Actor Ryu Seung-ryong, known for leading box office hits like 'Masquerade,' 'Miracle in Cell No. 7,' 'Roaring Currents,' and 'Extreme Job,' portrays a desperate father in the film 'Bigwang' directed by Lee Ji-won. In the film, Ryu plays Jung-gu, who fights to protect his daughter even when pushed to the brink. Having previously depicted warm and ordinary father figures, he draws on a more urgent paternal love in this role, resonating with audiences.
"Initially, I declined after only reading the synopsis. At that time, I was frequently playing father roles in films like 'Psychokinesis,' 'The Guest,' and 'Seven Years of Night,' and I wanted to explore something different. However, the director wrote me a letter. Through it, I realized that this story is not just about paternal love, which prompted me to revisit the script," Ryu said.
The letter from director Lee Ji-won conveyed his dedication to the project and his trust in Ryu. Ryu felt the director's passion for why this story needed to be told and why he wanted Ryu to be part of it.
"The director wrote about five pages, sharing his family history, his motivations for making films, his approach to this project, and what cinema means to him. He also expressed why he wanted to work with me on this film. It was heartfelt and genuine. I believe sincerity resonates, and reading it again, I understood the director's intentions," Ryu explained.
The title 'Bigwang' is not merely symbolic. Ryu interpreted the imagery associated with the 'Bigwang' card game as a representation of hope that emerges when imperfect individuals come together to endure crises.
"Initially, there was some misunderstanding. People might think it's a gambling movie, but the director explained that it's about the 'Bigwang' card. He hopes audiences will find strength in seeing how families overcome crises and transform them into positive energy. Each person may be flawed, but together they create synergy. Even in the rain, there is definitely light, which carries multiple meanings. It was my first time reflecting so deeply on a single card game," he said.
'Bigwang' also follows the rise and fall of the character Jung-gu. Ryu noted that while the role demanded a wide emotional range, the tightly constructed script served as a guide.
"The script was very solid. The director's six years of dedication to writing it in a goshiwon (study room) is embedded in the blueprint. It detailed everything from the number of lights and their positions to the placement of outlets and wallpaper, which made me think about how to implement them effectively. While it was challenging to bring it all to life, the director provided excellent guidance," Ryu said.
Ryu found it difficult to understand Jung-gu's acceptance of his daughter Dong-joo. Through discussions with director Lee Ji-won, he began to grasp the paternal love and familial bonds depicted in the film.
"As a married man with children, there were aspects I struggled to comprehend. So, I talked a lot with the director. Kim Hae-sook's character, who is Dong-joo's ex-mother-in-law, genuinely tells her to 'run away without looking back,' treating her like her own daughter. Also, the character played by Kim Young-min, who is not biologically related, fulfills his role like a family member. I believe Jung-gu's acceptance was possible within that family dynamic, even if it wasn't easy," Ryu said.
Ryu portrayed Jung-gu from his 20s to 40s. He humorously noted, "While a lot of CGI was used, I also took care of my skin to prepare for the role."
"I did a lot of things I hadn't done before. I applied masks daily and managed my appearance. The director was very particular about visuals, props, and costumes," he added.
The costumes and props were not just decorative but served to explain Jung-gu's past and preferences. Ryu noted that the director's meticulous intentions were embedded in the character's appearance.
"Yes, the flashy clothes weren't just for show; they reflected Jung-gu's tastes and a sense of his unresolved past. Nam-mi's outfits also maintained consistency. When the director dressed her in a pure white shirt upon exiting, it symbolized innocence. I believe all those choices explained the character well," he said.
The chemistry with Ha Ji-won was also crucial. Jung-gu and Nam-mi share a relationship filled with love, resentment, and complex emotions. Ryu credited Ha Ji-won's excellent reactions and adaptability for helping to develop their intricate marital dynamic.
"I think Ha Ji-won is one of the best actors in Korea when it comes to reactions. Her serious responses and laughter are fantastic. She even laughs at trivial humor, which I appreciate. On set, we had to navigate the complex and subtle relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi, and Ha Ji-won really played along well," he said.
The story of Jung-gu and Nam-mi, once top stars who suddenly fall from grace, resonated with Ryu, who has experienced life's ups and downs.
