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| ▲ This photo provided by Netflix shows South Korean actor Choi Woo-shik, the lead cast for new Netflix series "Melo Movie." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- In the new Netflix series Melo Movie, Choi Woo-shik plays Go Kyum, a male lead who isn’t exactly reliable but is irresistibly cute. Despite his childish antics, he remains endearing—a role that seems tailor-made for him.
In an interview on Monday at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Choi shared, "Go Kyum's puppy-like energy in the early episodes is quite similar to me." He added, "He’s playful and likes to hover around the people he cares about, which is something I can relate to. Writer Lee Na-eun knows me well and incorporated some of my personality into the script."
Melo Movie is a romance drama that explores the struggles, dreams, and love lives of young adults. It is the latest work by writer Lee, who previously gained popularity with the SBS drama Our Beloved Summer.
Choi Woo-shik portrays Go Kyum, a former bit-part actor turned film critic who becomes captivated by a woman named Kim Movie (played by Park Bo-young). Determined to win her heart, he persistently follows her around, and his efforts eventually pay off.
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| ▲ This photo provided by Netflix shows South Korean actor Choi Woo-shik, the lead cast for new Netflix series "Melo Movie." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Having previously starred in Our Beloved Summer, another work by writer Lee, Choi remarked, "Her writing has a way of piercing my heart. If she offers me a role in her third project, I’d gladly take it." He continued, "Her stories aren’t flashy or explosive, but they’re warm and down-to-earth. Since this was a love story with someone I admire, I was eager to take on the role."
Since the drama shares the same writer and lead actor as Our Beloved Summer, Choi made a conscious effort to differentiate Go Kyum from his previous character, Choi Woong. "This time, I focused on capturing Go Kyum’s unique charm. I wanted viewers to be drawn to his unwavering devotion to one woman," he explained. "Since it’s been a while since I last did a romance drama, I really wanted to do well."
"I've been avoiding checking online reactions for this project. I don’t know how audiences will perceive it, and honestly, I find that a bit scary. Knowing myself, I think I’ll only have the courage to look at feedback after some time has passed."
Choi also expressed his gratitude toward co-star Park Bo-young. "This was my first time acting with someone my age, and she made the atmosphere comfortable and taught me a lot," he said. "I tend to overthink, but Bo-young always has an answer ready—she even had a bit of a ‘girl crush’ vibe. She kept me grounded whenever I was unsure."
"Even off-screen, she has such a lovable presence, and that charm really shines through in her acting," he added.
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| ▲ Actors Choi Woo-shik and Park Bo-young pose for photos during a press event for Netflix's upcoming series "Melo Movie" in Seoul on Feb. 12, 2025. (Yonhap) |
Since his debut in 2011, Choi Woo-shik has starred in films such as Set Me Free, Train to Busan, Okja, and Parasite, as well as dramas like Fool’s Love and Our Beloved Summer. He has also gained popularity through variety shows like Youn’s Stay and Jinny’s Kitchen, where his clumsy yet endearing personality won over audiences.
Reflecting on his career, he shared, "I haven’t done many romance projects compared to other genres, but I find myself becoming more drawn to them."
"Romance relies heavily on the chemistry between actors, and emotional performances can sometimes feel challenging. But since love stories are relatable to many people, that makes them appealing," he said.
"With each project, I feel a little more confident. When I look back at my past performances, there are always scenes I regret, but those experiences help me grow. These days, I’m trying to figure out how to let go of unnecessary pressure and simply enjoy acting."
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| ▲ This photo provided by Netflix shows South Korean actor Choi Woo-shik, the lead cast for new Netflix series "Melo Movie." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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