Yoo Ah In Is A Tough Guy In "Tough As Iron"

In October, film lovers and Yoo Ah In fans will have a chance to see the actor play a tough guy in the film "Tough As Iron."

Yoo plays Kang Chul, a man who has remained positive despite financial difficulties. However, life throws him a challenge that disorients him and gives him no choice but to become a criminal. Kang Chul's mom, played by Kim Hae Suk, gets sick and there's no way to pay for her medical bills. Kang Chul tries every respectable way to get the money but after he is turned down for a bank loan, he gets desperate. He is forced to work for a gang to pay for his mother's hospital stay.

When Yoo Ah In plays a part, he looks within to find some aspect of the character that he can personally relate to. While Yoo Ah In has never been driven to commit a crime, he might, for example, see how desperate such a situation could make someone.

"My acting philosophy is to enlarge what I have inside of me through the character," he said in a recent interview.

Fortunately, the choices Yoo Ah In made when he was younger have been more promising than a life of crime. Yoo Ah In was in an arts school when he decided to drop out and start going to acting auditions. He made his debut in the series "Sharp" in 2013 and then played a lost teenager in "Boys of Tomorrow." He first attracted attention as a man obsessed with pastries in the film "Antique" and his breakout role was that of the rough and tumble warrior Moon Jae Shin in the drama "Sungkyunkwan Scandal." His other dramas include "He Who Can't Marry," "Fashion King" and his most recent role was playing King Sukjong in "Jang Ok Jung." That role earned him praise for a mature and versatile performance.

His film production company had nothing but good things to say about his work in "Tough As Iron." Even though it was unusually hot during the filming of his action scenes, he remained cheerful and determined.

"Despite the hot weather, Yoo Ah In never lost his smile, and he kept the mood on set upbeat with his charming personality," said a member of the production staff.

Zo Sun Hee, who photographed the actor's stills on set, said that he continued to work hard and look good despite the soaring temperatures.

The film began shooting in Busan in Dec. 2012 and finished in March.