[Exclusive] Interview with Song Joong Ki: “I learned a lot from my character�

[Bella D'Amour]

Song Joong-ki interview Part 1 ‘Descendants of the Sun’ 
 

 

 

(Song Joong-ki, Blossom Entertainment)
"Descendants of the Sun" has come to an end, and so has Song Joong-ki's heart throbbing role as the dashing Army Captain Yoo Shi-jin. For the first time since the show's wrap, Song engaged an interview session on April 15 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul to talk about his life as an actor and a 31-year-old. Below is a full transcript of his hour-long interview, including responses for the questions previously asked by the Kpop Herald readers via email.
 
Q: What did you learn from your time on “Descendants of the Sun?†
The TV drama provided a chance for me to realize that getting everyone involved and included is always a great idea. It was my lifelong belief and I tried to get every staff member and cast member engaged while filming “Descendants of the Sun.†I think it especially helped us at the worst times, such as filming in foreign countries.
 
Q: Were there any lines that were too cheesy to handle?
Not really. Many people say that our screenwriter Kim Eun-sook‘s stories are often very cheesy but I think it’s a matter of how you see it. I do respect the opinions of those who believe so, but it wasn‘t anything like that for me. I’m also quite confident that even if the lines themselves are cheesy, I, as an actor, can make it look simply romantic.
 
Q: How would you compare Yoo Shi-jin and Song Joong-ki? 
We do have one thing in common. Yoo Shi-jin likes to make jokes, and I do too. Even at this interview so far, I already made a few jokes. I think it really keeps me from getting nervous. On the set, I often make jokes to break the ice, but I make sure to not cross the line.
 
Q: What is a difference between Yoo Shi-jin and Song Joong-ki, especially in terms of romance?
The character Yoo Shi-jin certainly knows how to make ladies love him. I actually learned a lot about what kind of things to say when I want to satisfy a partner. The character that the writer created includes every little detail of an ideal man. But I sometimes wonder, is there anyone as perfect as Yoo?
 
Q: You managed to pull off many action scenes, even after an injury. How was that possible?
It wasn‘t easy for me at all. I learned a lot from the stuntmen on set by repeatedly asking them questions. I knew that I had to make the best efforts as I needed to improve. If I’m given another chance to do actions scenes in the future, I want to do a better job.'
 
Q: While filming “Descendants of the Sun,†which actor or actress gave you the most help or inspiration?
First of all, veteran actor Kang Shin-il, because I really respect him as an actor. He sent a long message to me after we exchanged phone numbers, and it really touched me.
Also, I think Song Hye-kyo influenced me the most, as she spent the most time with me during the filming. She was always considerate of everyone around her and her behavior is a living proof of why she is such a great star. Actually, she filmed all the difficult scenes -- episodes in which Kang cries in sadness after Yoo’s death -- all at once when I was in bed due to the injury. It must have been really pressuring and difficult, but she volunteered to do it.
For Jin Goo, he is always very relaxed and I really want to be like him the next time I work with people who are less experienced than me.
Lastly, David McInnis was another actor that I‘m extremely thankful toward. I respect the attitude and passion he holds, even in a foreign country.
 
Q: Where did you watch the show? 
A: I watched a few episodes at (variety show “Running Man†cast member Lee) Kwang-soo’s house, but mostly backstage while filming advertisements, as I was always on a tight schedule. Also, I tried to watch it with my life-long friends on purpose, because I was curious about their honest opinions.
 

Interview with Song Joong-ki: “I learned a lot from my character†- Part 2

 

 

Q: You were recently in Hong Kong for a promotional tour of “Descendants.â€
A: I had read about the show’s popularity overseas. It was the first time I was able to actually see for myself how many fans were there. After the promotion, I was at a photo shoot for a magazine, and when the photographer and I were shooting on the streets, that’s when I really felt that so many people had seen the show. It was so surprising and such a joy.
 
Q: “Descendants†has had a huge impact, not just on TV but in other areas as well. Estimates say it generated some 3 trillion won ($2.6 billion) worth of profits to the Korean economy.
A: I’ve read in news reports that (the TV drama) has been important for other sectors of the society as well. I’ve simply done my part as an actor, but I feel a sense of responsibility as well. I feel like I need to stay up to date on all these social issues.
 
