Actor Song Kang-ho stands in front of a photo wall during a press conference for the drama “Uncle Samsik” in Gangnam district, Seoul, on May 8. Yonhap
As one of Korea’s most famous actors, Song Kang-ho probably doesn’t have much left to prove on stage.
However, the actor said that he constantly strives to offer his audience something new in a fresh way, and Disney+’s Korean original series “Uncle Samsik” served that purpose.
“Just as Samsik pursues his dream in the series, I too would like to continue working as an actor through projects like this,” he said in an interview with a group of reporters in Seoul on Monday.
“Whether it’s a film or a drama, such work is both a challenge and a motivation for me,” he says.
Song played the lead role of Park Doo-chil, a mysterious, inscrutable man better known as “Uncle Samsik” in the series, which aired on the streaming platform from May 15 to June 19. The character’s nickname comes from his commitment to serving people around him “samsik,” which means three meals a day in Korean.
Set in the early 1960s, when Korea was still reeling from the aftermath of the 1950-1953 Korean War and going through turbulent political and social changes, the 16-episode series explores the relationship between Samsik and Kim San (played by Byun Yo-han), an idealistic economist who desires to reshape the country’s future.
One of the most highly anticipated series on Disney+ following the runaway success of last year’s “Moving,” “Uncle Samsik” received mixed reviews due to its relatively underwhelming performance. Critics raised concerns about the slow plot development, complicated historical narratives, and a complex timeline filled with flashbacks.
“It was not an easy decision for me. I wondered whether a period drama like this would really resonate with the viewers in today’s fast-paced world of OTT dramas, where sensational and provocative content often flourishes,” the actor said of his decision to join the show. “But ultimately, I wanted to take up the challenge.”
“Movies follow certain formulas. When you read a script, you can tell whether it will work or not. The same goes for dramas,” he said. “Stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new can be intimidating, but it also inspires motivation and a sense of adventure.”
Actor Song Kang-ho listens to a reporter’s questions during a press conference for the drama “Uncle Samsik” in Gangnam district, Seoul, on May 8. Yonhap
Since making his debut in a play in 1990, Song has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films. He rose to worldwide fame after starring in Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning film “Parasite” (2019), for which he won the Best Ensemble Acting award at the US Critics’ Choice Awards. He also won the Best Actor award at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival for his role in “Broker.”
“Uncle Samsik” marks the veteran actor’s debut in a television series after 35 years, and he found the experience refreshingly interesting.
“While films have to compress their content into about two hours and deliver it with a lot of energy, dramas can convey detailed stories and characters to viewers in a more comprehensive and sensitive way than is possible in films,” he said.
He said his professional acting career has lasted for over 30 years, but acting has never been easier.
“You might expect me to feel more comfortable and relaxed after 35 years. That’s not the case at all. It’s still so difficult and painful,” the actor said.
“Creating something remains such a painful task. It has been and will continue to be a challenge for me as long as I pursue acting.” (Yonhap)
