Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun talked in length about their new drama “Welcome To Samdal-Ri” at its press conference!
On December 1st, Director Cha Young-hoon, Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun attended the conference.
“Welcome To Samdal-Ri” tells the story of Sam-dal, who left her hometown and rose to success while disregarding the importance of the river, in contrast to Yong-pil, who cherishes the river. After losing everything and hitting rock bottom, Sam-dal returns to her hometown and seeks solace. It is a heartwarming and humorous drama that portrays characters who, despite becoming adults, remain delicate and inexperienced in life, providing healing and warm emotions.
Director Cha Young-hoon said this about the story, “It is a story about space and people. My hometown is a small provincial city called Chungju. As someone who is from the countryside, I know it well. If you come to Seoul with the desire to move forward and run, it is comfortable to go back to your hometown even if you have to return with a standing ticket. Don’t we all have such a space and people? It is a story about hometown people and those who comfort me.”
Director Cha praised Ji Chang Wook’s strengths, “He is an actor with a strong core. Although there is a purpose for each character in the drama, it is easy for the main goal to get conveyed. Ji Chang Wook has a strong grip on the core of the character. He understands exactly what this god should represent. Because the core is strong, he is very flexible.”
Regarding Shin Hye Sun, he said, “She can handle melodrama, comedy, and slapstick within a consistent tone and manner. She is one of the few actors who can prevent the character from jumping around.”
Shin Hye Sun explained her reason for choosing the role, saying, “When I received the script, I was mentally exhausted, but I read it with interest and amusement. I felt my heart warming, so I decided to choose it. It made me think about my own stream and I liked the portrayal of a youth trying to find self-esteem.”
Regarding the difference from previous works, she said, “38 years old is an ambiguous age where you can’t quite become an adult, but you can’t consider yourself young either. The friends in our drama are all immature. They show childishness even though they are socially expected to be adults. At the same time, they go through another period of growth, and I think that is interesting. I think the ambiguous age of 38 could be a differentiating factor.”
Ji Chang Wook also conveyed the reason for his decision to appear in the drama and the charm of the drama. He said, “After reading the script, I felt that it was very comfortable and warm. The story was delightful, so I thought it would be attractive to the viewers as well.”
Regarding his role as Jo Yong-pil, he said, “It is a small but delightful story. It is a story that everyone can relate to, so I think it will be welcoming.” He also expressed his thoughts on being called a “romantic comedy king,” saying, “I feel embarrassed whenever I hear that term. I am grateful, but I don’t know how to react to it. After watching this drama, I would appreciate it if you personally vote on whether I am a ‘romantic comedy king’ or not. The word ‘king’ has weight and meaning.”
When asked about the synchronization with his character, he compared himself to Jo Yong-pil, saying, “It’s a fifty-fifty situation. I don’t pay much attention to others like Yong-pil does, but I resemble him in listening to people’s stories. Our personalities are quite different.” Shin Hye Sun also said, “I am also half similar and half different from Sam-dal.”
He then talked about the unique aspect of their drama, saying, “The difference in our drama is that it features the sea. Since the beautiful nature is the backdrop, I think those who want to go to the sea will find our drama very warm and enjoyable. We have captured various seasons from spring to winter. If you watch it at home, you will feel refreshed and warm, and you can enjoy it with your family.”
“Welcome to Samdalri” will be broadcast on JTBC on the 2nd at 10:30 PM.
Source: (A)
