Japanese actor Sho Kasamatsu got a full introduction to Korean variety TV on his first appearance on MBC’s Radio Star.
Appearing on the September 2nd “K-Variety Odyssey” special, Kasamatsu impressed the hosts with his fluent Korean and quick wit, introducing himself without an interpreter and saying he hopes to continue working actively in Korea after appearing in projects including Good News and Taxi Driver 3.
The actor, who has been working for 14 years, said he first encountered basic Korean vocabulary and grammar while in school before continuing to learn through Korean music, dramas and films. He added that spending roughly six months filming in Korea two to three years ago — and often drinking and talking with directors and staff all night — helped improve his Korean considerably.
Kasamatsu also shared an airport story that quickly became one of the episode’s highlights.
After receiving messages from Korean fans saying they would come greet him at the airport, he said he spent 30 to 40 minutes in the restroom preparing his airport look when he arrived in Korea last year. But when he finally walked out, the only people waiting for him were members of his agency.
Things did not go much better on his second arrival. Kasamatsu said he saw a huge crowd at the airport and briefly thought fans had come to see him — only to realize IVE’s Yujin was standing ahead of him. The moment the doors opened, everyone followed her, once again leaving only his staff behind.
He also joked about his Good News co-star Yoon Kyung Ho’s famously talkative personality.
Kasamatsu said Yoon would talk to him nonstop from morning until night, joking that he practically suffered an “ear injury” on set. Even after filming wrapped, Yoon continued sending him lengthy messages.
“They’re as long as old scrolls,” Kasamatsu joked.
The episode also gave Kasamatsu a more traditionally chaotic Korean variety-show initiation. During an impromptu caricature challenge with Oh My Girl’s Mimi, she joked, “I might fall for you while drawing you,” before admitting, “That made my heart flutter,” when he reached out to keep her still.
Kasamatsu later took on everything from Mimi’s new choreography to Jo Hye Ryun’s Tae Bo routine and “Anacana” dance.
Reflecting on the experience, he said the recording gave him a new appreciation for Radio Star’s long history and for veteran entertainers willing to throw themselves into a bit for the sake of a laugh.
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