Suho Says He "Read 'Missing Crown Prince' Script Hundred Times"

17/06/2024

This still photo, provided by SM Entertainment on June 17, 2024, shows singer-actor Suho of K-pop boy group EXO, starring in MBN's romantic comedy series "Missing Crown Prince." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲ This still photo, provided by SM Entertainment on June 17, 2024, shows singer-actor Suho of K-pop boy group EXO, starring in MBN's romantic comedy series "Missing Crown Prince." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, June 17 (Yonhap) -- "I carried the script around for two or three months before starting filming for 'Missing Crown Prince.' I think I read it about a hundred times until episode six," explained Suho, the heartthrob of the recently concluded Kdrama "Missing Crown Prince."

In an interview held on the 14th at the SM Entertainment building in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, Suho shared, "Senior actors gave me a lot of supportive but concerned advice, saying that historical dramas are tough both in terms of filming and acting. Their comments made me more determined. I like to pioneer new things, so I prepared even harder."

This epic romance series means a lot to Suho, who doubles as the leader of K-pop boy group EXO. Recalling how he came to be part of the drama, he said, "It felt like destiny. While growing my hair for a solo album concept, I thought it would be good for a historical drama since my hair was long enough for a topknot. Just then, I was offered a role in 'Missing Crown Prince.'"

"Missing Crown Prince" is a romantic comedy set in the Joseon Dynasty. It follows Crown Prince Lee Geon (played by Suho) who, while hiding his identity, ventures outside the palace and gets kidnapped. The drama is a fictional historical story not based on real events.

In the drama, Lee Geon witnesses the Queen Dowager (played by Myung Se-bin) in a secret meeting but does not see her companion's face. Determined to uncover the truth, he leaves the palace based on clues found at the meeting place. Meanwhile, the royal physician Choi Sang-rok (Kim Joo-heon) attempts to change his daughter Myung-yoon's (Hong Ye-ji) ill-fated fortune by kidnapping a random man from a tavern, who turns out to be the Crown Prince.

Suho described his character Lee Geon as altruistic and full of love, with a strong sense of duty and determination as a future king. He noted that the director instructed him to focus on the weight and responsibility of the title of Crown Prince.

The show's viewership ratings rose steadily from an initial 0.9% to over 4% in the later episodes, drawing attention with its shocking themes and unexpected plot twists. Suho expressed satisfaction with the drama's ending, where Lee Geon fulfills his role for the country while finding happiness with his loved one, describing it as a "perfect happy ending."

Suho's performance encompassed action scenes, regal demeanor during palace intrigues, and warmth towards subordinates. His upright and good-natured appearance earned him the nickname "Crown Prince face," a new addition to his existing "meet-the-parents-approved" image.

Reflecting on his evolving image, Suho shared, "In my 20s, I wanted to break away from the upright image, but now in my 30s, I find it rather appealing." Despite this, he expressed his desire to continually challenge himself with new roles, aiming to be a versatile actor.

Although the interview focused on 'Missing Crown Prince,' Suho also addressed the recent conflict between EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin (collectively known as CBX), and SM Entertainment regarding royalties and tampering accusations.

Suho revealed that he and the other members were surprised and concerned about the situation, feeling sorry for the fans, EXO-Ls, who might be the most affected. He expressed a strong desire to continue delivering good music to their fans despite the ongoing issues.

Suho Says He "Read 'Missing Crown Prince' Script Hundred Times"

▲ In this photo provided MBN, singer-actor Suho of K-pop boy group EXO poses with actress Hong Ye-ji for photos at the press conference for the broadcaster's new romantic comedy series "Missing Crown Prince" in Seoul on April 12, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

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