Movie ‘Some’ : KO SOO, the Truthful Man

Article by Movieweek

Translated by Wid Kosoo

Asked Ko Soo this question : if you only had 24 hours before you died just like in the movie ‘Some’, what would you do?  After agonizing for a long time, he’d answer, "Well .... I really don’t know, nothing comes to mind.” In ‘Some’ Ko Soo are struggling to stop the fate and death after he receives notice of his death. In the real life, Ko Soo is like a calm and careful turtle.

Ko Soo is a very slow person.  It takes forever for him to find a word and finish the sentence.  Uncomparable with his appearance in all CF, wearing earphones and dance. When I met Ko Soo, he said “All I know is how to act, so  I want to do things carefully to the people, even in a slow action.” This time people used to shout ‘Faster, faster’ and it makes moreover dizziness, so does he think the slow one can survive in the entertainment industry? In fact, after the question went he said, "Um ..." 10 seconds later Ko Soo reluctantly answered, “People are talking about how ordinary people can act as they are.” Well, question is a thing, others may follow because of an obsession for everything way to go ahead today. So maybe more presence of Ko Soo the person, as an actor, I'm not sure if engraved. He could be the one who easily forgotten by the entertainment industry and do not forget he can accept how he is as a slow person. Not slow as sloth. Like a stubborn people who live their life as they want to, he has insisted to pursue his acting career that people will enjoy. Ko Soo’s character is like this conversation, a very slow indeed but clearly it’s just a beginning.

Big screen debut

After the discussions with his management and director Jang Yun Hyun, Ko Soo decided to do ‘Some’.  In fact, during seven months of shooting he had to reject all offers of other work. Domiciled on the TV as an actor, refrained from appearancing as attractive CF star was not an easy decision. Many spectators had gathered for melodrama and he received numerous casting offers, eventually he selected to make a big screen debut in his first movie ‘Some’, directed by Jang Yun Hyeon.  

"Well ... .... actually I thought I was not ready. It’s scary to think that my appearance on the big screen can reflect on everything. No matter how good I do the work, it’s not enough. In fact I didn’t think I’m ready even when ‘Some’ started to release. I was not ready to continue, then the chief told me 'It is difficult to start in perfect condition. Just be prepared to always do your best. So you will be ready to continue.' So, I did. I knew that we've had to make this movie till the end since I read ‘Some’ scenario.  It would be hard for not being a part of this work, because 'deja vu'  is unique material and the scenario is interesting. The director made a wonderful connection before starting the activity, that’s why this work was so much fun. I got to choose this work among others. The director had me in mind to play this particular role, thanks to him. About a month left before ‘Some’ was release, I was so nervous. I wasn’t answer an offer of a well-received film, sorry to say that I do not regret it. I got frustrated a lot sometimes and had a long walk around to ponder. If it was not because of my boss, I would probably still have been prepared (Laughter). I know that I don’t enjoy doing things in front of so many people. But I realized this is certainly one of a lot of things that I need to learn in the acting.”

Competitive Ko Soo

Why Ko Soo is so late to do his debut on the big screen? To make it fair coz of his rapid growth since debut with the Bacchus CF in 1998 then starring some dramas? His success is easily mounted so he needs to let his mind is not necessarily gone? Of course, in the terminus of the movie, but not in acting, most of TV actors pulled up to the official and forced to wonder about film as the next step. I was curious about his 'original' story. So I asked Ko Soo about his passion for acting. To become an actor, Ko Soo was once homeless, living a double check on the rumor that he is the first step in the entertainment industry.

"Well ... .... Honestly, I love acting and I was not living in Seoul.  I had a show at club gig but turned out to be a chaos. One day my brother told me to try some auditions for ads.  So I went to Seoul for the audition. Then, in front of... Seoul Hilton hotel, I guess? Anyway, I went to the bathroom there before my turn and tried to put some make-up from my mother’s kit J In my audition, they just asked me to turn around and come back someday. But I was applying in other agencies who think they need to see my picture. Then the phone rang, said that they would go by themselves. I thought to go back home, but no way I would go back to the house.  Once I started to pull a knife to do what I want to do, then I’m going to do. I missed everyone at home and wanted their supports but I had to experience new things. There’s a relative in Seoul, but not in a good health condition so I wanted to do this by myself. Homeless, but not far (laughs), thinking why a man in my age was doing this when I could have what I want. Perhaps because that time I tried to calm everyone down, I said that I had no trouble at all. Going new places and meet new friends, with a profile picture in my hand , I kept doing it to make the relationship. Then I was filming a music video for the first time, and tried to build my modeling career. Boundaries are formed gradually. At first I had vague longing for entertainment industry in honest way. Perhaps then, many people would have the same situation. Now look how lucky I am to get what I really wish. I will adapt to live in this entertainment world. That would satisfy me. Then the desire to act, more than anything, was off for a while. Too impressed to watch the performance of senior actors so I kept missing the time to say my lines. I was sick too. 7 months after my latest drama I had a lot of time to think, resting. Having an opportunity with senior actors in ‘Piano’ was a meaningful work that happened to me. Funny, how authentic feeling that things are delayed given the opportunity to think beyond the instructions. "

From Ko Soo to be Kang Sung-Joo

Han Seok Jeon was cast and Jang Yyun Hyeon as the director selected Ko Soo for the work. Somehow it could be a burden. Box office and critical success on both sides are the expectations of most directors, because people should live up to expectations. How about Ko Soo? He focused on the set to be better than anyone. It’s delightful to see a strong desire and effort to improve his acting. Making oversight of embarrassment, and performed his own stunt. With the help of acting coach he’s eventually captured the ‘medium’ standard. Seems dry, but contains a deep resonance, ‘Some’ was a new challenge to Ko Soo.