Q: The show’s huge success must have changed your life quite a bit. You’ve become more popular than ever, not just locally, but also overseas. How do you deal with this? Do people say you’ve changed?
A: That’s a question that I ask myself a lot these days. I don’t know yet. I try to stay the same but I also think that change is inevitable. What I mean is, if you stay the same as in your rookie days, you can’t deal with all the new responsibilities you are faced with. Of course, my most important values should stay the same. My appearance has also changed a lot since my early acting days. Our company’s profits have soared; our managers are so happy these days. All things aside, though, I try to stay true to myself. People say I’m a hallyu celebrity now, but I don’t really feel that way. I learn a lot from people like Song Hye-kyo (who played Song Joong-ki’s love interest in “Descendantsâ€) and Lee Kwang-soo (cast member of variety show “Running Manâ€), (they) are the ones that are really hallyu stars. (Kwang-soo) is the “Prince of Asia,†he’s the real star.
 
Q: How crazy has the level of fame gotten?
A: To be honest, I’m a little upset these days. My family has been exposed to the media. Some people break into our house. My ex-girlfriend’s photos are circulating online. To say that these are things I need to endure for the sake of celebrity ... that’s sad. I want to respectfully request that my private life remain private.
 
 
Interview with Song Joong-ki: "Song in real life" - Part 3

 

 
Q: What are you like on set?
A: When I work with other people, I try to make up for their shortcomings with my strengths, and I let others make up for my flaws with their strengths. I try to cooperate with people around me when working in a group. I like to enhance team spirit on set. I try to get everyone involved in the action.
 
Q: What is your personality like in real life?
A: I tend to be conservative. I’m not very sophisticated. There are parts of me that are “classic.†I sometimes wonder if this industry is a good fit for me. At times like that, I just try not to lose my color and live according to it.
 
Q: It’s been nine years since your 2008 debut in the film “A Frozen Flower.†What were your goals back then? Do you think you’ve achieved them?
A: When I was starting as an actor, my goal was to experience as many roles as I could. It wasn’t my goal be cast for a lead role quickly. I didn’t want to be cast for the lead and not give a good performance. I thought it was better to learn from diverse roles in many movies. In that sense, I feel like I’ve achieved my goals, and I’m still in that process. I’m very excited about my upcoming film, “Battleship Island,†which is about independence activists during the Japanese colonial occupation.
 
Q: Actor Jin Goo, who costarred on “Descendants,†said he drank soju with you often. He said you could outdrink him.
A: He said that? There were a lot of men on set as extras for soldier roles. We drank together a lot. A lot of the time, I had a shoot the next morning, so I tried hard not to get drunk. But nobody can outdrink Jin Goo. I could never beat him.
 
Q: Where did you watch “Descendants�
A: I sometimes watched it at Kwang-soo’s house (referring to Lee Kwang-soo, cast member of variety show “Running Manâ€). I watched it often at the houses of my friends from middle school, who are very frank with me and give me their honest opinions on the show. I wanted to hear what ordinary viewers really thought of the show, so I liked hearing their very candid responses. I’ve watched it alone at home, too. But these days, I normally see it on sets when I’m shooting ads.
 

source

[Buttercell]

Love Kwang soo and Joong Ki's friendship. 

[HugeBoi Minos Wife]

 

Q: Were there any lines that were too cheesy to handle?

Not really. Many people say that our screenwriter Kim Eun-sook‘s stories are often very cheesy but I think it’s a matter of how you see it. I do respect the opinions of those who believe so, but it wasn‘t anything like that for me. I’m also quite confident that even if the lines themselves are cheesy, I, as an actor, can make it look simply romantic.

  

Q: “Descendants†has had a huge impact, not just on TV but in other areas as well. Estimates say it generated some 3 trillion won ($2.6 billion) worth of profits to the Korean economy.

A: I’ve read in news reports that (the TV drama) has been important for other sectors of the society as well. I’ve simply done my part as an actor, but I feel a sense of responsibility as well. I feel like I need to stay up to date on all these social issues.

 

Q: The show’s huge success must have changed your life quite a bit. You’ve become more popular than ever, not just locally, but also overseas. How do you deal with this? Do people say you’ve changed?

A: That’s a question that I ask myself a lot these days. I don’t know yet. I try to stay the same but I also think that change is inevitable. What I mean is, if you stay the same as in your rookie days, you can’t deal with all the new responsibilities you are faced with. Of course, my most important values should stay the same. My appearance has also changed a lot since my early acting days. Our company’s profits have soared; our managers are so happy these days. All things aside, though, I try to stay true to myself. 

 

 

Respect.