Actor Bae Hyun-sung shared his thoughts on acting alongside acclaimed actor Han Suk-kyu in tvN's recently concluded drama "Shin's Project."
Bae looked back on his experience in an interview with the Maeil Business Newspaper after the series came to a close on October 28th: "I am truly grateful for all the love the series received from start to finish."
"Shin's Project" is a drama that involves a legendary negotiator-turned-chicken shop owner, Mr. Shin, played by Han Suk-kyu, who solves complicated disputes in illegitimate and moral ways. Bae played the role of Jo Philip, a rookie judge who was assigned to the restaurant on a whim to solve cases with Mr. Shin.
For the role, Bae plunged into legal research. "Before filming, I spoke with the director and attended court observation classes, and I also met with lawyers to hear their stories," he said. "Because my character talks about the law so much, I practiced my lines repeatedly to make sure I didn't miss a single word."
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He admitted that he was nervous about working with Han Suk-kyu, but rehearsals put him at ease. "Thankfully, before filming began, we met two or three times a week to rehearse and talk, which helped break the ice and ease my nerves. He really took good care of me," Bae said.
The mentorship of Han Suk-kyu has never worn off. "Thankfully, before filming began, we met two or three times a week to rehearse and talk, which helped break the ice and ease my nerves. He really took good care of me," Bae recalled.
The veteran actor also encouraged him to perform confidently. "The director and Han Suk-kyu both told me not to think of him as 'Han Suk-kyu the senior actor,' but to see him purely as 'Mr. Shin' and act without yielding," Bae said. "So, I prepared to stand my ground in those scenes."
The young actor, who moved to Seoul at the age of 18 to pursue acting, reflected on how it changed him. "I was introverted and shy as a child, but acting allowed me to express emotions and sounds I'd never shown before, and I found that really fun," he said.
Recalling lessons from his co-actor, Bae said, "Han Suk-kyu always told me, 'Observe, listen, and speak.' So, while acting in this project, I tried to watch my scene partners, listen, and react well, and I think that's how I grew."
Looking ahead, Bae revealed he is preparing for his next project, Substitute College Entrance Exam. "I think I'll be able to show a villain with a very different vibe from what I showed in 'Gyeongseong Creature,'" he said.
Bae Hyun-sung, one of the most promising actors in his age bracket in Korea, comes with a growing portfolio which includes "Hospital Playlist," "Gaus Electronics," and "Shin's Project."