"Well ... .... it was a really good experience to do ‘Some’. At first, there’s a lot of pressure. Workshops and going through until the end of the first shooting were very difficult, thanks to the staff so the pressure was less. I had a lot of conversation with the director. Brainstorming at the workshop, having many inputs from a lot of sources. Modified the scenario several times, but it didn’t matter. Details changed, but it would not change the feelings of my character (Officer Kang Sung Joo) . The problem was,  I took my role 24-hours  in a day for seven months. I would not look like me. Joo is a bad person who against criminal in his daily life. I wondered  how to maintain the connection between Joo and me until the end of recording period, so I thought ‘I won’t laugh’. I also reduced to smile and laugh in daily conversation. I was becoming Joo. Another newcomer on the scene initially laughed a lot nervously and made a fuss about how my calm attitude seemed to be disturbed. Staff didn’t understand me, they were worried that I wasn’t well.  I didn’t even hang out to drink. But it was better than not acting properly, I thought. Lucky for us, there was a small party afterwards, then I spoke openly to staff there to make them understand about everything that they concerned about. I have not seen the finished film yet. I wonder how I have done. I saw two large screens that can be represented even a small movement that went wrong. There’s a lot of people who know acting. More tense so it was hard to breathe, hard to think, I was freaking out. The director wanted me to keep myself in the middle, to pump the acting. So I still got some emotions of the character. Words can not explain exactly how happy I was, so emotional that the acting felt like not- acting. Perhaps I might not be in this position if I didn’t insist to perform my own stunt (Laughter).”

Man with an easy mind

Ko Soo has an obscure face (well, people say that). People have to wait coz it takes a long time for him to get along. Imagine how long for someone he’s dating to know him deeply. His image looks kind and honest, derived from his silk straight feature, seems that is not always the case. Director had to replace his good image to a loud piercing guy.  Coarse hair, a dirty outfit and utmost swollen but his appealing eyes are still shining in goodness. After a 3 hours meeting, they decorated the packaging of him, and poor Ko Soo, he felt very awkward. But they can not decorate nicely plausible words of him, or how a naive rare B-list actor still exist for seven years and implies all factors that make him even more beautiful.

"Well ... .... The image is too grand, isn’t it? I do think I have many personalities, not only one image. To have a really good image, you need a surgery (Laughter). At one point, I can change the image that is hard to feel, like a 180-degree turn. Everybody only knows one little piece of me.  I think I still have not shown much. Joo in ‘Some’ is a very strong character. I’m starting to try another new character in a movie or drama. About obscuring my face to the story, well .... you won’t let a little horse lead you (Wid: I think it’s a phrase or something). When you first meet someone, you know when you feel good. Then each time you make a mistake, you think what you want to do so it’d passed easily. I need 2-3 years to make friend with someone. Belief is one of many emotions that filtered myself to have a deeper relationship. What I don’t like the most is a lie. It’s easier to heal a wound in the body than at heart.  Others might think that’s elusive, but that’s what I have in mind. First, do not even say that you’re uncomfortable. What's the point, just work hard to do your best when you asked to do so. Of course, I’m on it. At that time, I had a lot of tough things that I don’t like, I've given up looking for a more comfortable situation. But it would trouble me more, and make me regret it later. I usually don’t regret what I did. It's just the way you get it. After finished the movie ‘Some’, I'm taking a role in drama "When a man loves a woman”. This drama has an authentic character so the changes would be interesting. I want to play a different character. "

Interview with Director Jang Hoon : Highly anticipated movie ‘Gojijeon', two men reached the saturation point

Article by Movieweek
Translated in English  by Wid Kosoo

Point of view is a tool to picture war

“When I saw a scenario of war movie entitled Gojijeon, I refused to read. But two hours later, I changed my mind,” Director Jang Hoon said. “The important things in scenario are the first scene and last scene. Overall, the story is good, but there’s greediness in me that I want to transfer the scenario into particular scene.” Then he cancelled his holiday plan and started to picture ‘Gojijeon’.

Definitely ‘Gojijeon’ is different from previous war movies, which used ‘war' as a tool for action movies in their scenario. “The scenario is good, it’s about time to look at the war. From all of staffs, noone is experiencing the war. People who have no experience in the war had to picture 'war',” the director was a bit worried, “So I was picturing the war with my point of view”.

“I also want to feel the thrill of action movie.” Director Jang Hun wanted to get it in his way, “like action in the visible action”. He said, “Those people are not specialized in military-trained soldiers. The right of action in itself is impossible. They’re struggling for their lives, not just action.” Another difference is the scenery of the war.

"We’ve seen a lot of war movies, but they focused on large-scale battle," so ‘Gojijeon’ spent a lot of time to search all background datas and photos for little details. The formula to make Gojijeon as 'war action blockbuster movie’ is expensive because “The production cost is close to 10 billion won.”

