“Both Park Ji-hoon and I cried a lot. This is not an ordinary kind of sadness. It is dense, heavy. The King’s Warden carries a deep sorrow.”
These were the words of actor Yoo Hae-jin, who delivered a soul-baring performance in The King’s Warden, set to be released during the Lunar New Year holiday season. Recently, Yoo met with reporters at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, where he spoke at length about the film, the shoot, and his fellow actors.
The King’s Warden is set in Cheongnyeongpo in 1457 and tells the story of a village chief who voluntarily chooses exile to revive his village, and a young former king who is banished after being dethroned. As the first Korean film to explore the hidden story of King Danjong, the film is directed by storyteller Jang Hang-jun and features a powerful ensemble cast including Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Min.
Yoo Hae-jin plays Eom Heung-do, the warm-hearted village chief of Gwangcheongol. Following its press screening, the film has received strong critical praise, signaling a positive outlook for its box office run. Yoo credited his co-star, saying, “Park Ji-hoon was incredible,” before joking, “As for me, I come with a solid base,” drawing laughter.
Explaining why he chose the project, Yoo said, “It is a story about the fundamental nature of humanity that audiences of all ages can relate to. It was carefully crafted as something that could plausibly exist within history.” He added, “It is not easy to come across a film like this. A movie that so many generations can enjoy does not come along often, which made it meaningful. There was depth to think about, but it was also entertaining. I did not hesitate much.”
Speaking about working with director Jang Hang-jun, Yoo said, “We are the same age, though he is technically my senior because I entered school late.” He continued, “Jang keeps the atmosphere light on set, but no one dislikes that lightness. It never interfered with making the film. He helped emotions flow naturally and always made the set comfortable. It was the kind of lightness that allowed actors and crew to freely share their ideas.”
Yoo also shared a personal anecdote, laughing as he said, “We are close. In the past, Jang, Yoon Jong-shin, and I met often. We even used to drink together at Jang’s house with writer Kim Eun-hee.”
Yoo Hae-jin formed a deeply immersive emotional bond with Park Ji-hoon, who plays King Danjong, Yi Hong-wi. He has openly expressed his affection for the younger actor at official events and on online broadcasts, and he did so again during the interview.
“Ji-hoon never approached me in a burdensome way, trying too hard to get close,” Yoo said. “We became close naturally, much like how Yi Hong-wi and Eom Heung-do grow closer in exile. Whatever Ji-hoon does feels sincere. He is a really good person.”
Yoo also recalled a filming anecdote from the mountain location. “Large vehicles could not enter the area, so I walked about two kilometers uphill every day. One day, Ji-hoon got out of his car and asked, ‘Would it be okay if I walked with you?’ Most people would pretend not to see someone walking and tell their manager to drive faster, but he did not.”
“While walking up the mountain path, we talked a lot about the film,” Yoo continued. “That naturally led to personal conversations about family and military service. I found myself growing attached to him. That feeling carried into my performance. Without that affection, even acting would not have been that heartbreaking.”
Yoo also shared that he deliberately avoided Park Ji-hoon before filming the final scene. “I thought if I met him beforehand, my emotions would overflow. When he greeted me, calling ‘Senior,’ I pretended not to notice.”
Asked whether they stayed in touch after filming, Yoo replied, “Not often. But even a short message from him feels sincere.” He added with a smile, “I saved his contact as ‘The King’s Warden Danjong Ji-hoon.’ As you get older, you need to add context so you remember later.”
Yoo emphasized once more, “Park Ji-hoon’s eyes carry sincerity. His eye acting is exceptional. When he looked up at me with tears welling in his eyes, mine naturally turned red as well. It brought tears without effort.”
Regarding his portrayal of the real historical figure Eom Heung-do, Yoo said, “I was careful not to do him a disservice. He recovered King Danjong’s body and lived in hiding afterward. I was constantly mindful of how to portray a historical figure respectfully.” He added, “The film grows heavier in the latter half, but it could not maintain that tone throughout. I tried to keep it engaging while remaining respectful. I hope the film helps more people learn about him.”
From The King and the Clown to Jeon Woo-chi, The Pirates, The Battle of Bongodong, The Night Owl, and now The King’s Warden, Yoo Hae-jin has consistently stood out in historical films.
“The King and the Clown played the biggest role in shaping my career,” Yoo said. “Many people still remember my role as Yuk-gap. Because of that film, I was able to continue meeting good projects.” He added, “The tone of historical dramas seems to suit me. Perhaps it is because I do not look particularly modern or refined, at least from the audience’s perspective.”
When stills from The King’s Warden were first released, Yoo’s appearance drew attention for looking as if he had stepped straight out of a history textbook. “I was surprised too,” he said with a laugh. “Later, I looked at my hands and realized it. I was genuinely impressed.”
Many journalists were moved to tears during the press screening of The King’s Warden. When Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon took the stage for the press conference, their eyes were visibly red.
“Both Ji-hoon and I cried a lot,” Yoo said. “Even watching it again, I think I would cry. This is not a light sadness. It is dense. The King’s Warden is filled with deep sorrow.”
He concluded, “You will feel both emotion and enjoyment. It is a film filled with elements that many people can appreciate. It has been a while since a movie like this came along. The final moments, in particular, will stay with you for a long time.”
Remaining cheerful to the end, Yoo added with a grin, “Honestly, the tiger CG was not great. The deer was incredible. When the tiger appears, it might be a good moment to think about something else.”
The King’s Warden opens in theaters on February 4.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
Copyright ⓒ 뉴스컬처 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지
