INTERVIEW Song Kang discusses shortened screen time in ‘Sweet Home 2’

Actor Song Kang plays the role of Cha Hyun-soo in the Netflix original series "Sweet Home." Courtesy of Netflix

Without question, actor Song Kang shot to global stardom after landing the lead role of Cha Hyun-soo in Netflix's apocalyptic series “Sweet Home,” which made waves on the streaming platform in 2020.

Actor Song Kang / Courtesy of Netflix

The horror action series revolves around a group of residents, including troubled teen Cha (Song), at an apartment building called Green Home, fighting for survival amid a disturbing phenomenon where humans turn into savage monsters.

About three years after its premiere, the series is back with a new season, expanding its plot and characters. The second season, which was released on Dec. 1, follows Cha and other neighbors leaving the apartment and facing new challenges in the outside world with the ever-present fear of monsters and another mysterious threat.

Yet, with the introduction of the characters, the new season’s biggest and most notable change is its lead actor, Song, who has a noticeably reduced amount of screen time, stirring controversy among fans of the series.

The actor spoke about his shorter appearance in the new season, emphasizing that he trusted the series creator, director Lee Eung-bok.

“I didn’t resent, but rather I felt that the director had his purpose (in doing that). So I just did my best in following his directions,” Song told The Korea Times during an interview at a cafe in Jongno District, downtown Seoul, Tuesday.

“It is satisfying to see new characters coming into play with an impact. I think I played a role as a kind of bridge in season 2 (for the unfolding narrative.)"

He hinted that the third season, set for release in 2024, will delve deeper into Cha’s story, which will make season 2’s plot more understandable.

A scene from season 2 of the series "Sweet Home" / Courtesy of Netflix

“(Cha) will have a more active role in season 3. It will show a different side of Cha compared to season 2 and the story will unfold around those from Green Home reuniting with each other,” he said. “While season 2 was about them spreading out and their individual perspectives, they get back together in season 3. So, the storyline will converge individual journeys into a collective narrative once again.”

Despite his reduced presence this season, Song portrays Cha sacrificing himself for an experiment to study the phenomenon turning people into monsters.

Song shared that he focused on portraying his character more maturely, as he went from an isolated teenager to an altruistic person who is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.

Preparing for this transformation involved a deeper personal connection with his character.

“After season 2 was confirmed, I watched season 1 again and I empathized with Cha. In season 2, I focused on the moments where he grows and becomes more mature. In season 1, I expressed emotions as they were but with season 2, Cha went to the shelter with the mindset of sacrificing himself,” he said, adding that he tried to stay in character even while off set to keep the character’s emotions.

“All of (Cha’s) emotions and thoughts are unusual to exist in reality. So I tried to live with Cha's emotions as much as possible, even as Song Kang … I always contemplated his emotions. I have a playful side but whenever such a personality would come out, I tried to restrain it and try to stay focused on Cha’s mindset for about a year.”