"The point of view in Hollywood war film is a sleek monotone image. This seems unrealistic under the blue skies of South Korea, with all mud in the field, and dark red blood of people. They're making the movie with the same idea over and over again. I want to deliver the sadness of the past to recent days. That war should not happen again, anywhere."


‘Gojijeon’ is not a movie about two men ?

"Gojijeon is about things after the war broke out, the prologue of the situation when it all begins. Fresh out of college guy Soo Hyeok (Ko Soo) and Eun Pyo (Sin Ha Kyun) joined the army for their first combat. Stuck out in fear, unable to sustain. However, over time, they met again in the frontline and there’s a full swing in their relationship.”

"The audience who expected to see Ko Soo and Sin Ha Kyun wouldn’t find that pleasure. The two actors have special performances as commissioned soldiers. In the scene, they are Soo Hyeok and Eun Pyo. Their slowly dissolving process in the film is far more attractive than I thought,” said director Hoon, to emphasize a point that Ko Soo and Sin Ha Kyun are not the star of ‘Gojijeon’.


Reveals the true hero!

Director Jang Hoon spent a lot of time for casting actors and finding the right locations of battles. “I've seen pictures of war materials, it left a deep feeling. I want to make this looks like the real one.”

"Production staffs were hunting to take pictures. Then we found the hill we loved, after a fire 2 years ago it’s burned bare, scorched trees, dark, and the soil were different from others. Staff members noticed that would be hard to come up the mountain. "(Laughter) “The scenes of war were already dangerous, and I was worried about the possibility that staff would had accident.”

Production staffs were working hard to make this movie looks like a reality. The set brought us back to the battlefield 50 years ago. “In this case, perhaps for the first time, Korea seems to be real in the movies. Troubled, but the results are quite satisfactory."

The shooting from September last year, full six months ‘non-ordinary life’, and finished the filming in March, Gojijeon’s staffs are working hard now for its final touch. Coming in July, we will witness the brutality of war.

Gojijeon' : The Interview

Article from Beppu Korean Film Festival Official Blog
Interview by Movieweek and News Khan
Translated by Wid Kosoo

My first meeting with Director Jang Hoon was last November in a Critics Association Awards ceremony for Korean film. When I asked him about Beppu event, he said, “ Hot spring festival ? Yes I’m gonna be there, I hope.”

However, the film festival postponed to mid-April. Then I asked his readiness again. "Yes I’ll be there, with Ko Soo." Wow, a great director Jang Hoon and popular actor Ko Soo as special guests. Film Festival's strongest combination.

He was filming Gojijeon recently, and had to struggle with Korean cold weather and challenging location.

Here’s the interview by Movieweek and News Khan :


You all had to face the shooting in very cold winter.

Yes. Thank you to all actors and staff, I'm sorry to put you into much trouble.

Taking place every day in the top of the mountain, surely it’s not an easy matter.

There’s no way to go up and down but by hiking. Cars can not go there, so staffs had to carry all the heavy equipments by hand.

Location is pretty steep. What time is everybody usually around?

Five o'clock in the morning. The costume team first, I need to work faster.

Earlier, I saw some actors gathered here, the atmosphere was good. So the casting part is something important, isnt it ?

If it matches well with the characters. I see them in TV and movies, but when I actually met them I looked their own personalities. They are what I’ve been wishing for. And it also very helpful when they committed to the production.

Kim Ok Bin is the only actress here, how about that?

She has a different appeal. I’m a little awkward because I don’t really familiar to work with actress, though.... I’m always making manly movies (laughs).

Your previous movie was a male movie as well. Even love between the characters was often depicted as platonic relationship than love and family love. Is Gojijeon will show the relationship between men and women so it wouldn’t feel a little bit lonely?

"Gojijeon" is a war movie, not a soap opera. Someday, I want to take a pure romance genre. Well, only if you found a good scenario ... (laughs). Personally, I love movies like "The Closer" (2004) and "Rettomiin" (2008). To me, I still prefer to work with male actors. Ok Bin was coming on the scene every time, honesty I was a little nervous when she’s around (laughs).

In the end of the shooting day, did you have opportunity to make friends with other casts and drink together?

We have our occasional drinking session. Except for Lee Kun Dhabi, because he’s still a high school student! (Laughs). Because the actors are tired, I drank some beer with them at 9 pm. They are going to bed at 10.

Photo credit to movie week

KO SOO “My girlfriend is 11 years younger... We’re not married yet”

Translated in English by Wid Kosoo
 An article by : Star News

Actor Ko Soo disclosed the fact that he and his girlfriend are not married yet, but happily told that he’s not hiding his plan to.

In a telephone interview with Star News on March 14 days, Ko Soo said, "I think you're all wondering about the fact that I admitted." The press release of his agency revealed that “A long time friend of Ko Soo introduced him to this lady and they recently developed a good relationship.”

Ko Soo’s girlfriend is in college art. “She’s 11 years younger than me,”he said. The fact that his girlfriend visited him a few times on the filming set of Gojijeon was spreading into the relationship rumors outside.

In the meantime, Ko Soo wasn’t hiding the truth that he has a girlfriend nor telling lies about his relationship, but became known publicly announced straight after he was returning from New Zealand, and his announcement attracted attention.

Ko Soo said, “We were keeping the relationship in silence, and let people guess.” His agency handled everything and he’s not worried about it as long as it’s not hurting him or his girlfriend. Yet it maintained the "agency perspective, but we would not have been forced to do so," he was defending.