"Life can bring unexpected events. I feel I've gone through such ups and downs myself, and I've learned a lot during those times. After experiencing various twists and turns, I think I’ve gained flexibility and calmness. I try to keep an open mind and accept things without panic. I believe that calmness has developed within me," he said.
His approach to rest has also changed. Once filling his time with woodworking, leatherwork, and pottery, he is now learning to embrace moments of doing nothing.
"During COVID, when projects were postponed, I found myself with time, and I couldn't just sit still. I did carpentry, leatherwork, and pottery. Now, with a busy schedule, I can't maintain those activities consistently, but I walk, exercise, and even walk barefoot on Jeju Olle. However, sometimes it feels like I'm aggressively resting. Nowadays, I play music and just sit still. I don't know why listening to classical piano without lyrics, with soft lighting and good ventilation while watching the robot vacuum clean, feels so healing," he said.
Learning to rest has been another challenge for him. For someone who has lived in a competitive environment, allowing oneself to have 'nothing time' is not easy.
"I think I haven't allowed myself to be still for too long. I had an obsession that being idle meant falling behind. Those of us born in the 1970s heard a lot about competition from a young age. Reflecting on my adulthood, I realized I rarely took time to do nothing. Allowing myself to do nothing has been a significant challenge, and it requires training," he said.
Ryu's perspective on the pressures of fatherhood has also evolved. He believes that not all fathers are the same, and even within the same title, there are invisible differences.
"At that time, I struggled with father roles, often crying and lamenting. I think it was a transitional phase for me to reflect on my acting. But now, not all fathers are the same. They are all different. Even within that, there are invisible differences. I think my previous rigid and narrow-minded views have changed a bit now," he said.
Ryu described 'Bigwang' as a film that deeply follows the power of storytelling and the chemistry among the actors. Having explored various genres from comedy to drama and thriller, he feels drawn to projects that center on rich narratives and strong performances.
"I enjoy quirky stories and those that allow for imaginative exploration, like 'Chicken Gangjeong,' 'Amazon Herbal Medicine,' and 'Moving.' I believe we will see more great content like that in the future. However, 'Bigwang' is a work where you can truly appreciate the density of the story and the actors' performances and chemistry. I think this will mark the beginning of my preference for such works," he concluded.
"Initially, I declined after only reading the synopsis. At that time, I was frequently playing father roles in films like 'Psychokinesis,' 'The Guest,' and 'Seven Years of Night,' and I wanted to explore something different. However, the director wrote me a letter. Through it, I realized that this story is not just about paternal love, which prompted me to revisit the script," Ryu said.
The letter from director Lee Ji-won conveyed his dedication to the project and his trust in Ryu. Ryu felt the director's passion for why this story needed to be told and why he wanted Ryu to be part of it.
"The director wrote about five pages, sharing his family history, his motivations for making films, his approach to this project, and what cinema means to him. He also expressed why he wanted to work with me on this film. It was heartfelt and genuine. I believe sincerity resonates, and reading it again, I understood the director's intentions," Ryu explained.
The title 'Bigwang' is not merely symbolic. Ryu interpreted the imagery associated with the 'Bigwang' card game as a representation of hope that emerges when imperfect individuals come together to endure crises.
"Initially, there was some misunderstanding. People might think it's a gambling movie, but the director explained that it's about the 'Bigwang' card. He hopes audiences will find strength in seeing how families overcome crises and transform them into positive energy. Each person may be flawed, but together they create synergy. Even in the rain, there is definitely light, which carries multiple meanings. It was my first time reflecting so deeply on a single card game," he said.
'Bigwang' also follows the rise and fall of the character Jung-gu. Ryu noted that while the role demanded a wide emotional range, the tightly constructed script served as a guide.
"The script was very solid. The director's six years of dedication to writing it in a goshiwon (study room) is embedded in the blueprint. It detailed everything from the number of lights and their positions to the placement of outlets and wallpaper, which made me think about how to implement them effectively. While it was challenging to bring it all to life, the director provided excellent guidance," Ryu said.
