Actor Kang Yoo-seok mentioned the behind-the-scenes of 'Resident Playbook.'

On the 26th, an interview with actor Kang Yoo-seok from tvN's 'Resident Playbook' was held at a cafe in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

The tvN weekend drama 'Resident Playbook' (creator Shin Won-ho, Lee Woo-jung / directed by Lee Min-soo / written by Kim Song-hee / planned by CJ ENM Studios / produced by Egg Is Coming), which is referred to as 'Resident Playbook,' ended after achieving high ratings and view counts, as well as remarkable popularity.

On this day, Kang Yoo-seok stated, "After the special episode aired the other day, I thought, 'It's really over now,' and I felt very regretful. I watched the last episode with the director and seniors, and I recalled the filming from last year, thinking, 'It's already been a year,' and I feel like we wrapped it up well. I had a mix of sadness and emotion, and I felt various thoughts as I realized that a well-finished work has come to an end." He continued, "Of course, there are some regrets. Looking back now, I think about what I could have done better. When a project ends, it feels a bit bittersweet, but for this work, I felt more regret than relief. It was quite sad."

'Resident Playbook' faced delays in airing due to issues with strikes in the medical community but eventually met the audience after many twists and turns. Reflecting on the piece that finally shone after about a year of scheduling delays, Kang Yoo-seok remarked, "The set was so good while filming, and since we filmed well, I thought that if it comes out someday, many people would love it. Thankfully, a lot of people showed love, and I am grateful for that," adding, "The script was excellent, and the director made the set a wonderful place, so I was really enjoying the filming and wrapping up well. I think we waited well because everyone around me encouraged us to take our time. I feel like we waited pleasantly."

In the series, Kang Yoo-seok portrayed 'Eom Jae-il,' an obstetrics resident with an idol background. Initially, he was a first-year resident known for unpredictable antics, but ultimately gained recognition as a genuine doctor and showcased his presence. Reflecting on the behind-the-scenes of his joining the cast, he shared, "There were emotions that I couldn't express in words, feelings welled up. Even now, it gives me chills. My whole body shivers, feeling so happy and ecstatic, which I can't express in words. It was a project I really wanted to be part of; I felt like shouting for joy somewhere." He also mentioned, "Though I didn't feel a burden participating in the spin-off of 'Hospital Playlist,' I think there was more expectation. There were works from Shin Won-ho's team. Instead of a burden of 'What if I don't perform well?' I had a great anticipation for being able to work with these people."

He also shared behind-the-scenes insights on his character and acting. When asked about his synchronization with the character 'Eom Jae-il,' he responded, "I like people, but the difference is that Jae-il is more lively and cheerful. I feel that Jae-il is brighter and more positive than I am. He seems to be a much better friend with greater resilience than I am. Hence, while acting, I learned a lot. I thought that I should also learn from these strengths, aiming to be kinder and more approachable."

He further remarked, "Unlike Yoon-jung or Jun-won who frequently go to the operating room, I found the surgical scenes interesting. When I heard stories about how tough it was, the medical terminology we don't use was indeed challenging, but I had fun even while looking messy on the show. I even wanted to look more disheveled. I asked, 'Should I draw more dark circles?' and they replied, 'That's too excessive,' so we had to find a compromise during filming. I think it’s great for an actor to look a bit messy in their role, so I actually wanted to look even messier."

In the drama, Kang Yoo-seok also depicted a youthful romance with Han Ye-ji, portraying 'Kim Sa-bi.' In response to the question about why Jae-il fell for Sa-bi, he said, "Wasn't it because he liked Teacher Winter? I think it was a style that I wasn't aware of. But at first, we were colleagues, and as we worked together—at first, I wasn't seeing Sa-bi much due to our fights—then, at a moment when we danced together, I thought, 'Huh? What's this?' Moreover, I wasn’t a super popular idol; I didn’t have much popularity. As I realized he was one of those who liked me, I felt good about it. My feelings for her began to rise when I thought about how much I liked being liked."