Ko Soo admitted that he heard about the spreading rumors that he planned to marry in April to May and the reason why it’s so early. Ko Soo said, “She has no relation or connections to the entertainment world so I've been very cautious about announcing it to the press,” but he added, “There’s no wedding plans yet. If it’s so, again, I will tell you exactly.”

Ko Soo seems very happy about his current love and laughing all the time over the phone. “Haha,” he said, “Gojijeon is not finished yet. I’m still tired and really need a little rest.”

"But even I’m so tired, I still want to meet her,” he continually asked a pleasant laugh. “It’s a good thing to meet her, so wonderful.”

 

KO SOO of ‘Mother and Sister’ The Interview : Time of the Young

Article by Pastel Magazine 2001
Translated by Akemi and Wid Kosoo

Interview : Ko Soo in 2000

“Since the beginning of 2000, my life has turned in a special way. It was like clicking the start button. I was not do anything extraordinary, much or less, to have a happy and luxury life. I just enjoy it. I started to play in sitcom in my youth, called ‘Jump’. Then I got a few offers from casting teams. Starting with ‘Jump’, somehow you knew that it would followed by another jobs. After ‘Jump’, there’s ‘Funky Family’, and ‘Non-stop’. I was lucky to appear in those three successful projects.”

“I didn’t think much about my dream to be a DJ, but then it came true. From 12 until 10 pm, I was a host of SBS Radio’s program ‘Our Happy Youth’. As a DJ I had to joke around, but I was a beginner so there were many mistakes, even when there was feverish determination to make a smooth exchange with our guest. I wasn’t good, but I had to cope with the immediate knowledge of the interaction with the guess, and how to stay cool under any circumstances. As a DJ I had to learn acting only with my voice, without my body. To me, it was one of the most pleasant gift in 2000.”

“All of the variety things that I learnt from school drama teacher remains in my acting all along. That’s why I called them as my seniors. By that time most of my attention was that MBC weekend drama series ( Mother and Sister). All of the actors and actress there were my teacher. I was watching their performances and questioning more about acting. The only way I can catch up is by practicing everytime, open the script and read the lines again and again."

“My role as Kyong Bin in ‘Mother and Sister” was a heavy duty to sense, I even gained more weight to convey the character. As the performer I had to be Kyong Bin. This Kyong Bin’s role has a twin sister from the unusual background, born by a surrogate mother. So it must be chosen carefully for each method how to express all the mixed feelings.”
“As 22 years old guy I’m no longer in youth nor teenager, so there were two or three moments when I feel empty and different about acting. Best person to discuss about this kind of problem is my brother, Jae-soon. He told me that I can feel like a brother but acting as a senior. I’m so grateful."

“This year is lucky one, one good thing led to another. I’d figured that my happiness could not happen in 2000. I made many mistakes, 2000 was running like crazy but came to me in a very special way.”

Well done, Ko Soo !

“As everything in the world, there’s an end in every beginning. Now we start the year 2001, 2000 has ended. I’m considering one evaluation till the end. To recall the things in 2000, to unpack the story so I’d know what thing that I should be cautious of, things that I shall obtain.”

“I want you to evaluate each and every work of you. (‘Ko Soo, you and I are working hard. Well done!’) Words can be very mundane, in the way that true sense of the word estimated what to receive in return. But anyone who knows who I am, understands that I want to hear more about the intent of person who says so different. Sense of the word was heard from the difference between the words. We can hear ‘well done’ but it could be different.”

“With evaluation of the hard work, we can do our best thing for all the work. If anyone would do that the act would eagerly accepted. I also hope that anyone would very seriously see their performances when the drama ended. If you want to evaluate my performance, just make sure that I want to hear that words. Surely I want to hear ‘whatta hard work, well done’, but what I really need is words from the heart.”

Korean War – Into the Gunfire

Ko Soo portrays Su Hyuk, a delicate, timid man who later becomes a changed man when he becomes a soldier.

[Skipped]


Shin Ha Kyun plays Eun Pyo, an old friend of Su Hyuk, who sees his friend (Su Hyuk) gradually changes while they fight a battle in the highlands.

[Skipped]

Q: Let’s talk about the casting.

Director Jang: I don’t think I intended to change the existing image of the actors entirely. If anything, I try to enhance their image. My first impression of Ko Soo is that he is an energetic and honest young man. My task is to crack that image just a little for his role as Su Hyuk (laughs).

KO SOO : “THE ONLY WAY TO BE KO SOO”

Interview by Asiae

Translated by Wid Kosoo and Puppyiz

 “Here, this is the rip.” Ko Soo was pointing his finger at the wound he sustained while filming movie ‘Psychic’ . There lies a considerable visible state beneath the makeup, is a distinct trauma near the temple on the right eyebrow.  However this scar left a different meaning for this good looking actor who had been given the nickname ‘ Ko-Vid’ .  As if a small scratch had been left on a piece of classical painting, clearly visible it makes the movie even more worthy to watch. 

It may cause a tremble in work for one to fuss about a scar or two on a man’s face. In Ko Soo’s case, the cut was so deep that revealed his bones. Nevertheless, Ko Soo returned to the filming scene within a week despite the condition of his injury. 

