Acclaimed Actor Discusses the Difficulty of Learning Arabic and Car Racing for His Latest Role

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In the dynamic world of Hollywood, actors often push their boundaries, learning new skills and transforming their appearances to embody diverse characters. However, for Ju Ji-hoon, the acclaimed South Korean actor, preparing for his role in the latest buddy cop film "Ransomed" presented an extraordinary challenge. Speaking to local reporters, Ju revealed that he had to acquire two new skills - speaking Arabic and car racing - while also bulking up his physique.

Intriguingly, Ju's character, Pan-soo, is a taxi driver with a unique background - having spent a considerable time in the Middle East and North Africa, he becomes deeply immersed in the local culture. When the film's diplomat character, played by Ha Jung-woo, faces a critical kidnapping situation, Pan-soo becomes instrumental in delivering a ransom to save the day.

Mastering Arabic proved to be one of Ju's most formidable tasks. He described the language as a seemingly incomprehensible sequence of unreadable letters, making the learning process extremely challenging. Nevertheless, the actor's dedication to his craft pushed him to persevere and deliver an authentic portrayal.

Furthermore, Ju revealed that the film's car chasing scenes were another area where he gave his all. Emphasizing the importance of realism, Ju shared that he and his co-star Ha Jung-woo personally filmed almost all the car scenes, creating a palpable chemistry reminiscent of "Mission: Impossible" and "Fast & Furious" films.

Interestingly, Ju and Ha Jung-woo's chemistry on screen can be attributed to their real-life friendship. Having previously acted together in the hit films "Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds" (2017) and its sequel "Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days" (2018), the duo's camaraderie translated seamlessly into "Ransomed," adding depth and authenticity to their performances.

Despite comparisons with other Korean films with similar rescue-themed plots, Ju emphasized that "Ransomed" stands out due to its unique blend of comedy and genre. The actor hoped to dispel any misconceptions that the film might be heavy and serious, offering audiences an entertaining and engaging experience.

As "Ransomed" joins the lineup of summer blockbusters, Ju acknowledged the pressure associated with the film's success, particularly given the challenging climate in the Korean film industry. While he recognized the competitive nature of the industry, Ju also called for solidarity and support among all filmmakers, hoping that their collective success would breathe new life into Korean cinema.

With "Ransomed" hitting local theaters, audiences eagerly await Ju Ji-hoon's impressive performance and the film's ability to entertain and resonate with viewers. As an actor who continually pushes his limits, Ju's dedication and versatility shine through once again, making "Ransomed" a must-watch for fans of gripping action and compelling storytelling.

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