[Interview] Rising Star Choi Hyun-wook to Follow Park Seo-joon and Joo Ji-hoon

'Weak Hero' Suho Role Chosen as Favorite Character and Gains Popularity

Actor Choi Hyun-wook. Photo by Wavve

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Choi Hyun-wook (20) is a rising star recently gaining attention in the industry. With a look that strangely blends Park Seo-joon and Ju Ji-hoon, and a tall stature, he also possesses the free-spirited charm typical of a twenty-year-old. He firmly established himself with the public through "Weak Hero." His potential was recognized early on. Born in 2002, he debuted with the web drama "Real: Time: Love" (2019), made an impression last year in the drama "Racket Boys," and gained popularity with "Twenty-Five Twenty-One." This time, he plays Ahn Su-ho, a character viewers unanimously name as their favorite.

Recently, at a cafe in Palpan-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Choi Hyun-wook told Asia Economy, "I received the most messages after 'Weak Hero' was released," adding, "People around me encouraged me, saying they binge-watched it until dawn and found it fun." Regarding the reaction that viewers concentrated on watching all eight episodes released at once, he said, "That's one of the reasons the content succeeded." He added, "Although it's a drama, it felt like a movie over five hours long. Some even asked if the 40-minute runtime was short."

Released on the 18th, the OTT original series "Weak Hero" depicts the story of top 1% model student Yeon Si-eun (played by Park Ji-hoon) who, along with his first friend Su-ho (played by Choi Hyun-wook) and Beom-seok, confronts numerous acts of violence. It is a strong action growth drama about a weak boy. Immediately after release, it ranked first in Wave's paid subscriber contribution and held the number one spot consecutively in the 'Today's TOP 20,' gaining popularity.

Choi Hyun-wook plays Ahn Su-ho, a loyal fighter who stands up against violence to protect his friends. He is a character who does not act first but steps in to restore order when someone crosses the line, like a hidden master. He said, "While reading the script, I thought Su-ho, who has a solid side of a teenager, was cool. I wanted to resemble him, who is admired by everyone, but I was also worried. It was my first time trying action scenes, so I worked hard while learning." As a former baseball player, he said, "My past experience in sports greatly helped me use my body." He added, "To portray Su-ho, a former martial arts athlete, I attended an action school and learned a lot. I also received posture correction from an actual athlete and practiced shadowboxing alone by the Han River."

"Meeting Su-ho changed my personality a lot. I received positive energy and became a happiness ambassador. When I interact with friends, I say 'good, good' and pass on energy. I learned how to deal with people. My cheerful personality resembles Su-ho's, but due to my job, I can't step forward without hesitation. I have experienced setbacks and discouragements in relationships, and I think I mature through them, so I am grateful."

'Weak Hero' still. Photo by Wavve

Choi Hyun-wook revealed that he is actually emotional and quiet. "People often say I seem extroverted, but I also have a calm side. Of course, sometimes my tension rises, but I tend to be emotional. I am very sensitive to seasons. Each season change brings a unique scent and feeling. I ride my bicycle while listening to music, and sometimes I become sentimental watching fallen leaves by the Han River. I also enjoy memories that come up with music."

Choi Hyun-wook, who said he wanted to become an actor after watching the "Along with the Gods" film series, said, "I started acting because I liked movies. I was told at acting school that I have rich sensitivity. Later, I transferred to Hallim Arts High School to study acting seriously, passed an audition for a web drama, and debuted as an actor. That's how I got here," he said with a smile. When asked what kind of actor he wants to be, he replied, "I will continue to find and maximize my charm as I go." He said, "As the OTT market grows, there is more content. I want to try various acting by playing characters opposite to Su-ho. I like to bring change. I hope I suit any role well."

"I am happy when acting. I discover unknown charms while acting and talking with other actors. That's why I love acting. Through 'Weak Hero,' I learned action and also cooking. The fact that I can keep learning something through acting is also attractive. Maybe I keep acting because I like to keep improving without stopping."