[Interview①] Kim Heejae "I Want to Hear That I’m Good at Both Acting and Singing"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "I wondered if I could act well, but I boldly took on the challenge. Acting is still difficult, but I did my best, so I hope people will look at it kindly. My goal is that when time passes quickly, people will say, 'Kim Heejae is an actor who acts well' and 'a singer who sings well' at the same time."

Singer and actor Kim Heejae (27) said this during an interview with Asia Economy on the morning of the 12th at a cafe in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. "If I wasn't sincere about acting, I wouldn't have dared to try," he said.

The MBC weekend drama "From Now On, Showtime," which premieres on the 23rd, is a comedic investigative drama about the successful magician Cha Cha-woong (played by Park Haejin) and the righteous, passionate police officer Go Seulhae (played by Jin Giju). Kim Heejae takes on the role of the youngest police officer, Yongryeol, challenging himself with acting.

Kim Heejae appeared as a trot prodigy on KBS's "National Singing Contest" in 2009 and gained immense popularity by ranking 7th in TV Chosun's survival program "Tomorrow is Mr. Trot" in 2020.

Taking on acting for the first time with "From Now On, Showtime," he said, "I worried about causing trouble for the actors. When I was in 6th grade, I happened to perform on a theater stage. I was cast as the lead because I memorized the script well, and I enjoyed acting in front of an audience. I dreamed of becoming a singer and had a small wish to try acting, and I met a good opportunity to make it happen."

"After gaining popularity through 'Mr. Trot,' I didn't want to hear that I was just acting. I worried a lot about whether I would harm the work, and I worked harder on set. I want to show my sincerity as I improve little by little. I took on this challenge with a serious heart."

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Kim Heejae, who played the youngest police officer Yongryeol, explained, "He cannot tolerate injustice and protects the safety of citizens. Off duty, Yongryeol is an ordinary man in his twenties who cares about those around him, enjoys games, and has someone he loves."

When asked how similar he is to his character, he answered, "About 70% similar." "Our dating styles are different. Yongryeol is straightforward in love, but I'm not. If I reach out with courage and the other person doesn't take my hand, I tend to give up. Saying no is also an act of courage. So you have to consider the other person's feelings. But Yongryeol is a 'straightforward man' who constantly appeals his charm and never gives up."

He also said his lively personality is somewhat different. Kim Heejae said his MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) is I (Introvert). "Before becoming a singer, I was an I, but it changed after being on broadcasts. I had to confidently talk and greet strangers. Before debut, I was not the type to easily get close to others, but after broadcasting, I shifted to E. However, E is 52% and I is 48%. Personally, I think I'm closer to I," he said.

Contrary to his 'showy' image, he said his real personality is conservative. Kim Heejae laughed, "I strictly manage myself. I set rules about what not to do and push myself. I'm also a bit conservative when it comes to dating."

"I seem like an old soul. I'm cautious in everything. I dislike slang or abbreviations and sometimes ask, 'Why do you shorten words?' When I like someone, I watch carefully and nurture my feelings cautiously. I don't start dating just by looks; many things have to match. I tend to confess when my feelings are certain."

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He also shared his goals as an actor. Kim Heejae said, "I didn't start acting just because the opportunity came. I'm sincere about acting. If I weren't sincere, I probably wouldn't have even started. I want to consistently greet people as an actor through my works."

Kim Heejae hinted that there is a kissing scene in "From Now On, Showtime." "As time passes, the feelings between me and the female lead deepen, and there is a kissing scene. It's a kiss that kindergarten kids might share. It's a kiss. (laughs) Fans were the first to come to mind. Since it's acting, I hope people will look at it kindly as acting."

He chose the romance genre as the type of work he wants to do. He said he enjoyed the recently ended drama "Business Proposal" and continued, "I want to express the cute love of the 20s and 30s youth generation. Even if it's cute and somewhat childish, I want to portray the growing feelings of love."

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