Kwon Yul Cherishes His Villain Role in 'Connection': 'I Wanted to Prove Myself'

연합뉴스 / 2024-07-10 09:21:32

▲ This photo of Korean actor Kwon Yul is provided by J Wide Company on July 10, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 10 (Yonhap) -- "I had many concerns upon receiving the script for 'Connection.' The burden and fear of playing such a strong villain were significant. However, the desire to show my full range as a villain and prove my acting abilities outweighed those concerns, and I decided to take on the role."

In the recently concluded SBS drama 'Connection,' actor Kwon Yul played Park Tae-jin, a prosecutor and high school friend of the protagonist who is the mastermind behind various crimes. Meeting at a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul, on the 9th, Kwon Yul explained why he decided to take on the role despite his initial hesitations. "The characters and script were so well-crafted that it helped me overcome my fears," he said.

Kwon Yul noted that each character in the script was well-defined and memorable, contributing to the show's success, which peaked at a 14% viewership rating. He credited the success to the writer and production team, stating that the story's "build-up" was well-executed.

▲ This still photo, provided by SBS on July 10, 2024, shows Korean actor Kwon Yul in the broadcaster's new series "Connection." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

'Connection' follows narcotics officer Jang Jae-kyung (played by Ji Sung) as he is kidnapped and forcibly addicted to drugs when he goes to meet a high school friend. The story unfolds as his friend Park Joon-seo (played by Yoon Na-moo) is found dead, leading to a series of revelations about a criminal network involving high school friends.

Kwon Yul's character, Park Tae-jin, a prosecutor who was always top of his class in school, is revealed to be the mastermind behind these criminal activities. He is portrayed as a cold, calculating individual who will do anything to achieve his goals, including manipulating and harming others.

One of the most challenging scenes for Kwon Yul was when his character strangles Choi Ji-yeon (played by Jung Yoo-min), his mistress and the wife of his friend, as well as another scene where he strangles fellow classmate Oh Yoon-jin (played by Jeon Mi-do). "While ordering murders or dealing drugs are heavier crimes, the act of strangling felt much more visually and emotionally intense," he recalled. These scenes heightened the show's tension, with viewers praising Kwon Yul's chilling performance.

▲ This still photo, provided by SBS on July 10, 2024, shows Korean actor Kwon Yul in the broadcaster's new series "Connection." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

Director Kim Moon-gyo expressed gratitude for Kwon Yul's performance, noting that the viewers' reactions mirrored his own feelings about the actor's portrayal.

Kwon Yul, known for his clean-cut, intellectual roles such as professors or doctors, recently played prosecutors in three consecutive dramas, including 'I've Waited a Long Time for You,' 'Connection,' and 'The Girl Who Plays.' He admitted that playing similar roles posed a challenge to avoid typecasting, but he put effort into making each character distinct.

Explaining why he might be cast frequently as a prosecutor, Kwon Yul speculated it could be due to his clear enunciation and precise speech. Looking forward, he expressed a desire to take on more relaxed and unconventional roles. "I want to play a slacker, someone who doesn’t groom well, and just lives a laid-back life. While I am grateful and happy for my elite roles, I would love to show a different side of me, maybe wearing sweatpants instead of a suit next time," he shared.