So Ji-sub talks marriage, starring in suspense thriller 'Confession'

Actor So Ji-sub/ Courtesy of 51k

Actor shares mixed feelings about K-content boom

By Kwak Yeon-soo

For actor So Ji-sub, marrying his wife, TV personality Cho Eun-jeong, has changed his priorities in life. The actor, who tied the knot in 2020 at the age of 43, opened up about how his life has changed for good after he got married.

"It's been really wonderful. I feel more emotionally stable and my insomnia disappeared after marriage. I absolutely recommend marriage," he said during an interview with The Korea Times, Wednesday.

So has had a long and expansive career, effortlessly shifting from romance to period drama to action films. For the first time in his 28-year career, the actor made his first foray into the thriller genre, which he said was an exciting experience for him.

Adapted from the 2017 Spanish film, "The Invisible Guest," "Confession" follows a wealthy man named Yoo Min-ho (So) who is suspected of killing his mistress (Nana) in a hotel room where only the two of them were present. Claiming his innocence, Yoo hires a talented lawyer named Yang Sin-ae (Kim Yun-jin) who only agrees to represent him if he tells her exactly what happened.

"I was looking for a project that's different from what I've done. I was gripped by the script. I thought I could try something new with this film as I have never worked in a thriller genre before," he said.

The actor also credited director Yoon Jong-seok.

"Director Yoon's script was very cleverly written. His version was so meticulously crafted based on the original version and he added a little flairs that tied into our film. That's why I chose the film," he said.

The cat-and-mouse dynamic between the two and a series of flashbacks present different theories of what really happened in that hotel room.

"What I liked the most about my character is that Yoo Min-ho keeps on making choices that send him down a destructive path. He is not born evil. Yoo's attempt to evade responsibility for his actions ultimately leads to his downfall," he said.

Although doing a mystery murder thriller was adrenaline-inducing, he had nightmares about being attacked or being chased.

"Making it was a great experience. I was intrigued by the thriller genre. Strangely, however, I kept having disturbing dreams until we wrapped up shooting," he said.

Actor So Ji-sub in a scene from the film "Confession" / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

The cramped setting where the movie was filmed and close-up shots also ramped up tension.

"The scenes that take place at a remote cottage were shot in a hotel room. Because of the relatively small space, it was quite suffocating," he said.

So also mentioned starring alongside Kim and Nana.

"I was thrilled to partner with Kim. The way she dedicates to her craft as a professional is something I would really like to imbibe as an actor," he said. "Nana had such a great energy for the role that helped us create a powerful dynamic."

In his older age, So has learned to prioritize what matters most in life.

"When I was younger, I strived for individual success and considered my personal success as the most important thing in life. Now that I'm older, I genuinely hope my co-stars and film crew who I work with will be in a better position by collaborating with me. Succeeding together is what matters to me now," he said.

"Confession" was shot two years ago, but it took a long time to get the project out in front of audiences due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm glad that this is getting a theatrical release when many of the ready-made films are going to streamers. I understand that especially now, when there's so much competition not just with other films but with streaming platforms, it's hard to get people's attention. But I hope our film is well-received by fans," he said.

So said he wishes audiences to stay curious about his next steps.

"I want people to take a look at my transformation as an actor and stay curious about me," he said.

"Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my age. I can't compete with younger male leads who are in their 20s or 30s, but it's a relief that our careers can go beyond 40 years of age. Actors Jang Dong-gun and Song Seung-heon inspire me to keep on challenging myself as an actor."

Actors So Ji-sub, right, and Kim Yun-jin in a scene from the film "Confession" / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

He also shared his thoughts about the global popularity of Korean content.

"I have mixed feelings about the K-content boom. I'm proud of it, but on the other hand, I'm worried about basic quality control. We need to keep on making creative, high-quality content in order to make this phenomenon last long," he said.

Reflecting on his filmography, he picked three all-time favorite projects.

"Through SBS' drama 'Something Happened in Bali,' I discovered the joy of acting; through KBS2's 'I'm Sorry, I Love You' I became a popular star; and film 'Rough Cut' gave me the courage to shift to filmmaking," he said.

Asked what characters or genres he wants to play in the future, So said he wishes fellow directors to find something new in him.

"I think I need some help with that. I hope directors see something new in me and extract that part of me for their films," he said.

"Confession" hits local theaters, Oct. 26.