Netflix film 'What Happened to Mr. Cha?' showcases real Cha In-pyo

A scene from the film "What Happened to Mr. Cha?" / Courtesy of Netflix

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Actor Cha In-pyo has never been too far from the public eye, but his acting career was overshadowed by his personal life and charity work.

Cha was enjoying life as one of the biggest stars in the 1990s with his roles in MBC's drama “All My Love For You” (1994) and “Star in My Heart” (1997). But his personal life ― marrying actress Shin Ae-ra, adopting two daughters and actively participating in charity work in and outside the country ― confined him to the “good guy” image and limited his roles.

Confessing he was getting tired of the image portrayed on TV shows, Cha chose Netflix to break the mold.

The upcoming Netflix film “What Happened to Mr. Cha?” follows Cha's struggle to claw his way back to the top and restore the glory of his heydays as an actor.

The eponymous star plays himself in a role that he has never before attempted. He crosses the boundaries between his real self and the fictional character in the film. He showcases his outgoing, relatable personality, while delivering snippets of fresh ideas and hearty laughter.

Kim Dong-kyu, who wrote the screenplay and directed the film, said he's always had Cha in mind since planning this film.

“The film begins and ends with Cha. That's why the title of the film is Cha In-pyo (Korean original title),” director Kim said. “I thought using Cha's real name would resonate with the audience and provide them with a better understanding of the message I wanted to convey.”

However, the 53-year-old actor revealed that he initially declined the casting offer five years ago.

“Director Kim and production company About Film CEO Kim Seong-hwan suggested that I take the role five years ago. At that time, I turned down their offer because I didn't like the idea of being portrayed as an actor going through a slump,” he said during an online press conference, Monday.

“But over the past five years, I found myself in a similar situation to the movie. I thought I needed to get through it by doing this movie.”

About Film previously produced mega-hit comedy flick “Extreme Job” (2019) that set a box office record with 16 million admissions.

The veteran actor added that his wife, who has a voice role in the film, encouraged him to take on the part. “She was doubtful about the project at first, but five years on, she told me 'just choose whatever role you want.'”

A poster for the film "What Happened to Mr. Cha?" / Courtesy of Netflix

Asked if he feels uncomfortable about being portrayed comically, Cha said he wanted to get rid of his rigidly fixed image.

“In the past, I used to think why should I break apart an image that was bestowed on me by the public? Reflecting on my acting career spanning 26 years, I've recently realized that I was in an acting slump when I tried to settle for the status quo without trying to transform myself,” he said.

Actor Cho Dal-hwan, who plays Cha's close aide and manager Kim A-ram in the film, said he actually spent a lot of time with Cha and his real life manager to study his character.

“The film is fun to watch and has a pleasant narrative. It was an honor to star alongside Cha, who does comedy really well,” Cho said.

“What Happened to Mr. Cha?” will premiere on Netflix, Jan. 1.