(Following the interview②) Actor Ma Dong-seok shared his thoughts on casting actors.

On the 24th, in a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, an interview with actor Ma Dong-seok, who plays a leading role in the film "Holy Night: Demon Hunters" (written and directed by Lim Dae-hee, distributed by Lotte Entertainment, produced by Big Punch Pictures and Nova Film), took place.

"Holy Night: Demon Hunters" is an occult action film about a city thrown into chaos by a group that worships evil, featuring a dark fixer team - "Holy Night" consisting of Ba-u (played by Ma Dong-seok), Sharon (played by Seo Hyun), and Kim-gun (played by Lee Da-wit) - who eliminate a horde of evil.

Additionally, Ma Dong-seok's new work has achieved a triple ten million milestone with "The Outlaws 2" (12.69 million viewers) in May 2022, "The Outlaws 3" (10.69 million viewers) in May 2023, and "The Outlaws 4" (11.5 million viewers) in April 2024, showcasing strong box office potential every spring. Ma Dong-seok, who set the record of having starred in six films that surpassed 10 million viewers, participated in planning, production, and starring, and is gaining attention as this is his first occult action film.

In particular, before rising as a “box office star” alongside actors Yoon Kyung-sang and Lee Joon-hyuk through "The Outlaws," Ma Dong-seok showcased keen insight into casting by collaborating early with various actors.

Regarding the "secret to insight in casting," Ma Dong-seok said, "I don't know. I just think that when casting, there is a search for different styles. Most of the time, casting is done based on image. I try not to do that. Actors, including myself, when we take on a villain or another role, we do our best to transform. I believe that all actors have that ability. So I'm looking to find a slightly new feeling."

He added, "What I try a bit more is not to be old-fashioned. I listen a lot to the stories of young friends. So when we have meetings, various generations like 20-something scriptwriters and 30-something producers work together. I deliberately try to gather a lot of opinions. It’s not just my effort; it seems like there are many people around me."

Furthermore, Ma Dong-seok noted, "I really look into various aspects of that friend (before casting). I watch performances and works. I listen to what my close friends say about them. Then I think, 'This friend would like this.' I generally believe that good people eventually create good outcomes."

He then explained, "Even if someone has good skills, if they disrupt the atmosphere, it can make things difficult. Shooting itself is tough. Actors often find it hard just thinking about their acting, and when they have to worry about other things and relationships while filming, it becomes stressful. So I prefer to work with people who are regarded as ‘good people’ in order to maintain a positive atmosphere on set." He added, "Everyone is tense and sensitive, so it would be nice if we could all show consideration for each other."

[Photo] Provided by Lotte Entertainment

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