Kim Jae-joong reveals behind-the-scenes story of stage greeting following film comeback: "The director hid Myeong-jin's past"
Actor Kim Jae-joong candidly shared the director's creative vision and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from filming during a stage greeting for the film Gentleman: Whisper of the Evil Spirit.
Actor Kim Jae-joong shared intense behind-the-scenes moments during a stage greeting for his film 'Gentleman: Whisper of the Evil Spirit,' marking his return to the big screen. Expressing excitement about his comeback, he connected with the audience by highlighting the film's unique charm, which sets it apart from conventional horror movies.
"I only learned Myeong-jin's past midway through filming" — The director's design and immersion
Kim Jae-joong revealed that there were unexpected variables in his process of immersing himself in the character 'Myeong-jin.' When asked about specific situations, he disclosed that the director had kept Myeong-jin's backstory a secret until the middle stages of production. He explained that this was the director's intention to heighten the immersion of the drama by having the actors film without knowing the character's full narrative.
He also shared anecdotes regarding the directing process used to ramp up the tension on set. Mentioning a scene where the actors had to pant heavily to match the setting of being halfway up a mountain, he humorously recounted the physical struggles the cast faced at the time. While clarifying that the heavy breathing was part of the acting, he lightened the mood by sharing the actual hardships the actors endured on site.
"Looking natural is the scariest part" — A human side revealed at the stage greeting
Kim Jae-joong's human charm also drew attention during the stage greeting. Ahead of the photo session, he candidly admitted, "Taking photos at events like this is the scariest part," expressing his preference for looking natural rather than trying too hard to look stylish. During the subsequent photo time, he brought joy to the audience by using props that captured his character's traits.
Furthermore, he shared personal memories from the filming locations. He recalled one of the places he frequently visited during production, noting that he had visited it alone four times to enjoy the scenery and have meals. His relaxed demeanor, which stood in stark contrast to the terrifying atmosphere of the film, helped bridge the gap with the audience.
Kim Jae-joong emphasized that this film is an imaginative work that differs from typical, predictable horror movies, expressing his hope that the audience will find the film refreshing. Meeting the audience through the screen for the first time in a while, he continued to communicate sincerely at every moment, heightening anticipation for the film.