Actor Seo Beom-jun has reconfirmed his outstanding ability to portray characters.
On the 17th, Seo Beom-jun played the youngest scholar in the Hongmungwan, Jeong Soo-gyeom, in the KBS 2TV drama 'The First Night With the Duke' (directed by Lee Woong-hee and Kang Su-yeon, written by Jeon Seon-young), showcasing his fresh and sincere devotion to his beloved woman, Jo Eun-ae (played by Kwon Han-sol), fulfilling the viewers' excitement.
Seo Beom-jun perfectly expressed his character with his warm appearance, kind and warm voice, and solid acting skills. He also portrayed the charm of his character flawlessly, showing a shy yet playful side in front of his loved one, a polished charm in front of friends, and a decisive strength in front of his father, showcasing appropriate variations depending on the situation.
In the final episode, Soo-gyeom finds Eun-ae, who has become like a child and lost her memory, teaching her how to write her name and taking care of her affectionately, showing that he still loves her without change, which stirred emotions. Soo-gyeom's bright smile as he says to Eun-ae, 'You need to see it multiple times to grow attached, don't you?' shone brightly, representing his unwavering love that will remain steadfast over time.
Next is a Q&A session with Seo Beom-jun.
Q. The final episode of 'The First Night With the Duke' aired. What are your thoughts?
A. Hello. This is Seo Beom-jun, playing Jeong Soo-gyeom in 'The First Night With the Duke.' It feels like just yesterday when I first greeted you as Soo-gyeom, so it's quite disappointing and surprising to already be giving my closing remarks. How were Wednesday and Thursday evenings for you? What used to be ordinary Wednesday and Thursday for me became the days I looked forward to eagerly. I hope viewers could also share smiles and happiness during the growth journey of Soo-gyeom and that each week became a night they looked forward to.
Q. What was the atmosphere like on set?
A. It was a place filled with energy and laughter. It wasn't just the chemistry among the actors; everyone worked together to create the environment. I often heard from seniors that winter period struggles can be tough for historical dramas, but thanks to everyone involved in 'The First Night With the Duke', I felt warm at heart even though the body was cold. I sincerely want to express my gratitude for the unforgettable precious memories and gifts.
Q. Were there any scenes or lines that stood out to you while filming?
A. 'There's no need to be too scared. It's best to believe what you see with your own eyes rather than rumors.'
Do you remember this line? It's what Soo-gyeom said upon his first appearance. Soo-gyeom doesn't hastily judge what he hasn't seen with his own eyes and instead wants to hear directly from the person involved. It might be an obvious statement, but it's a sentiment that can be difficult to act on. This line resonates with Soo-gyeom, who consistently demonstrates this behavior from his first appearance until the end.
Q. You received the evaluation of being 'the archetypal supporting male lead' through this work. What do you think is the charm of Soo-gyeom?
A. A few days ago, I read something about the evergreen tree. Evergreen trees are not difficult to grow and flourish both in cities and rural areas, quickly adapting to either moist or dry soil, thriving in sunlight, and they can take root even in partial shade. It's said that they don't compete with each other, even when multiple trees are planted, and that they produce new shoots even when pruned. As I read about these evergreens, Soo-gyeom came to mind. All the characteristics of the evergreen tree seemed to describe Soo-gyeom's life. The flower language also means 'unchanging.' I believe that the constant presence of Soo-gyeom, as seen in the evergreen tree, is his greatest charm.
Q. Were there specific aspects you focused on while playing Soo-gyeom? I'm curious about how you prepared.
A. Just as one cannot define a person with a single word, I didn't want to be trapped in the phrase 'kind and sweet supporting male lead.' If I got caught up in this mindset from the beginning, Soo-gyeom would seem one-dimensional rather than multifaceted. Even the kindest person can become rough when angry, and I wanted to give Soo-gyeom great depth while still allowing for significant changes depending on the situation and the characters. For instance, I aimed to bring different tones and manners when speaking with Beoni, my father, or Eun-ae.
Q. Is there a persona you would like to show as an actor in the future?
A. Every time I meet new characters in each work, it feels like I'm finding and discovering new aspects of myself. I want to continue greeting the audience with various works and characters.
Q. Any final words you want to convey to the viewers?
A. I first met Soo-gyeom in the cold winter and had to say goodbye in the hot summer. I recall the narration of the final episode.
"The story continues even after that." "Even if the ending is predetermined, the courage not to give up on destiny allows us to breathe forever in a happy story." I believe that Soo-gyeom also created his own happy story because he had the courage not to give up. I hope we can all refrain from hastily concluding or giving up on anything, and instead write our own happy stories, not comparing ourselves with others. Thank you sincerely for loving 'The First Night With the Duke' and Soo-gyeom.
Meanwhile, Seo Beom-jun is set to showcase a new acting transformation in the new SBS drama 'Would You Merry Me', scheduled to air in the second half of 2025, where he will play the role of Kim Woo-joo, a model student with a sharp appearance and sophisticated speech.
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