[Limelight] Yoo Ah-in's Emotional Performance, Increasingly Persuasive

Among Actors in Their 30s, Unparalleled Expressiveness... Expanding Empathy Across Genres
Breaking Existing Molds and Exploring New Possibilities, No Unnecessary Movements in 'Jigok'

An actor is a performer of emotions. They adjust their expression according to the score called a scenario or script. The ultimate goal is empathy. Raising one's voice is not always the answer. It is problematic if individuality appears too strongly. Persuasiveness given to facial expressions, voice, and gestures comes first. They must harmonize with the overall atmosphere and emit an active energy.

From this perspective, Yoo Ah-in may seem lacking. His expressiveness is unparalleled among actors in their 30s. He gained popular recognition through the films Veteran and Sa-do. Coincidentally, the acting in both works was often criticized as excessive. It was pointed out that he was greedy in portraying dramatic roles. The bust shot was mainly mentioned. A representative example is Jo Tae-oh’s line "This is absurd" in Veteran. He quickly turns his head toward the driver (Jung Woong-in) and furrows his brows with all his might. In Sa-do, there is a distinct impression in the scene where his son Jeongjo (Lee Hyo-je) confesses that he studies because of Yeongjo (Song Kang-ho). Crown Prince Sado pulls the bowstring taut while gathering strength in his unfocused eyes.

Even without furrowing the brows between the eyes or tightly closing anxious eyes, the character’s feelings and mood are conveyed and then some. However, both films are commercially strong genre works. Emphasizing certain points with force can be more effective for delivery. Strong individuality can also induce a higher level of tension. Of course, if repeated continuously, it becomes a noisy empty cart. The range of activity also narrows. In fact, some actors have become trapped in specific images.

Yoo Ah-in has narrowly avoided crossing the line every time. This is thanks to consistently breaking the existing mold and changing direction. An impressive turning point was Burning. Jong-su’s unadorned and rough face was imbued with everyday worries. Anxiety and concern act as the driving force tracing the trajectory of a powerless life. In the scene where he is wary of Ben (Steven Yeun), it is transformed into resentment and bitterness. Yoo Ah-in found the answer by blending into new rules and order.

"Regardless of genre or format, the acting required differs for each work. Often, dramatic effects are aimed for, but sometimes the acting exists naturally like a background. Since each director has different intentions, it’s hard to define what good acting is. Personally, I have preferred roles. Wandeuk in the film Wandeuki and Lee Sun-jae in the drama Secret Love Affair. But people around me only recognize roles like Jo Tae-oh or Crown Prince Sado. They conclude that my acting has a distinct color. I think this misunderstanding arose because those two works were big hits. I was just exploring possibilities by meeting various directors (laughs)."

The change also stands out in Netflix’s Hellbound. Chairman Jeong Jin-soo distorts and exaggerates the death notices to justify himself. Yoo Ah-in did not portray the inciting face straightforwardly. He added anxiety and nervousness to his voice and complexion. He condensed tension within passive movements and gave persuasiveness to the emotional escalation. "You know, since I heard the prophecy, I have been tormented by fear until now. Do you know what kind of fear that 20 years of fear is? It’s endless fear... I lived 20 years in that pain. But because of that fear, I was able to live more righteously."

There are no unnecessary lines or movements in this long confession. He heightens tension solely through acting. Moving between light and darkness, he breathes rhythm into the lines, completing what is called a dramatic monologue. "I didn’t think about how to express specific lines. I tend not to make detailed plans in advance. I think immersing myself in the acting is more important. I have a consciousness that objectively observes it in my mind. I adjust the rhythm by intuition and create the overall picture."

There is no correct answer in compromises made in real time. It is only a matter of how much persuasiveness is secured. Yoo Ah-in constantly doubts and verifies. Even outside the camera, he boldly raises questions to test authenticity and simplicity. He does not stop even if criticized for attracting attention and causing controversy. His ability to judge for himself is that solid. Every time, he breaks away from routine and broadens the scope of empathy. He is truly noteworthy as an emotional performer who transcends genres.