Choi Min-sik, Characters Crafted with 'Compassion'... From College Memories to 'Oldboy' Filming Stories

The trajectory of actor Choi Min-sik's acting career and the philosophy that forms its foundation are being re-examined through past broadcast records. Video materials released by KBS contain interviews with Choi Min-sik produced at different times, such as 'Lee So-ra's Proposal' in 2001, 'Happiness Channel' in 2003, and 'Power Interview' in 2006, as well as scenes from the filming of the movie 'Oldboy'.

"Compassion for people is the foundation"... The actor's attitude toward characters

While mentioning that the commonality among the characters he has played is being an 'outsider' or 'non-mainstream,' Choi Min-sik revealed that 'compassion for people' always flows at the base of them. He explained that no matter what kind of villain he plays, he starts from the thought, "There must have been a reason for that." This attitude is read as a result of his acting method, which seeks to explore the internal motivations of a character regardless of their social status or personality.

Regarding himself, he revealed his human side without reservation, stating, "I have severe emotional fluctuations and get angry easily, and a soft side and macho temperament coexist." This part suggests that the complex emotional lines shown by characters in dramas are connected to the actor's own personality.

The desperate struggle of 'Oldboy', losing 12kg and throwing his body into acting

In the 'Power Interview' video aired in 2006, behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of the movie 'Oldboy' are told in detail. At that time, to embody the state of his character, Choi Min-sik attempted physical changes, such as starting training in December of the previous year and losing about 12kg. In particular, it is confirmed that he underwent training in the ring for 5 hours every day while receiving private lessons from an Olympic gold medalist.

According to field records, Choi Min-sik insisted on acting by throwing his body directly without using a stunt double. During the filming of a fight scene, an accident occurred where he injured his face with the opponent actor's elbow, but he continued his immersion on set, saying, "It is better to try until the end without cutting (stunt double)." This attitude of his became the background for leading fellow actor Yoo Ji Tae to evaluate him as "an actor with a clear and upright path."

Soju and theater, and 'After Love'... Memories of college days

Choi Min-sik, who appeared on 'Lee So-ra's Proposal' in the past, reminisced about his college days when he majored in theater. He summarized his college days as 'theater and soju bottles,' recalling the days when he was immersed in theater while drinking with seniors and juniors every day. Even amidst the chaotic situation when a school closure order was issued due to the national situation at the time, he shared nostalgic memories, saying, "Once it passes, even bad things feel good."

In particular, he mentioned Deulgukhwa's 'After Love,' which he enjoyed singing during his college days, and recalled the days when they gathered in small theaters to listen to songs to the sound of a guitar. Having named Jeon In-kwon as his idol at the time, he recreated the sentiment of the past in the video by singing the song while wearing sunglasses.