Actor Kwon Soo-hyun shared his thoughts on completing "Buried Hearts."

Kwon Soo-hyun, who has proven his strong presence once again through "Buried Hearts," played the role of 'Yeom Hee-cheol,' a prosecutor at the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office, in the SBS weekend drama "Buried Hearts" (written by Lee Myung-hee/directed by Jin Chang-kyu/produced by Studio S, A2Z Entertainment, Purumir Workshop), which concluded on the 12th. He vividly portrayed Hee-cheol, who appears outwardly arrogant but is deeply human, capturing the viewers' attention. In particular, he depicted the poignant love for Yeo Eun-nam (Hong Hwa-yeon) and the complex emotions of inferiority and jealousy towards Seo Dong-joo (Park Hyung-sik), enhancing the immersion of the drama.

Based on his solid acting skills, Kwon Soo-hyun added vitality to the character, and he has once again proven his strong presence through "Buried Hearts." An interview featuring Kwon Soo-hyun's question-and-answer session, perfectly immersed in the character of Yeom Hee-cheol, was released.

Below is the full question-and-answer session with Kwon Soo-hyun regarding the conclusion of "Buried Hearts."

Q. Thoughts on the conclusion of "Buried Hearts"

A. It was truly a joyful time. After finishing the filming, many enjoyable moments come to mind. Personally, it was a project I participated in after a long time, so I was excited from the very beginning, and I prepared hard for each line as I approached the filming. The script was also great, and the actors I worked with were excellent, so I was highly anticipating the first shoot. This drama made me realize again how fortunate it is for an actor to encounter a good piece.

Q. 'Yeom Hee-cheol' seems like a character who is annoying yet lovable, evoking a sense of pity. How did you interpret and want to express Hee-cheol?

A. "Buried Hearts" is a work centered around political slush funds, revenge, and power struggles, but I believe there is no more poignant melodrama than following Hee-cheol's story alone. Hee-cheol was a figure that I felt truly pitiful for. While events unfold in the drama that Hee-cheol is unaware of, he focuses solely on what is most important to him: 'protecting Eun-nam' and 'defeating Dong-joo.' I think that aspect helps showcase Hee-cheol as a three-dimensional character rather than a dislikeable one. Though he seems pretentious, the innocence that emerges when Hee-cheol, who truly knows nothing, tries to protect what is his came out naturally, and I acted based on that innocence.

Q. Previously, you played the role of a prosecutor in "Minamdang" as well. Was there anything particularly you paid attention to in expressing a character with the same profession?

A. It seems I have coincidentally taken on roles with the profession of 'prosecutor' several times. While the profession can explain a character's superficial image, I wanted to focus more on the narrative the character possesses. In this work, I thought the emotions, relationships, and flow of the story of the character 'Yeom Hee-cheol' itself were more important than the specificity the profession of 'prosecutor' provides.

Q. What scene in "Buried Hearts" best represents 'Yeom Hee-cheol'?

A. The jja-jang-myeon scene in episode 8. When Eun-nam proposes divorce, Hee-cheol initially tries to avoid it, genuinely tries to hold on, pleads... and ultimately resorts to threats regarding money. I think that scene revealed Hee-cheol's pure, weak, and kind nature. Hee-cheol is just a truly kind and somewhat deficient friend who cannot say coolly and stylishly, 'If you’re going, then go!' I also remember that when we filmed this scene, the sun was just rising, and I ate almost 6 to 7 bowls of jja-jang-myeon. (laughs)

Q. In particular, the pure love of 'Yeom Hee-cheol' has evoked a lot of responses. Are there any reactions that stand out in your memory?

A. As I mentioned earlier, following Hee-cheol's story alone makes "Buried Hearts" feel like a melodrama. I focused on enhancing the emotional lines to create Hee-cheol's melodrama amidst the love triangle of Dong-joo, Eun-nam, and Hee-cheol. The response I remember most is a comment saying, 'Eun-nam, after that, just go to Hee-cheol.' I cannot explain why that statement felt so delightful and tender.

Q. 'Yeom Hee-cheol' is ultimately a growth character. How do you view Hee-cheol's ending?

A. It seems Hee-cheol has finally realized it. If he had known just a little earlier, he might have become an inseparable friend with Dong-joo. However, since Hee-cheol has come to understand what truly matters, I look forward to his future with Dong-joo. I believe the Hee-cheol of today will be able to bring out the Hee-cheol who was stuck in high school rugby club days.

Q. Throughout the drama, 'Yeom Hee-cheol' had many intersections with Seo Dong-joo, Yeom Jang-seon (played by Heo Jun-ho), and Yeo Eun-nam. How was the chemistry with the actors?

A. It was my second meeting with Hyung-sik since "High Society." I was particularly delighted and enjoyed filming since it has been a long time since we worked together. We discussed our characters a lot to create a more three-dimensional relationship between Hee-cheol and Dong-joo. Although they would often growl at each other in the drama, we got along like friends on set, enabling us to act comfortably. Senior Jun-ho is someone I truly respect. Just being able to film with him was a great honor, and those moments felt fantastic. I treasured every scene we shot together and did my best, and I learned so much naturally on set. I am truly grateful to him. I think I had the most scenes with Hwa-yeon. Throughout the filming, we exchanged great energy and worked harmoniously, and she was a big help in expressing Hee-cheol's pathetic yet endearing pure love. I particularly felt that when the camera was rolling and I looked into Hwa-yeon's eyes, deeper emotions would arise, pulling out expressions.

Q. What kind of work will "Buried Hearts" remain for actor Kwon Soo-hyun, and a word about your future endeavors?

A. It is a work that I met at the end of my 30s and will begin my 40s with. (laughs) These days, I find each work incredibly precious, and I think "Buried Hearts" will also be remembered as a special work that brought me many emotions. I want to cherish what I learned through "Buried Hearts" and return in my next work with improved and good acting. Currently, I am performing in the play "Pride." There might be clumsiness and shortcomings as it is my first stage, but it is a really good play. I would be grateful if many people could come to the theater and join us.

[OSEN]