Needless for words to describe over the distinct scar on his forehead.  A sign of aesthetic defect so to speak, but this time it is the evidence of the course as this actor continues to strive. Despite the injury Ko Soo is still a very handsome actor, but here the importance is ‘handsome’ rather than  ‘actor’.

An actor who claimed for shortcuts

Prior to classicism, metaphorically speaking, Ko Soo is truly handsome in the classic sense. The length of nose and chin including his large eyes all perfectly lined, his facial elements conforms mathematically to golden ratio aspects.  

Like all beautiful things, people want him to stay handsome, to keep those of pure beauty intact. Ko Soo has an innate beauty, and handsome actor is not free from this desire of the public. But the desire that Ko Soo wanted to accept instead of the body stuffs is about the identity he made as an actor.

His impressive appearance,  running & gasping in his debut Bacchus CF instantly inscribed him to the public. If you were acting, let’s ‘pretend’ that isn’t acting. Enrolled in the entertainment industry was just beginning, but most people really like the results he made and there is no way more reliable than that.

SBS drama ‘Piano’ led him to stardom and he tried to betray his image with the movie ‘Some’. The gap between them is so interesting. He is a ‘clear, understanding and concerned’ Jae Su in ’Piano’ to a totally different person with tattoo embodied Sung Joo, a ‘shouting bad language’ homicide detective. Jae Su is just like Yeong Ho in SBS drama ‘My Fair Lady’ who is a good, well-mannered person, where Ko Soo’s acting is most natural. 

However, nothing else to learn on the job. Ko soo was back to show his body and how to throw it every time. I was wacthing his acting as a tough guy in movie ‘Some’.  Instead, while in a fight scene he was fighting and roll kicking with several gangsters.  Becomes a  fugitive, he was jumping in cold water, ravaged by fate, engaging in gangster fights as expressed in SBS drama ‘Green Rose’. 

In short, Ko Soo is not a calculative actor. At some point he is not nearly smart but has willingness to learn.  He can choose to work with a well selected cast or less pain and more flaws, however he is not the kind of actor to display such techniques. In other words, he doesn’t have to find a shortcut. He just has to do his best to challenge himself. Before this, being a ‘handsome actor’ is important but it’s more important for being a ‘beautiful man’. 

He is far from macho when we watch him fearlessly smashing thing, feels like an unrefined male actor. Not everyone would have such an difficult advantage. However there is slight show of Ko Soo’s progress along the process. This is important.  In movie ‘Some’  we feel his anger when he grabs a reporter by his throat, compared to his unriped acting in Green Rose. The anger feels deeper so we can sense the state of unfairness he went through, when he grabbed Yu Ran by her throat (portrayed by Kim Seo Hyeong).

He defined his acting as “No one at that time to turn to”  and “naturally become closer to the character”. It was an extremely difficult process to complete the well-muscled, beautiful gloominess character of Yo Han with “doing all the activity at night and sleeping at daytime”  psychological discipline, the weight loss and subtle movements created through delicate exercises for the movie ‘White Night’ . And,  in SBS drama ‘Will it Snow for Christmas?’ a hardhearted, toughness and the combination of the cool acting is achieved with his previous experience.

Acting training and self-discipline for acting

But in his most recent movie ‘Psychic’ the interesting thing is that Ko Soo is not showing his advanced acting appearance. Hard laboring at the auto junkyard without losing his smile, his followers who are foreign workers are treating him warmly like brothers toward Gyu Nam, actually  is not significantly different compared to his figure as Jae Su, Yeong Ho, and Yong Hoon in SBS drama ‘Marry A Millionaire’. Instead, he is able to express himself in the best realm of the characters, that shows there no possible commercial in acting. 

His body was beaten and  wounded for 3 weeks, he can not be simulated with an idea or technique to the real spirit being pulled from the screen implementation. He looks like a superhero in the fight against the thing that scared him (a supernatural man), so a clear confrontation of man to man can be the reason why.

Of course, this puts a constant state of acting in his name, he had reached the level. But the world just find a little bit of his acting because they feel that his attitude is more beautiful indeed. Ko Soo took over one year to learn the discipline at Kyokushin Karate founded by the late Choi Yeong Eui. 'There is no chance to win. Ko Soo has thousand days to discipline himself, then he can be expected to win.’

The moment may be a tricky and easy way, but Ko Soo is not taking the shortest path.   Such as boxing and karate and martial arts training through the body and mind, he had to learn.  “I am able to control myself through acting, I’m very grateful," he should focus more on life as an actor. Train to act and disciplined himself to act. Again, Ko Soo is here for acting, we may be able to be sure of it. Instead, that’s the only way to be Ko Soo. That is important.

Via :  10.asiae.

Ko Soo Interview with KBS

Q&A clip with Ko Soo which appears in the official website for PSYCHIC.


 Translated by : ELSIE

KS: Hello everyone! I am Ko Soo and I play the part of Gyu-nam in PSYCHIC.

Q: Did you make special preparation for the role of Gyu-nam?

KS: I was mindful of the sensitivity of the child-like Gyu-nam, the ugliness of society and the fact that Gyu-nam is someone who is easily tricked by the people around him.

Q: How was it like co-starring with the foreign actors?

