So Ji Sub sat down with DongA.com on June 12th for the interview for his new Netflix series Mercy for None, talking about working with his co-stars and offering candid behind-the-scenes stories.
Speaking about his fellow cast members, he mentioned Gong Myung, who plays his antagonist in the series: “It was disappointing that we didn’t have many scenes together. Gong Myung has this gentle, cute, and lovable image. But seeing him play against type was really entertaining to watch. He seemed to enjoy it too.” So added, “As for Choo Young Woo, he came in really prepared. The director gave a lot of real-time direction, and Young Woo adjusted to it fast. He has this energy of acceptance,” he added.
Finally, regarding Lee Jun Hyuk, who plays his younger brother in the series, So praised: “Jun Hyuk didn’t appear for long, but he was just so cool and sexy. Even as a guy, I found him sexy. He did a great job.”
The actor then revealed the intense transformation he underwent for the role. “I started at 95 kg (about 209 lbs), and by the end, I was down to 70 kg (about 154 lbs),” he said. “I did a classic calorie-cutting diet—basically just chicken breast for meals. It’s not easy anymore. I gain weight even if I don’t eat much, so I think I really have to watch myself now.”
On the subject of his relatively sparse project lineup in recent years, So clarified that it wasn’t intentional. “I didn’t really mean to take time off—it just sort of happened. I tend to use a lot of energy while filming, so I do need time between projects to recharge,” he explained. “Right now, I’m looking at scripts, but I’m not sure if I should do something new or stick to what I’m good at. It’s a little confusing.”
As for the future? “From my perspective, what suits me is probably what I can do well, but audiences and viewers want to see new things too, so there’s that balance,” he reflected. “But I don’t think I can do rom-coms anymore. Maybe melodramas at most.”
Mercy for None, released the 6th, follows Ki Joon (So Ji Sub), a former top enforcer who cut his own Achilles tendon to escape a violent underworld. But when his brother and second-in-command Ki Seok (Lee Jun Hyuk) is found dead, he returns after 11 years to uncover the truth—and seek vengeance.
>> Netflix Korean Noir ‘Mercy for None’ Takes World by Storm, Lands No.2 Globally in 3 Days
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