my speed of understanding was slow."

"I thought I had to sincerely show myself mingling with others. But due to the genre's nature, it was also important not to reveal your feelings. It took time to find that balance. Some friends quickly grasped, deceived, and persuaded others to adapt, but I couldn't do that and was used early on. So, unintentionally, I engaged in a probing battle. As the teams started to split, each participant's tendencies became visible. While solving the peace secret, I felt I could get into the front group, and from then on, I started to sprint."

He cited blind Omok as the most thrilling game. Ha Seok-jin recalled, "Only two pieces, Isiwon and me? Huh? The two of us can go? Knowing that was thrilling." He laughed, adding, "It was also thrilling when I discovered I could wash my face alone."

Since survival variety shows proceed with participants isolated in one space for a certain period, it is impossible to hide one's true personality. Participants who experienced this said, "When you're in there, you can't help but get overly immersed," and "We all understand the feelings of anger or crying." Ha Seok-jin explained, "It's tougher than a Marine Corps camp," and gave reasons.

"Isolation seems to be a big factor. Even during mobilization training, it's tough, but you can still use your phone. But in 'Devil's Plan,' 12 people were cut off from all communication means and stayed in the same space. Time felt long there. I even thought, 'Did Giyom fall just yesterday?' I felt a temporal expansion. It felt like 12 people had left Earth, so emotions were turbulent. I held up well, but when I went to jail and when it became a small castle with only two left, I broke down. (laughs)"

Actor Ha Seok-jin [Photo by Netflix]

"He's smart and has a neat personality. I fell for him." "I cried when Ha Seok-jin cried in jail." "I rediscovered his charm."

These are viewers' reactions online toward Ha Seok-jin in "Devil's Plan." In real survival programs, one's true personality naturally comes out. Ha Seok-jin's real self attracted attention. His neat personality in dealing with human relationships has notably increased his female fanbase. He laughed, saying, "My mother said during a phone call yesterday, 'I liked how you folded the blanket before leaving. It shows you were well raised at home.'"

"It feels like a transformation of the underdog. I didn't think of myself as an underdog, but unintentionally, I received support from those who root for the underdog. I was lucky. I don't know if that image helps my acting career or not. I can't play dumb roles though. (laughs) Becoming the winner helped build trust, and I'm grateful for this project. I want to play roles that fall for their own tricks. This experience broadened my perspective on my activities."

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