KS: I don’t think it’s easy to become acquainted with a person who speaks a different language and of a different skin colour. But I worked hard at being a true elder brother to them. Abu Dod, who played the part of Bubba, had a crying scene in the latter half of the film. When he said, “It was possible to act the crying scene, thanks to elder brother (Ko Soo)”, I was touched and felt that we could become sincere friends.

Q: The year is coming to an end. What’s your impression of co-starring with the handsome Kang Dong Won?

KS: I think there aren’t a lot of projects with the main leads as male characters. In the past, I have always been romancing the lead actress, winning her love and fighting for her love. But participating in this movie with new characters and new materials is a good experience and will provide pleasant memories for me.

Q: Do you have a few words for the audience?

KS: I think this is a movie which everyone will enjoy seeing while eating popcorn and drinking coke. Please give PSYCHIC your support. Thank you very much!

via  cafe.naver

Ko Soo : “ I’ve read it more than 100 times”

Translated by Wid Kosoo and Puppyiz

 

"Here, please enjoy a cup of espresso."

That was Ko Soo with his gentle voice. Hand gestures out the window, he looked like a scene in a pictorial.

Actor Ko Soo who was sitting in one of the cafes in SamCheong, first opened the conversation,  "All of a sudden so cold, winter already? I’ve trying to get the fall spirit and suddenly it’s winter.” Then speechless.

I asked, “So I think you like Espresso?”

He said,  " In fact, the only drink in 3 years." (He brought the espresso cup to his mouth) "Oh,  bitter.. hahaha” he laughed.

He looks perfectly handsome with big round eyes. He’s a sweet and sincere youth like Gyunam, his character in movie ‘Psychic’.

“Gyunam is different compared to the repressed feeling of my previous role in ‘White Night’. I’m colorless and have a lot of looks. I gave you a lot of soft, pure role, but this time I want to show you a different look."

"I liked the Directors's scenario, it was funny & witty.  I've read it so much ..um.. more than 100 times ??"

-skipped-



After ‘Psychic’ now he’s filming “Gojijeon’, but his eyes did not even look tired. After the army he had been reduced his work to the importance, we asked why.

 "My days were good when serving in the military.  Wanting to do the work I want but I was unable to do so, it was tough for me at that time. 'Ah ~ This is what i wanted to do' (stretches his arm) ...the size and the preciousness. I realised now, this is what i want. Only if I had know this earlier before the time of entering." 

As KoSoo would normally enjoy his mountain climbing or private walks with theatre people, company, co-workers and so on.

"Amidst the stillness, the sound of the leaves swaying little by little. The silence is wonderful."

via sports.hankooki

Ko Soo : “Gyunam is just like me, I’ll miss him after the shooting”

Interview by AM7
Translated by Wid Ko Soo and Puppyiz

KoSoo (32), actor with a good image that goes well with the character portrayed.


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In KoSoo’s interview with AM7,  it said “He is comfortably dressed in natural clothes like for acting”.


Ko Soo played as Gyunam in his latest movie 'Psychic'.
“Gyunam is a remaining humble nature guy, an appreciative friend who lives without great desires. During that time, the heartbreaking love stories of a person living with burden... this time of acting brings new feeling. I liked the fun and witty well-dissolved cinematic works of art. This film unravels the situations which allows the audience to believe, this is where I put my effort,” he said.

Last year came the movie ‘White Night’ which led KoSoo to a rave for his adult acting in the movie as seen.

"In ‘White Night’ I was confined. This time in 'Psychic' it was free. It wasn’t easy wanting to quickly leave the other character, the same goes with Gyunam’s as it was equally difficult," Ko Soo said.

Ever since his return from the military in 2008, KoSoo had continued working in a row.

“Continue representing anything that fulfils my desires (in acting),” he said.

Ko Soo is currently working on a war movie ‘GoJiJeon’.

"There was a time when I felt that I didn’t want to do acting. But now I still want more. 'Psychic' gave me enough of energy supplement to make a movie, so I'm looking forward for more."

"In 'Gojijeon' my role as a officer in the Armed Forces. I am given with lots of bombs burst, so I had to be sure that I'm safe before shooting. Spare lots of body !" he laughed, "Having enthusiasm is good, however filming without incident is best."

via media

Ko Soo : “I think I can be a passionate youth”

Interview by Osen

Translated by Wid Kosoo

Edited by Puppyiz

 

‘Youth’ is a word that suits better to this actor. Pure and sincere, but Ko Soo is rising a conspicuous consumption.

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In the movie ‘Psychic’, Ko Soo plays as Gyunam. A 100% pure passionate youth without prejudice, greed, and honestly happy with what his live is giving him each day.

Until now, Ko Soo still looks young. Every piece of him looks as pure healthy young man, we asked why.

"I guess I am young (hahaha). I dont know about whether a young man. The image of youth from the conflict of good and evil, and decided to worry, to stand at a crossroads, might be the definition of  young. If you overdo, then it is for adults. You are unable to settle for a place to live as young adults, and I guess I ‘d respect that if you must."

 

As a fine young man, Ko Soo has an addition name.  The nickname is Ko’Vid’ resembles to the appearance of David's sculpture. Ko Soo seemed bothered when we asked about this.

