[On the Record] ‘Pamyoh’ Kim Jae-cheol: “LA Korean American? I’m a native of Pungnap-dong”

Actor Kim Jae-cheol Interview

Role as Korean-American Seeking Shaman's Help in Film 'Pamyoh'
"Director Jang Jae-hyun and Wife Are Benefactors... Staying Grounded Despite Popularity"

Actor Kim Jae-cheol [Photo by KeyEast]

"The fox cut the tiger's waist." Actor Kim Jae-cheol (42) delivers the most important line in the movie Pamyo. The scene where he turns his neck is impressively shocking. His accent sounds convincingly like an actual Korean-American, and the scene where he channels a spirit and utters Japanese sends chills down the spine. He is director Jang Jae-hyun's greatest discovery. The director offered him the role after watching the drama Hyena (2020).

Meeting Kim Jae-cheol at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, he recalled, "I was offered the role through my agency and thought, 'Why me?'" He laughed as he reminisced about his first meeting with the director. "I was extremely nervous and prepared thoroughly for the acting. But the director had already made up his mind. He said, 'I think you'll do well.' He held my hands tightly and said, 'You are my benefactor.'"

Pamyo, which was released on the 22nd of last month, has attracted 6.6 million viewers as of the 6th, continuing its box office success. This is an incredible achievement. Directed by Jang Jae-hyun, who established a unique niche in the occult genre with films like The Priests (2015) and Svaha: The Sixth Finger (2019), the director cleverly infused popular and commercial elements while planning a theatrical film after the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the release, Director Jang sent Kim Jae-cheol a message saying, "I am happy to be able to show the raw gem called Kim Jae-cheol to people." This moved Kim Jae-cheol deeply. He expressed affection, saying, "Director Jang is hard to read when quiet, but he is delicate like a boy and carries a lot of sadness. He is sincere and takes good care of his people."

Movie 'Pamyo' Still Image [Photo by Showbox]

'The Man with the Smooth Neck' Leaves a Strong Impression

As the movie succeeds, Kim Jae-cheol is touring theaters for stage greetings alongside actors like Choi Min-sik and Yoo Hae-jin. Stage greetings have evolved beyond mere 'fan service' into a cultural phenomenon. With the growing online influence, memes (internet viral content) are created and consumed like a game.

Sixty-one-year-old actor Choi Min-sik does not hesitate to wear all kinds of 'headbands' given by the audience during stage greetings. Photos and videos of this have become a hot topic online. Kim Jae-cheol introduces himself as the 'master of neck turning' and 'the man with the smooth neck,' repeatedly turning his neck. Usually, stage greetings happen before or after the movie screening, but for Pamyo, they take place after the film ends. For viewers who have just watched the movie, Kim Jae-cheol turning his neck is inevitably amusing.

"Senior Choi Min-sik said, 'Since you are receiving great love, turn your neck diligently with a good heart! Turn it confidently!' (laughs) Watching the senior refresh the atmosphere in the audience was amazing. I learned a lot. Everyone was fooled when looking for Kang Dong-won. I am holding on with just my neck. I haven't received a headband yet, but if I do, I will gladly wear it."

Actor Kim Jae-cheol [Photo by KeyEast]

Kim Jae-cheol plays Park Ji-yong, who seeks help from a shaman because a strange illness has been passed down through three generations in his family. From the beginning of the film, he appears calm yet exudes a mysterious dark aura. Audiences who have seen the film have reacted, saying, "I thought he was an actual Korean-American."

He laughed, saying, "I am a native of Pungnap-dong, Seoul." He added, "I lived in Pungnap-dong for a long time until I got married, and my father still lives there. The residents even organized group viewings and cheered me on."

The convincing Korean-American accent was possible thanks to the help of his Korean-American wife. Kim Jae-cheol said, "My wife recorded the English lines. I listened to her recordings, then recorded mine and got feedback from her again. When my wife says she is Korean-American, people ask, 'Is that why you have that Korean-American vibe? Does that atmosphere come through?'" Even his brother-in-law, who had never been to Korea, acknowledged it. He said, "My brother-in-law who watched the movie complimented me, saying, 'Brother, your pronunciation was really good,' which made me feel great."

'20 Years of Obscurity' Thirst Is My Driving Force

Kim Jae-cheol began acting with the film Jumping (2000). He performed on stage in plays such as Gwangsu's Thoughts (2007) and Chilsu and Mansu (2008), and in 2010, he was a trainee member of the National Theater Company. Later, he gained recognition through dramas like Hyena (2020) and Kill Heel (2022).

"When I was young, I wanted to succeed quickly. I auditioned countless times. There were tough times, but I endured thinking, 'The opportunity hasn't come yet.' My family and seniors believed in me. I silently walked, thinking, 'Let's cherish this moment and endure.' Volunteering for audio books for the visually impaired, movies, exercise, and theater helped me endure and became the nourishment for my present."

He said, "If I had been noticed 10 years ago, I would have been excited, thinking 'It's over.' Even if I shine briefly with Pamyo and it takes more time and auditions to get the next role, I am confident I can endure. I am grateful to myself for enduring a long period of obscurity."

Actor Kim Jae-cheol [Photo by KeyEast]

Kim Jae-cheol describes himself as a 'parenting master.' He is also a father to a daughter who just turned two. Recently, he has been busy raising his daughter, who started attending daycare. He laughed, saying, "This interview feels unreal. Yesterday I was parenting, today I am doing an interview, and tomorrow I have to take my daughter to daycare." He added, "I have to work harder with a father's heart, even if it's just to cover the daycare fees."

"My goal is to hear people say, 'Is that really the same person from Pamyo?' in future works. I am thirsty for compliments. Even if I don't play a wealthy businessman or Korean-American role, I am confident. I will show different faces depending on the clothes I wear, such as a merchant or a public official."