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| ▲ This image of Korean actor Jo Jung-suk is provided by Jam Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, July 18 (Yonhap) -- In the upcoming film "Pilot," Jo Jung-suk (44) takes on the role of Jung-woo, a man who loses his job as an airline pilot and goes to great lengths to get reemployed by disguising himself as a woman.
Jo Jung-suk appears in the film donning a long brown wig, a white dress, and high heels, transforming into a stunning woman who captivates the attention of many men on the street.
"People on set who were some distance away didn't recognize me. Even passersby who made eye contact with me didn't realize who I was. It was exhilarating," Cho shared, laughing, during an interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the 18th. The film hit local theaters on the 31st.
Cho mentioned that after watching the "Pilot" trailer, some viewers commented that his disguised look resembled actress Choi Kang-hee. "I feel honored, though I feel sorry to my senior Choi Kang-hee," he confessed. On comparisons to Park Bo-young, he enthusiastically responded, "Amazing."
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| ▲ This still photo of Korean comedy film "Pilot," directed by Kim Han-gyeol and starring Korean actor Jo Jung-suk. is provided by Lotte Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
When asked about his wife, singer Gummy's reaction, Cho shyly admitted, "She said I looked really pretty."
In the film, Jung-woo successfully reenters the workforce while disguised as a woman, though he frequently makes humorous mistakes, such as inadvertently entering the men's restroom.
Jo Jung-suk explained that he was drawn to the character of Jung-woo from the moment he read the script. "Sometimes, when reading a script, you naturally find yourself immersed in the character. This project felt fresh and the character seemed like a perfect fit for me," he reflected.
For the role, Cho lost 7 kilograms and spent two to three days testing various wigs and outfits to find the best combination for a feminine look. "Running in high heels was the toughest part," he recalled, adding that the summer shoot was particularly challenging due to the discomfort of wearing a wig in the heat.
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| ▲ This still photo of Korean comedy film "Pilot," directed by Kim Han-gyeol, is provided by Lotte Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
This isn't Cho's first time playing a cross-dressing character. In the musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," he portrayed a rocker who transitions into a female persona after a botched gender reassignment surgery. "Unlike 'Hedwig,' where I could use my natural voice, this role required me to use the highest pitch of my voice without sounding unnatural or forced," he explained.
Known for his impressive comedic performances in films like "Architecture 101" (2012), "The Face Reader" (2013), and "Exit" (2019), Jo Jung-suk continues to demonstrate his flair for comedy. "I prefer situational comedy that arises naturally rather than wordplay. Comedy requires a good ensemble with other actors," he noted.
Cho also expressed his admiration for slapstick comedy, emphasizing its importance in creating humor through exaggerated physical actions. "I think the best comedy is slapstick, and I want to get better at it," he shared.
For Cho, audience enjoyment is paramount. "A film should be enjoyable for the audience, and enjoyment comes from relatability. Whether it's a thriller, action, or horror, the audience needs to connect with the story," he said.
This summer, Jo Jung-suk stars in two films. Following "Pilot," his film "Land of Happiness" will be released on August 14th. In this film, Cho plays the defense attorney for a soldier implicated in a presidential assassination.
Reflecting on the dual releases, he said, "I didn't expect both films to be released so close together. 'Land of Happiness' has a much heavier tone, and I hope to show a more serious side in that role."
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