He continued, "There were also regrets regarding the romance. At first, we weren't given a complete script, but we were told that something would happen between Sa-bi and Jae-il. So, when I inquired, the director said, 'It won't be completely opened up.' We actually asked for a confirmation. If we were to date, or if they could add a kissing scene, the director said, 'No. The writer told us you’re going to have an open ending.' So, that was disappointing. I wish there had been a bit more development. If they happen to produce a Season 2, I hope they will give us more to do. I believe if many people request it, we might have a Season 2."

Kang Yoo-seok also spoke about the chemistry with his co-stars, stating, "Regarding being the only guy, I thought I would have to take care of the younger ones since I was the oldest among the four. But surprisingly, Yoon-jung felt like the oldest in the group. She seemed more mature than the rest and took care of me. Although Ye-ji is the youngest, she treated me very well despite being the youngest. Even in reality, she has a lot of younger friends but manages her relationships very well, helping me a lot. Before I could offer her help, she naturally did well. Sometimes, I would even ask her about acting, saying, 'This scene was really good!' and she would say, 'I did it without much thought!' It made me very happy. I usually think of my fellow actors rather than a senior-junior dynamic. If there are many things to learn from them, I ask questions, so I feel like I asked Ye-ji a lot. I would comment on how well she performed her first role without being nervous."

Born in 1994, Kang Yoo-seok, now 30, is actively making his mark in the entertainment industry, having appeared in recent hits like 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' and 'Resident Playbook.' Regarding reactions from those around him after 'Tangerines,' he said with a smile, "People around call me Eun-myeong and say, 'You've grown up.' It's been 10 years since I became an adult," he laughed. "Even older people around me seem pleased to see me participating in good works. Some even asked, 'Can you get me five autographs to hand out!' with enthusiasm. Following the success of 'Tangerines,' the production team of 'Resident Playbook' also seemed very pleased. Director Min-soo said, 'You were Jae-il, but I feel like Eun-myeong stole the spotlight,' which made me laugh as everyone addressed me as 'Eun-myeong,' while also saying, 'You're Jae-il.'"

Having entered the acting world in 2018, this year marks the 7th year since his debut. Reflecting on this, Kang Yoo-seok shared, "I believe I have been going at a steady pace. I'm content. I started from minor roles and gradually worked my way up, which has become a solid foundation for me. It's been seven years since I debuted, and looking back, I feel I have lived well during that period." However, he added, "I haven't played many cheerful characters lately. These days, I wonder whether to continue with such bright roles or try other types of characters. The thoughts are likely influenced by my age and the years since my debut. In the upcoming release 'Seochodong,' I play a character who is the brightest and most talkative. I’m always the mood-maker, so I also consider how it would feel to take on different roles. I think, 'Am I showing too similar of an image?"

Despite this, having started the year on a good note, he expressed, "Since the start is good, I want to carry this energy throughout my 30s, continuing to work hard, participating in great projects, and portraying various characters. I hope to remain captivating, without becoming tiresome to the audience throughout my 30s." He added, "I've only played kind roles so far. I would like to try playing a villain. I also want to try a deep melody, like the character from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.' Although in 'Tangerines,' Hyun-sook and I get married and live together, it's not particularly endearing. Other couples appear sweet, whereas we seem to give off a vibe of 'They're causing trouble.' While I’ve done melodrama, I've never tackled a role that feels deeply meaningful. I think I would have fit the character of Lee Joon-young in 'Weak Hero.' I feel I could have also been suited for the character of Park Hu. I’ve had experience in action, so I don’t feel burdened."

Furthermore, Kang Yoo-seok remarked, "During 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' I worked with formidable seniors, whether filming was long or short, everyone focused and worked hard. Watching them, I felt that I needed to learn from them. Because I worked with such talented people, I thought, 'I need to work hard and do well.' While working on 'Resident Playbook,' I pondered a lot about energy. I viewed Jae-il as a character who spreads good energy, someone who needs to exude positivity. I considered not only the character's emotions, situation, and how to think while acting, but also thought it was crucial to convey a good mood and energy during performances. I think that I reflected on this a lot while filming."

With the first broadcast of the new tvN weekend drama 'Seochodong' scheduled for July coming up, Kang Yoo-seok is busy with filming. Regarding the vacation reward for 'Resident Playbook,' he stated, "I'm currently coordinating my schedule. I'm not sure exactly if I will go or not, but I plan to go if I can even for a short while."

[Photo] Provided by Just Entertainment

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