Yoo Yeon-seok Discusses Future Romantic Roles in His 40s: ‘I Aim to Continuously Challenge Myself’

Yoo Yeon-seok Discusses Future Aspirations in Romance

During a recent interview on January 6 for MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama “When The Phone Rings” , actor Yoo Yeon-seok opened up about his career trajectory and aspirations as he approaches his 40s. Reflecting on his path, he pondered whether he could continue to portray romance, acknowledging its significance in Korean dramas. Grateful for viewers’ perception of romance as one of his strong suits, he expressed a desire to explore more romantic roles if the opportunity arises.

Character Dynamics in “When The Phone Rings”

In the drama, Yoo Yeon-seok portrays Baek Sa-eon, a young presidential spokesperson caught in a loveless three-year marriage, navigating a complex web of secret relationships. His character’s story unfolds in a romance-thriller setting alongside Chae Soo-bin, who plays a younger woman entwined in his life, adding layers to the narrative.

When questioned about the potential for future romantic pairings with actresses closer to his age, Yoo Yeon-seok responded enthusiastically, indicating a keen interest in continuing his exploration of romance-themed projects as he ages.

Engaging Storylines and Character Development

The series, inspired by a popular web novel, captivates audiences with its narrative, which kicks off with a suspenseful phone call and delves into a clandestine romance entwined in an arranged marriage. Yoo revealed that even though he initially struggled with the script, the filming experience provided the opportunity to build a genuine connection with Chae Soo-bin’s character. The evolving romance was well-received, garnering positive feedback from viewers and even attracting international attention.

Reflecting on his role, Yoo stated, “Baek Sa-eon is a culmination of all the characters I have portrayed. It embodies the strengths present throughout my filmography.” He emphasized that the character’s heartfelt love story resonates with many, even if it evokes a sense of cheesiness, highlighting the necessity of love in the narrative.

On-Screen Chemistry and Collaborative Growth

Discussing his chemistry with Chae Soo-bin, Yoo noted that while she initially came across as somewhat shy, their relationship blossomed as they spent more time on set, enhancing their on-screen dynamic with each scene they filmed.

The Evolution of Romance in Korean Dramas

Diving deeper into his experience with romantic dramas, Yoo Yeon-seok highlighted that while his previous series The Interest of Love portrayed a more realistic view of romance, When The Phone Rings is characterized by its idealistic representation of love. He acknowledged the growing demand from international fans for classic K-drama romance, signaling a resurgence of such narratives in the industry.

Career Choices and Public Perception

Despite his extensive acting career, Yoo has been selective when it comes to appearing in OTT series. He clarified that he remains open to such opportunities but emphasizes the importance of collaborating on quality projects with the right people. Reflecting on his past experiences with variety shows, he expressed that he now feels viewers are more inclined to appreciate his acting prowess, acknowledging how those experiences have allowed him to connect with audiences authentically.

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