Ryu Deok-hwan Visits Film Set on Days Off to Advocate for Child Actors’ Rights

During a recent interview, actor Ryu Deok-hwan opened up about a troubling experience he encountered regarding the mistreatment of child actors during his earlier years in the industry.

He recalled, “I often thought about whether anyone ever addressed me as ‘Deok-hwan’ while on set. It was more common to hear ‘Hey’ or instructions like ‘Bring the child actor over.’ Reflecting on it now, it feels like my presence was hardly acknowledged, much like that of a prop.”

He recounted a specific incident, “There was this scene where a child actor was required to cry but struggled to do so initially. When the tears didn’t come as expected, the director resorted to slapping the child. It struck me hard, making me realize that failing to deliver my performance could lead to dire consequences,” he said, reflecting on the anxiety and pressure he experienced during that time.

Because of these unsettling memories, when Ryu Deok-hwan landed his first leading role in “Like a Virgin,” portraying a character alongside a younger version of himself played by a child actor, he felt a profound obligation towards the young performer. Motivated by this sense of duty, he made it a point to visit the set even on his off days, ensuring that the child actor received kindness and respect.

“I was just 19 at the time, still young in my own right,” Ryu Deok-hwan explained. “Although I’m aware that the industry has evolved, I worried that even the well-meaning crew members who treated me kindly could be tough on the younger actors. My own experiences as a child actor were filled with fear and intensity,” he elaborated on the motivation behind his vigilant visits.

In more recent endeavors, Ryu Deok-hwan wrapped up the exhibition “Irreplaceable,” which included notable actors such as Ryu Seung-ryong, Chun Woo-hee, Park Jung-min, and Ji Chang-wook. This exhibition was conceptually centered around interviews. He expressed his wish for acting to gain better protection as a legitimate craft, similar to other art forms.

Source: Daum

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