Cha Hak Yeon exploits his creativity to get views on his videos in 'Oh My Ghost Clients'
K-actor Ryu Jun Yeol sat for an interview with the local media for his recently released Netflix K-movie Revelations in Seoul.
Revelations tells the story of Pastor Sung Min Chan (Ryu Jun Yeol), who believes God has given him a divine revelation to sentence the culprit of a missing person case, and Detective Lee Yeon Hee (Shin Hyun Been) haunted by the apparition of her deceased sister, as they each pursue their own beliefs.
Ryu Jun Yeol on how he approached his character
Ryu Jun Yeol played the role of Sung Min Chan, a pastor who leads a small congregation. However, his world is suddenly upended when he receives what he believes to be a divine revelation commanding him to punish the culprit of a disappearance case. Ryu Jun Yeol said, "I've always enjoyed exploring the deep inner aspects of human nature. Even when working on my photography exhibition, I like exploring things that lie deep inside beneath the surface." He further explained, "This work is a story about humanity. Through Sung Min Chan, it raises questions like, 'What do we see and believe? Do we only believe what we want to believe?'"
He also shared that the energy of his character, Pastor Sung Min Chan, was something he found very appealing. Those around Ryu Jun Yeol praised his performance, telling him, "We've seen a new side of you." To this, Ryu Jun Yeol said, "I usually try to restrain my emotions when acting, but this time, I expressed them more than I normally would."
However, he added that he was mindful not to make the emotions appear excessive. "Those who speak positively about my acting often say that it 'feels real'. The default approach to that kind of acting is not to express much. In everyday life, don't people rarely express their emotions [openly] because we all wear masks depending on our roles in society?"
Ryu Jun Yeol talks about working with director Yeon Sang Ho, Shin Hyun Been, and Shin Min Jae
Sharing his thoughts on working with director Yeon Sang Ho, he said, "Director Yeon Sang Ho has probably worked on more projects than I have. Usually, actors have significantly more projects than directors. It's amazing to see a director planning their next project while still filming [the current one]. I want to emulate that passion," he said.
Reflecting on his acting journey, Ryu Jun Yeol said, "There is still a long way to go. I'm simply trying to create good works. Since there's no such thing as a 'masterpiece', I believe I'll just keep moving forward."
Ryu Jun Yeol also shared his thoughts on his co-stars Shin Hyun Been and Shin Min Jae. He said, "Hyun Been is one of the most comfortable actors I've ever worked with. The staff absolutely love her. She has this natural sense of ease that she brings to the set. She's someone you'd truly want to work with and a wonderful friend," he said.
"Min Jae hyung is very considerate. While filming, he told me, 'If there's anything bothering you, just let me know. I'll adjust.' Hearing that really eased my burden and allowed me to focus on my acting more comfortably."
Ryu Jun Yeol on how he makes choices he'll regret less
Through Revelations, Ryu Jun Yeol portrayed the complexity of belief and choice, and also said that he practices that belief in his own way in real life as well. He said, "Belief is about the choices I make depending on my state, and I tend to think of those choices and beliefs in a positive way."
He continued, "So, no matter what happens, I try to see the positive side. If I think negatively, there's really no end to it — it just torments me and I feel like it's eating me away." He seeks to find meaning that guides him in a positive direction even in difficult moments. He said, "So, even when I face unfair or challenging situations, I try to believe that, in the end, they are something that will lead me in a good direction, and I make my choices accordingly."
He added, "Since I'm only human, I inevitably make foolish choices at times. But when I look at both side by side, I think of it as a positive thing — believing that this hardship is a trial given by God for me to grow — and that leads to choices I regret less. So, I try to look at things that way."
Revelations ranked No. 1 in Netflix's Global Top 10 (Non-English Films) just three days after its release. However, reviews remain divided. Ryu Jun Yeol said, "If you approach this film by putting yourself in the character's shoes, wouldn't you be able to engage with it on a deeper level? You may find yourself thinking, 'So a person's belief can [take him] that far.' If you watch with an open mind, you might see the film from a different perspective."
