Byun Yo-han Calls Korean Modern Period Genre 'Timelessly Meaningful'

Byun Yo-han Calls Korean Modern Period Genre 'Timelessly Meaningful'

▲ Actor Byun Yo-han, starring Disney Plus series "Uncle Samsik," appears in this profile photo provided by the OTT giant. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, June 26 (Yonhap) -- "‘Uncle Samsik’ is like a book. It's the kind of work you'd keep on your desk or bookshelf, and I believe it will shine brighter as time passes," said actor Byun Yo-han.

His co-star Jin Ki-joo echoed this sentiment, expressing regret that many have yet to see the series, despite its sophistication and elegance. "It's a really cool, sophisticated work. Even though not many have seen it, it will remain available for everyone, which is something to be thankful for."

Recently concluded with its 16th episode, the Disney+ original series "Uncle Samsik" did not achieve significant popularity or stir much buzz. However, lead actors Byun Yo-han and Jin Ki-joo are confident that the show will be remembered and appreciated more over time. The two actors shared their thoughts and behind-the-scenes stories during an interview on the 25th at a café in Jongno, Seoul.

Set in the 1950s and 1960s, "Uncle Samsik" features Byun Yo-han as Kim San, a young man who dreams of advancing South Korea's economic development after studying economics in the United States on a scholarship. The political drama revolves around a broker named Park Du-chil, nicknamed Samsik (played by Song Kang-ho), who becomes fascinated by Kim San’s vision and decides to support him.

Kim San devises a "National Reconstruction Project" to boost the economy, but he struggles against bureaucrats who are more interested in power struggles. Through his encounter with Park Du-chil, Kim San gradually approaches the core of power. Byun noted that while the circumstances around Kim San constantly change, his character's determination remains steadfast. "I wanted to introduce a character who remains unchanged despite the turbulent times," he said.

Byun highlighted a particularly challenging scene from the first episode, where Kim San delivers a speech at a lecture given by his revered mentor, opposition politician Joo In-tae (played by Oh Kwang-rok). This is also the pivotal moment when Park Du-chil first sees Kim San. "I've never given a speech before, so it was tough. I took the script to Jeju Island and practiced by the sea, but it wasn't easy," Byun recalled. "The answer was at the filming site. The actors, including Song Kang-ho, treated me as Kim San, enabling me to finally deliver the speech," he said, expressing gratitude towards his co-stars.

Despite the show's lukewarm reception, Byun believes "Uncle Samsik" will remain a significant work. "I think modern Korean history can only be portrayed by Korean actors. It's meaningful to have participated in such a work, and I believe people will look back on it 10, 15, or 20 years from now."

Jin Ki-joo played Joo Yeon-jin, the daughter of Joo In-tae and Kim San’s love interest, who becomes a journalist after experiencing several hardships. Known for her unique background of transitioning from a journalist to an actress, Jin felt a personal connection to the role. "When I received the offer and read part of the script, I was excited to see a journalist role. I remembered writing in my resume that I wanted to be an unbiased journalist," she reminisced.

Jin was particularly moved by the scenes depicting the 4.19 Revolution and the 5.16 military coup, major events in the series, even though the show does not directly name them. "Even though I knew everyone was an actor and the guns were fake, seeing the young people forming a human barricade and falling to the bullets was terrifying. It made me think about the actual fear people must have felt in 1960," she said.

Joo Yeon-jin, despite facing numerous political upheavals and personal pain, remains committed to truth and justice, demonstrating emotional restraint and maturity. Jin admired her character, comparing her to "a well-ripened grain of rice that bows down gracefully," and admitted to being worried about doing justice to the role.

"Uncle Samsik" garnered attention as it marked Song Kang-ho's first appearance in a drama. Song praised his co-stars, noting their impressive and unrestrained performances. When asked about working with the veteran actor, Byun and Jin shared their admiration and nervousness.

"On set, he was very reverent. His dedication to acting for over 30 years was evident. He loves acting, the set, and supports his fellow actors," Byun said. Jin added, "In the later episodes, I finally had a scene with him. I was so nervous. After we finished the project, I sent him a message, and he replied with 'Let's see each other for a long time.' Like he said, I want to keep acting for a long, long time."

Both actors are hopeful that "Uncle Samsik" will be remembered as a meaningful contribution to Korean television, resonating with audiences for years to come.