[Interview②] Oh Dal-su "Reflecting on Geoje Island, Waiting for 'Neighbor' Release, Mixed Emotions"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Oh Dal-su shared his feelings about appearing in 'Neighbor' after 2 years and 9 months.

On the afternoon of the 19th, Oh Dal-su spoke about various topics during an interview held at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of the release of the film 'Neighbor' (Director Lee Hwang-gyeong).

That day, Oh Dal-su began the interview by saying, "I have mixed feelings," and "Regardless of the reasons, I take responsibility."

Oh Dal-su said, "The release of 'Neighbor' was delayed, and I feel sorry to the production company, the director, and the staff, with many emotions mixed in," adding, "If the release had not been confirmed yet, it would have been truly painful."

In February 2018, Oh Dal-su was accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct during the #MeToo movement, apologized, and withdrew from public activities. At that time, he stated, "I will live with a heart of deep reflection on the life I have lived so far," and suspended his activities. The #MeToo case was handled by the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency but was closed due to the statute of limitations expiring for the incident that occurred in 1993.

Oh Dal-su said, "I was deeply shocked by the #MeToo incident. It felt like being hit by a dump truck and then hit again by a garbage truck from behind. It was a hard time to endure. I went to my mother's house in Busan, but many people came there too, so I went to my older brother's house in Geoje Island. I helped with the vegetable garden and lived simply," describing his life during self-reflection.

He continued, "When the sun went down, I watched movies on TV in my room. Living alone farming was good, but I wondered where I truly belonged. About two years later, the director of the independent film 'Yosichal' offered me a role, and I felt the desire to return to where I should be," adding, "I want to continue acting. As time passes, I hope the time of promise with the audience shortens. I don't have big ambitions, but this might sound irresponsible. Sometimes, there are times when things cannot be helped."

Oh Dal-su appeared in public for the first time in 2 years and 9 months since 'Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead' (2017). Although he cautiously stated that this was not a comeback, his participation in the press screening and interviews ahead of the film's release is seen as a practical return.

When asked if he thought the 2 years and 9 months until his return was morally appropriate despite avoiding legal judgment in the #MeToo case, Oh Dal-su said, "There is no fixed number of years or months, but fortunately, the film is being released. If the release had been delayed further, I wouldn't have minded since I could rest during the off-season and farm during the busy season, but I would have felt even more guilty toward the director and production company."

Oh Dal-su said, "'Neighbor' was never a film we gave up on releasing, so both I and the production company held hope that it would be released someday. Compared to that hope, the time might have been a bit longer. That's why I said I feel fortunate."

'Neighbor' tells the story of a wiretapping team facing demotion who disguise themselves as neighbors of a politically isolated family under home quarantine, monitoring them day and night. Directed by Lee Hwang-gyeong, who also directed 'Miracle in Cell No. 7' (2013). The film is set to be released on November 25.