Star's Role in Acclaimed Drama Transforms Beliefs and Acting Approach

SBS

Oh Jung-se, acclaimed actor known for his versatile roles, has undergone a profound transformation following his participation in the recent SBS drama "Revenant." Portraying the character Yeom Hae-sang, a folkloristics professor endowed with the ability to perceive devils and spirits, Oh's portrayal led him to embrace an unexpected belief in the existence of the supernatural.

Speaking to the press on Friday in the vibrant Gangnam District of southern Seoul, Oh disclosed, "I didn't hold this belief before, but my interactions with genuine shamans who possess the ability to perceive the spirit world were so resolute that I now find myself contemplating the possibility of a different realm coexisting alongside ours."

In "Revenant," Oh shared the screen with fellow actor Kim Tae-ri, who portrayed Gu San-yeong, a woman who becomes ensnared by an evil ghost. The gripping narrative follows their quest to confront and expel the malevolent spirit. The drama concluded its riveting 12-episode run on July 29, achieving a national viewership rating of 11.2 percent as reported by Nielsen Korea. Impressively, it also secured a place in the Top 10 Disney+ shows across five countries, including Korea, Japan, and Singapore, as confirmed by streaming analysis company FlixPatrol.

Reflecting on his collaboration with Kim Tae-ri, Oh commended her extraordinary ability to seamlessly transition between her character and the ghost that possesses her. "Her nuanced portrayal, effortlessly traversing between San-yeong and the ghost, truly left an indelible mark," Oh expressed with admiration.

Comparatively, Oh's character, Hae-sang, is imbued with subtlety and depth, requiring a deeper exploration to comprehend fully. "Upon initially encountering Hae-sang's character through the script, I found him somewhat uncharismatic and even a touch dull," Oh confessed. "He isn't the conventional hero; rather, he grapples with personal failures and graces the series in solemn black attire, leading a solitary existence."

Despite his initial reservations, Oh's portrayal of Hae-sang underwent an evolution, a testament to the adept storytelling prowess of writer Kim Eun-hee. Known for her remarkable works such as "Signal" (2016) and "Kingdom" (2019–), Kim Eun-hee penned "Revenant." Her collaboration with Oh extends to their joint endeavor in the 2021 series "Mount Jiri."

Oh's acting repertoire spans over two decades, with notable roles including a supporting role as an autistic individual in "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" (2020) and a comic relief character in "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019). In "Revenant," Oh's portrayal marks a pivotal shift towards a more intricate and serious character, marking a significant departure from his previously lighthearted roles.

Navigating this transition, Oh revealed, "I recognized the need to overcome the preconceived notions that audiences held about me from my earlier roles. To authentically embody Hae-sang, I embarked on a thorough exploration of his emotions, motivations, and reactions, effectively immersing myself in his world."

Delving into the essence of Hae-sang's persona, Oh unveiled, "At his core, Hae-sang is an inherently kind soul, valuing the memory of those who have passed. This role posed its challenges, yet as I unearthed these facets within him, I found confidence in my portrayal, learning valuable lessons along the way."

As Oh bids farewell to Hae-sang, he eagerly anticipates embracing fresh opportunities in his acting journey. "While Hae-sang's presence was incredibly significant, I am now poised to move forward, eager to present a new facet of myself to the public," Oh expressed with a sense of renewal.

In his candid reflections, Oh Jung-se's experience with "Revenant" not only reshaped his acting approach but also sparked a profound reconsideration of the mysterious forces that may reside beyond the realm of the tangible.

Sayart.net 

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