"To think lightly it is funny. Whether particularly burdening or not. Honestly, I felt embarrased when I first heard of it,  with the name built (given) by fans I accepted with much appreciation. In fact  I was called  'Hey' and also 'dash–dash–dash'. That’s OK whatever you thought of calling me. Perhaps in that sense, after the end of the movie that calling would not seem to be that bad. ”

Ko Soo is also an actor without any number of scandals and rumors. That would be for a thorough self-management. “I don’t like to give any damage to others,” he said, “But I also don’t like my story to others too well. I do not want to create an image as a quiet guy, reluctant to talk together. Maybe I need to acting up a new look if you think that was showing.” : D

 

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Now Ko Soo is in a full swing when shooting a war movie ‘Gijijeon’. "We conducted 20% of the state. Three years as the war was fought we have to capture all four seasons has taken over time. Anger is part of the spirit of war, there are many realistic and touching. With historical research, we lived in those days, thinking that is working. Then I feel about the war with terrible lessening. At the sound of bombs, lying dead or alive, what I really feel if I was there at that times.”

 

After his military service in 2008, Ko Soo is in succession without any gaps in work activities, and he "still remains a lot of sorting and passion because of it." He said, "I still work to pour a lot of power seems to remain after the long rest. It’s difficult but I’m not tired yet."

Ko Soo : “ I’m devoting my life to the joy of acting "

Interview by maxmovie

Translated by Wid Kosoo

Ko Soo is an actor who strict to himself. An intense strictness without cessation may need to get the power that actor has to provide.  Above all, Ko Soo’s desire for acting grows and I’m wondering how really good he can be as an actor if he was trying fiercely.

People love his pleasant look.  His inner thoughts were very nice inside. He is eloquent, but throughout the interview he was trying very hard to talk seriously.

“My life is dedicated to the pleasures of acting”

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He never has a particular dream to become an actor since childhood, but it was because he didn’t enjoy to watch movies that time. Through the Bacchus advertising his face was widely known. Then he started his life as an actor and has to loose a portion of his freedom, but he didn’t regret the decision. "My life, my time is devoted to what happened while doing my best to be a good actor."

Ko Soo learns to take on any role to the best prepared, and frozen images of celebrities from the field staff seemed to become truthful. He doesn’t have any hobbies but acting itself. He learned to appreciate just how to enjoy the thing he knew. After military service, he is working and working  in a row without gaps to relax. Ko Soo has a 'proper boy' image and wanted to jump over. "I myself do not know me too well, due to preconceived notion. People had higher expectations of me in a way. As for this I'd like to concentrate more on acting. To impress the audience with my performance as you wish." His words are now building their own departure from the regulations as an actor, you want to broaden the range of acting against his wishes were dissolved intact.

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Ko Soo learns a lot. Be moderately fashionable or refuse to see a gap is not just how to package yourself. He immediately took the challenge on the stage after his military service where he can put in a long breath and have learned the secret.

"I learned a lot. Now that you've entered stage and left to stage of musical I saw, I can not get the songs do not even dare to challenge (Laughter)."

The only solution is how to fulfill in the best way

He’s a heartwarming guy as  a young man next door. But in front of the camera he’s 180 degrees different. He completely erased the character before the new begins. “While I’m working, I don’t think about 'How does the outcome of this film, how will raise the audience’. If the audience loves the movie, it’s really good, but I think a lot of how to work hard, I'm happy just to enjoy the work."

Ko Soo has his own character as the visual actor. He said nothing, not make a face, even when no blast charisma. Obsession for the actor to fall in turn to focus on the acting moment, the fact that you are familiar with his work for everything he is throwing every time. "I have no other solution but do not just do your best for the role,  given its role as the emotion I was trying to express. Allows the audience to come and can fully understand my role.”

There's not much that we know about Ko Soo. What he is and what he eats. People knows a lot about actors, but we know nothing about Ko Soo. He doesn’t do Twitter or MySpace, only managed by his fans. "They have a desire to manage, and have not started to think not. I'd like to be able to do well. "

"I went off the television audience, or does not work for a long time, but I wanted to feel like I'm going to forget as soon as it’s over. Because we can find several works. Best are yet to come I'm waiting for a chance to be happy. "

via maxmovie

Interview with Ko Soo – Part 1: Love from a fan is precious

Translated by : ELSIE

I met Ko Soo at a cafe' in Seoul amidst the bright autumn sunlight. Ko Soo, who appeared to have swollen eyes, greeted the writer with a bright smile. “I have sore eyes, so I won’t be able to have pictures taken today”, Ko Soo said regrettably. I asked about his health condition, but he straightened his back and said, “No, I’m good”, and then proceeded to prepare for the interview.

Looking at Ko Soo reminds me of the drinks commercial which he did 10 years ago about a youth dashing across town to bring his sweetheart home before her curfew time. That same youthful Ko Soo seems about to dash out from the television screen at any moment now. It is like he is using his body as a protection against detractors.

Ko Soo suddenly recited a line from a poem, “When it’s often seen, it’s lovely. When it’s being seen for a long time, it becomes precious love. In the same way as seeing you…” Just when I was wondering where have I heard this before, Ko Soo gave me the answer, “It’s from a poem “Flowering Plant”. It is precious and it is lovely to see fans too”.

A chair has been prepared for fans on the film set

When I praised Ko Soo for reciting a line from the lovely poem “Flowering Plant”, he seemed embarrassed, “The poem is short, so it is easy to remember. If it’s long, it will not be possible to remember”. However, he said, “It is true this is how I feel about fans”. As this was brought into the conversation, I asked him how was it possible to arouse the interest of fans. “It is the same as poetry. Fans may think it is difficult to approach me, but this is not the case. When I’m shooting a film, you can come visit me at the film set. If I see a fan, I will prepare a chair and welcome him or her”, replied Ko Soo.

