[Interview] Kim Seong-cheol: "If I Become a Good Person, My Acting Will Shine"

The Strong Presence of Sohyeon Seja Revealed in the Movie 'Owl'

Actor Kim Seong-cheol. Photo by NEW

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Kim Seongcheol (31) captivates with his bright, inquisitive eyes full of curiosity about all things. His determined and progressive demeanor is impressive. Having started his career on stage, he is now gaining attention in Chungmuro beyond the small screen. The film Owl (director Ahn Taejin) reaffirms the belief that he is a talented actor.

On the afternoon of the 21st, Kim Seongcheol (31) met at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, saying, "I don’t know how to respond to the compliments following the premiere, but I feel good," and added, "I hope to become a new face that audiences discover in Owl." In the film, he portrayed Crown Prince Sohyeon, leaving a brief but strong impression. Yoo Haejin, who played King Injo, and director Ahn also agreed in earlier interviews that Kim Seongcheol’s acting was impressive.

After eight years, Crown Prince Sohyeon returned to his family, clashing with his father King Injo by candidly urging him to ally with the Qing dynasty and embrace new ideas. Suddenly, his illness, acquired during his long stay abroad, worsened, and while receiving treatment, he met a tragic death.

Kim Seongcheol said, "I focused on portraying him as 'wise.' I aimed to depict a leader who embraces everything, with an open mindset unseen in Joseon, like someone who studied abroad." He shared that he had always longed to challenge and portray real historical figures. He added, "It was heartbreaking that he was a tragic crown prince who never ascended the throne, and I wanted to express that well."

"Crown Prince Sohyeon is like an ideal figure I aspire to be. Someone who embraces others, does not stubbornly insist on their own way, and can compromise. I tend to listen to others but also have my stubbornness and cannot agree with every opinion. Now, I am trying to break my stubbornness and listen more to others to move forward. We share a similar cleverness. Seniors I worked with have described me as 'fox-like,' which is a compliment meaning I fulfill my role well. I now accept that compliment."

Despite his limited screen time, he made a definite presence. He said, "I have no desire for screen time in any project. I am satisfied with just one impactful scene." He also expressed a wish to stop being a 'scene-stealer' (a supporting actor who attracts more attention than the lead with outstanding acting). He said, "I didn’t have great acting ambitions in Owl. I played an appropriate character, contributing at the right moments. I want to stop being a scene-stealer now. I’ve heard that since my theater days, but it’s an undeserved compliment," he laughed.

A scene from the movie 'Owl'. Photo by NEW

When asked about the flattering reactions, he chose 'cheat key' (a secret weapon to win a game). Kim Seongcheol said, "I like being called a 'cheat key' actor. It’s a gaming term meaning that when this actor appears in the story, things become easier and smoother. I don’t want to steal scenes anymore (laughs). I want to be an actor who blends well into the story and leads it."

Kim Seongcheol burst onto the industry scene like a comet in 2014 with the musical Adolescence and gained popularity with the drama Prison Playbook (2017). Since then, he has appeared in When the Wind Blows (2019), Arthdal Chronicles, Our Beloved Summer (2021), and films such as Rose of Betrayal (2018), Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 (2019), and Search Out (2020). Now in his 30s, he is gaining attention as a 'blue chip' in Chungmuro beyond the stage and small screen. The turning point was the film Battle of Jangsari: Forgotten Heroes (2019). "I was disappointed after watching Battle of Jangsari. I wondered why there was so much greed. During filming, I tried to say something, but later I understood why the director helped so much. I realized that being greedy and wanting to act well can backfire. Back then, I only wanted to look cool acting, but now I feel I should become a better person. If I become a good person, my acting will improve. I have learned to empty and let go."

"My mentality doesn’t shake easily. I have a strange confidence. I think, 'It will happen someday,' 'Someone will find me.' When I go to meetings or auditions, I can sense whether I am needed or just called out of curiosity. I have come to believe that someone who seeks me out will appear again. I have worked hard for 10 years since my debut. Time has passed so quickly. I used to worry if I could get the next project after debut, but now I don’t. Starting next year, I plan to make plans. I want to look into and find the parts I am missing in my life going forward."