Yoochun’s Challenge: From Idol to Actor

Micky Yoochun’s Challenge: From Idol to Actor

- August 25, 2010 -

By Han Sang-hee

Park Yoo-chun, known as TVXQ member Micky, will take a new challenge as actor for his first-ever drama “Sungkyunkwan Scandal.

Transforming from an idol to an actor can be tricky.
Not only does it require superb acting skills to wash away that idol image, but he or she must go through worries, criticism and also harsh self-discipline. Amid the numerous crossovers of young and determined stars, a particularly famous one is aiming to captivate viewers with his never-before-seen acting.

Dressed in “hanbok”, or traditional Korean clothes, TVXQ member Micky Yoochun (real name Park Yoo-chun) looked proud, yet a bit nervous to represent his first–ever drama “Sungkyunkwan Scandal” at a press conference held at the W Hotel, northern Seoul, last week.

The doll-faced 24-year-old will appear as Lee Sun-jun in the period drama and work with fellow actors Park Min-yeong, Song Joong-ki and Yoo Ah-in.

The soap is a “campus romance drama”, according to the production company, and will bring Korean history, comedy and romance to the small screen.

Korean period dramas have not only been popular here, but also overseas, and they tend to have certain patterns: traditional dress, ancient Korean vernacular, love triangles, and the inner struggle between personal goals and traditional traits.

“Sungkyunkwan Scandal” is no different. The heroine Kim Yoon-hee, played by Park Min-yeong, has been responsible for her household after her father died and brother became ill in the busy times of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). She decides that the only way for her to not worry about food and money is to disguise herself as a man and try for the state examination and become a court official.

She enters Sungkyunkwan, or a Confucian Academy, to study and meets fellow classmates: the strict and handsome Sun-jun, the playboy Koo Yong-ha (played by Song) and the rough and wild Moon Jae-shin (played by Yoo).

The journey begins as Kim, a pretty-faced student in disguise, struggles to fulfill her dream to become an official and hopefully discover true love along the way.

The biggest concern is not the familiar storyline or good looking stars dressed in colorful hanbok, but the acting. The four main actors are relatively young ― all are 24 except for the 25-year-old Song ― and have not made lasting impressions in their acting careers as yet. Additionally, period dramas are known to be especially tricky due to the old-fashioned dialect and behavior.

Despite these worries, the drama’s producer Kim Won-seok expressed his confidence in working with the young actors, especially Park Yoo-chun.

“Park was already on the team when I decided to helm the drama. But if I had the chance to pick the actors again, I would have picked him. I know many people are looking forward to, and are also worried about his acting, but I can tell you all that he is doing great”, Kim said.

Park also had to deal with the interest and pressure put on him, though he did a pretty good job in keeping a straight face and calmly answering questions regarding his lack of acting experience.

“Of course, being my first work and all, I thought about my acting a lot. I think this was a chance where I discovered a new me. The staff were generous enough to pick me for the role”, he said smiling.

“I have been dancing for a long time, and I had a pretty tough time realizing that the martial arts sequences were not to be shown as choreography. I have been immersed in the drama and although it’s been tough with the weather and the bugs, it’s been fun”, Park added.

It was hard not to notice the enormous interest showering the star. Even the press conference was a bit overdone. The event seemed to have lost its true purpose and turned into a promotional circus. It included two fashion shows; one by 2009, 2010 Miss Korea contestants and models and another by the actors themselves. The hanbok display was, indeed colorful and beautiful, but there was nothing different from those seen in previous and even current historical series.

A preview screening is one of the most important channels that uncovers the gist of the drama and also help the press understand the storyline easier and faster. The 8-minute highlight video was not enough to bring out the overall vibe of the work. It took an hour and a half to finally bring out the actors and producer to the table for a Q and A session.

Micky Yoochun was introduced as “Park Yoo-chun” from start to finish, probably because he really wants to turn over a new leaf. The TVXQ member may have found it interesting to discover the actor within, but it will take a bit more than generosity and soul searching to spearhead a full-length drama, especially when all eyes are on him. Will he be able to shine in the spotlight? Fans will find out on Aug. 30 at 9:55 p.m.

sanghee@ koreatimes.co.kr

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Source : www.koreatimes.co.kr.
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