What if the fan is stopped by a film crew when she visits the film set? Ko Soo laughed, “If I see her, it’s safe”. Ko Soo has emphasized many times in the interview, “Please do not say I am “natural” any more”. However, as we talked, it was apparent that Ko Soo “wasn’t natural” at all since it is “natural” for a performing artist not to show his true mind easily. Ko Soo is thus an unusual type of guy. “The people who think I am important are important to me. Up till now, I have not played the role of someone whom a teenager would love before. I would like to hear the opinion of the junior high as well as high school students as PSYCHIC is restricted to those aged 15 and above”. Through Ko Soo’s words, I could feel that he is no gloss on the surface but a real, truly sincere chap with a natural curiosity as to what people think of him professionally.

Interview with Ko Soo Part 2 - Love from a fan is precious

My acting is based on the sensitivity of an elderly man in the countryside

The production is unanimous that Ko Soo is 100% Gyu-nam. Ko Soo plays the role of the only person (Gyu-nam) who is not manipulated by Cho-in (Kang Dong Won)’s eyes. Why is Ko Soo the right man for the role? I am not saying that Ko Soo is the right man personally. But I kept thinking many times why was he not affected by the powers of the psychic? “The reason why he does not succumb to supernatural powers is not clearly explained in the movie. Gyu-nam is a man who is pure of heart. He doesn’t have a competitive spirit and only has a simple dream for the future. He is unselfish too. Only a warm, elderly person in the countryside can accept everything that comes his way. How to express that is a problem”, said Ko Soo. It is the production staff’s opinion that such an image fits Ko Soo well. However, Ko Soo was apprehensive, “Because I have been doing a lot of dark roles like in WISFC and WHITE NIGHT, these have an influence on my role as Gyu-nam who is a cheerful character. But it was a pleasant and enjoyable experience”.

I run with people at the neighborhood playground

It is not easy to keep a pure, handsome image as well as a glitzy facade for all to see. His professionalism as an actor is felt too. In WISFC, he stole the hearts of many female fans when he bared his torso in an unexpected shower scene. The “secret” to keeping a tight body is an extremely simple one, said Ko Soo, “The body should not get tired by digesting a lot of food. So it’s important to restrict your diet. And when I have the time, I exercise. When I am not filming, I exercise regularly. When I am busy like these days, I run through the school’s playground in the neighborhood”. So you may be able to see Ko-vid (Ko Soo + David (Michelangelo’s sculpture) running with the uncles in some neighborhood playground one of these days.


 via chosunonline

Ko Soo : “Enough of Ko-vid for now!”

Translated by Wid Ko Soo

Edited by Puppyiz

Ko Soo is identic to the clean eyes. The clear, pure and mysterious eyes. Today is 12 years since his debut, but he’s still an intriguing actor. There’s a lot of hidden charms that you want to learn.

The mysticism of Ko Soo made him received a lot of love since his debut year. He always arouses public curiosity. Prior to the opening of his recent movie 'Psychics', through the interviews with Asia Economy Sports Today exudes KoSoo's infinite hidden charms.  

“People  always wonder about ' Ko Soo'  the actor "

He is not just ordinary people. Look like an innocent guy, it always seems a dreamlike to imagine him as an  indecent image. He is serious, yet with offbeat charm and actually knows how to win your heart.

"When you try to explain about me,  you’ll use the word 'passionate' or 'pure'. You think that word suits me well. Conversely, it does not pure nor passionate. It’s more like 'no' rather than 'right' as you thought. My personality, as many of you think that I'm serious, yet I have the silly part.”

Ko Soo said that he tends to care too much. He doesn’t have a lot of privacy in public. Ecspecially when he is living in entertainment industry when ‘ he can’t learn to know anyone even when the relationship was born’. Ko Soo has his own method to keep 'what would be worth keeping' .

“I just want to keep quiet about precious thing. Celebrity life began to keep in mind as a dreamy thing, or anything like principle seems to be disappear after it was speaking out. I deliberately look for a place to hide. And I just hope there’s a clause for a curious public J. Too much attention would be a burden, constant curiousness occurs to the actor.

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" Enough of ' Ko-Vid ' for now  ! "

The cast of Kang Dong Won and Ko Soo in ‘Psychic’ poured in a tribute as  'the world's most beautiful casts’. Female audiences chanted cheers to see the strong visual (appearance) of two actors. But Ko soo said, “I hope you want to see the non-visual side (character) of 'gyunam' in the film."

“I hope people will discontinue labelling me with  ' KoVid '. It is difficult for me to bear. Ko Soo as an actor doesn’t wish to be inflicted by any specific color.  One stark image that goes way beyond the pressure. Now 'Psychic' is showing so Gyunam needs your concern. I hope the person that you want to see is me (not Ko-Vid)."

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Ko Soo missed the chatter, but he knows how to deliver the exact kind of ' 4-dimension eloquence' with his calmness.

“The feeling of burden due to the attentions and curiousities,  might bring hope to me ," he said.

For all his 12 years of practise,  perhaps this might be the reason for KoSoo in receiving this steady love.

via asiae