Actor Song Won-seok, known for his journey from the runway to the screen, is gaining significant attention and praise for his recent performances. Starting his entertainment career as a model before transitioning to acting in 2012, Song has steadily built his filmography. 2021 marked a turning point, showcasing his versatility in two popular SBS dramas: the historical fantasy “Lovers of the Red Sky” and the comedy-drama “One the Woman.” In “One the Woman,” he notably reunited with actress Lee Ha-nee, portraying her on-screen husband, years after they both appeared on “SNL Korea.” Looking forward to the future, Song Won-seok expresses his aspirations for an even more impactful career.
In a recent interview with Ilgan Sports, affiliated with the Korea JoongAng Daily, Song Won-seok shared insights into his recent roles and his career trajectory. When asked about reuniting with Lee Ha-nee, he reminisced about their shared “SNL Korea” experience.
“Lee Ha-nee reminded me of many details I had forgotten from our time on ‘SNL Korea’,” Song stated. “I had only vaguely remembered being on the show with her. It’s quite something to think back to those days when I had a very minor role, and now to be acting as her husband in a drama. It makes me feel like I’ve truly progressed in my career.”
Song Won-seok profile picture, highlighting his model-turned-actor career.
Reflecting on his role in “One the Woman,” Song discussed the novelty of playing a humorous character. “Previously, I often portrayed characters who were either naive or reserved. Taking on this role in ‘One the Woman’ felt like a pivotal moment for me. It boosted my confidence, especially in comedic scenes. Initially, I was unsure if my portrayal was genuinely funny or entertaining. I even considered exaggerating my actions, but the director advised me that forced humor often falls flat.”
To prepare for the role of the husband in “One the Woman,” Song Won-seok drew inspiration from real-life examples. “I observed many husbands who, as the saying goes, are ‘maintained’ by their wives,” he chuckled. “I have some such examples around me. Their wives truly manage every aspect of their lives. Learning from them, I aimed to make my character somewhat irritating, but not excessively so.”
Working alongside Lee Ha-nee again was a significant experience for Song. “Lee Ha-nee is a top star, so I initially felt a considerable amount of pressure. I was concerned about potentially underperforming. However, from the moment I greeted her on the first day, all those worries vanished. She is incredibly approachable and offered me a lot of encouragement, assuring me of my capabilities. She fosters a truly welcoming and warm atmosphere on set. I never once saw her lose her temper. Furthermore, she is remarkably adept at responding to my improvisations. The set’s atmosphere was so conducive to ad-libbing, and Lee consistently made my spontaneous actions work seamlessly.”
Close-up of Song Won-seok during an interview, discussing his acting roles.
Song credits his experience on “SNL Korea” for honing his improvisation skills. “Being on ‘SNL Korea’ live for about eight months really got me hooked on ad-libbing. I learned a great deal simply by watching other performers during that time.”
Looking back on his work in 2021, Song Won-seok expressed satisfaction and relief. “Now that everything is completed, I feel at ease. Filming for two dramas concurrently was incredibly demanding, and I felt like I was constantly on the verge of burnout. It was a very stressful period, filled with constant contemplation about both projects. However, ultimately, I am happy because I feel like my hard work has been acknowledged and appreciated.”
Reflecting on his nearly decade-long transition from modeling to acting, Song identified 2021 as a particularly significant year. “I had a brief appearance in the film ‘Dancing Queen’ in 2012, followed by a few minor roles, and then I took a break for about four years. It was around four or five years ago that I started to become actively involved in acting again. In the past, there were always comments criticizing my acting, but this year marks the first time I haven’t encountered such remarks. Models are often encouraged to have unwavering self-belief when walking the runway, to feel like they are the best. However, in acting, it seems that those who are willing to let go of ego and embrace humility are more likely to succeed. I believe I am finally beginning to truly understand and accept this.”
Scene from SBS drama 'One the Woman' featuring Song Won-seok in a humorous role.
When asked about actors who inspire him, Song mentioned those with a similar background. “I draw a lot of inspiration from actors who, like me, started as models. Kim Woo-bin, Ahn Jae-hyun, and Ahn Bo-hyun are all individuals I used to work with in the modeling industry. They have all demonstrated exceptional acting abilities.”
He also named a specific role model outside of his immediate circle. “Actor Cha Seung-won is another role model. We even frequent the same salon for hair and make-up. My heart races whenever I see him there. I deeply admire his ability to excel in any genre.”
Looking ahead to his plans, Song Won-seok conveyed ambitious goals for the coming year. “I hope to be even busier next year than I was this year. My aim is to deliver even higher quality performances that can genuinely resonate with audiences and evoke strong emotions.”
BY PARK JUNG-SUN
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