Ryu found it difficult to understand Jung-gu's acceptance of his daughter Dong-joo. Through discussions with director Lee Ji-won, he began to grasp the paternal love and familial bonds depicted in the film.
"As a married man with children, there were aspects I struggled to comprehend. So, I talked a lot with the director. Kim Hae-sook's character, who is Dong-joo's ex-mother-in-law, genuinely tells her to 'run away without looking back,' treating her like her own daughter. Also, the character played by Kim Young-min, who is not biologically related, fulfills his role like a family member. I believe Jung-gu's acceptance was possible within that family dynamic, even if it wasn't easy," Ryu said.
Ryu portrayed Jung-gu from his 20s to 40s. He humorously noted, "While a lot of CGI was used, I also took care of my skin to prepare for the role."
"I did a lot of things I hadn't done before. I applied masks daily and managed my appearance. The director was very particular about visuals, props, and costumes," he added.
The costumes and props were not just decorative but served to explain Jung-gu's past and preferences. Ryu noted that the director's meticulous intentions were embedded in the character's appearance.
"Yes, the flashy clothes weren't just for show; they reflected Jung-gu's tastes and a sense of his unresolved past. Nam-mi's outfits also maintained consistency. When the director dressed her in a pure white shirt upon exiting, it symbolized innocence. I believe all those choices explained the character well," he said.
The chemistry with Ha Ji-won was also crucial. Jung-gu and Nam-mi share a relationship filled with love, resentment, and complex emotions. Ryu credited Ha Ji-won's excellent reactions and adaptability for helping to develop their intricate marital dynamic.
"I think Ha Ji-won is one of the best actors in Korea when it comes to reactions. Her serious responses and laughter are fantastic. She even laughs at trivial humor, which I appreciate. On set, we had to navigate the complex and subtle relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi, and Ha Ji-won really played along well," he said.
The story of Jung-gu and Nam-mi, once top stars who suddenly fall from grace, resonated with Ryu, who has experienced life's ups and downs.
"Life can bring unexpected events. I feel I've gone through such ups and downs myself, and I've learned a lot during those times. After experiencing various twists and turns, I think I’ve gained flexibility and calmness. I try to keep an open mind and accept things without panic. I believe that calmness has developed within me," he said.
His approach to rest has also changed. Once filling his time with woodworking, leatherwork, and pottery, he is now learning to embrace moments of doing nothing.
"During COVID, when projects were postponed, I found myself with time, and I couldn't just sit still. I did carpentry, leatherwork, and pottery. Now, with a busy schedule, I can't maintain those activities consistently, but I walk, exercise, and even walk barefoot on Jeju Olle. However, sometimes it feels like I'm aggressively resting. Nowadays, I play music and just sit still. I don't know why listening to classical piano without lyrics, with soft lighting and good ventilation while watching the robot vacuum clean, feels so healing," he said.
Learning to rest has been another challenge for him. For someone who has lived in a competitive environment, allowing oneself to have 'nothing time' is not easy.
"I think I haven't allowed myself to be still for too long. I had an obsession that being idle meant falling behind. Those of us born in the 1970s heard a lot about competition from a young age. Reflecting on my adulthood, I realized I rarely took time to do nothing. Allowing myself to do nothing has been a significant challenge, and it requires training," he said.
Ryu's perspective on the pressures of fatherhood has also evolved. He believes that not all fathers are the same, and even within the same title, there are invisible differences.
"At that time, I struggled with father roles, often crying and lamenting. I think it was a transitional phase for me to reflect on my acting. But now, not all fathers are the same. They are all different. Even within that, there are invisible differences. I think my previous rigid and narrow-minded views have changed a bit now," he said.
Ryu described 'Bigwang' as a film that deeply follows the power of storytelling and the chemistry among the actors. Having explored various genres from comedy to drama and thriller, he feels drawn to projects that center on rich narratives and strong performances.
"I enjoy quirky stories and those that allow for imaginative exploration, like 'Chicken Gangjeong,' 'Amazon Herbal Medicine,' and 'Moving.' I believe we will see more great content like that in the future. However, 'Bigwang' is a work where you can truly appreciate the density of the story and the actors' performances and chemistry. I think this will mark the beginning of my preference for such works," he concluded.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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