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Wi Ha Joon has shared behind-the-scenes details of the rigorous self-management he undertook to play the character Cha Woo Seok in the tvN drama Siren’s Kiss.
Siren’s Kiss follows Cha Woo Seok (Wi Ha Joon), who investigates an insurance fraud case involving people who died after getting involved with Han Seol Ah (Park Min Young). As the story unfolds, he relentlessly digs into the mystery surrounding the woman suspected of being the culprit.
In a tvN Siren’s Kiss end-of-series interview, held on April 8, it is reported that Wi Ha Joon appeared with a noticeably leaner look.
In the K-drama, Wi Ha Joon played the role of an insurance investigator, Cha Woo Seok, the ace of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for insurance fraud, a man who dives headfirst into any situation involving insurance fraud unhesitatingly.
Expressing satisfaction, Wi Ha Joon shared, "The thing I love most about this project is the ending. While the drama revolves around catching the real culprit, the conclusion tells a story about people and salvation. I think that's its biggest appeal, and I'm pleased with how well it was expressed." He added, "It's not a work with huge commercial or mass appeal. Being a mystery drama, it developed a niche fanbase, and I'm satisfied with that."
Talking about how he prepared for the role, Wi Ha Joon said, "I actually met insurance investigators and also watched documentaries. It was the first time I had heard of the profession. Actually, many of them are former detectives, so I looked into how they dress, how they speak, what kind of cases they handle, and talked with them."
He also underwent weight loss for the role. "One of the changes [I did] this time was losing about 6–7 kg. It wasn't a role that necessarily required me to be lean, but after doing a variety show right before, I noticed my jawline had disappeared and my eyes looked puffy. Since there would be many things I had to convey through my eyes, I thought I should look sharp, so I decided to lose some weight and have maintained it ever since." He added, "I followed a diet and got into the habit of eating breakfast, which seemed to help. And I cut out sugar. I don't eat late-night snacks or drink alcohol, but I kept consuming sugar, so I reduced it. That became a healthy habit."
Regarding the assessment that his appearance, honed through meticulous management, highlights "maturity" rather than a "youthful look", Wi Ha Joon candidly shared, "I have never once been stressed by comments saying I look older [or more mature for my age]. On the contrary, as an actor, I believe that appearing mature both inside and out is a much greater asset."
"I think now, youth dramas where characters wear school uniforms seem like deceiving viewers. I feel like I would get criticized. So I think it would be difficult to do a school drama without the help of technology.” He added, "Rather than trying to look younger, I focus on managing myself while thinking about how to age with more [sophisticated] vibe and depth."
Wi Ha Joon also shared an anecdote about meeting actor Ji Chang Wook at a recent event, offering insight into the challenges of being a lead. "When we worked together on The Worst of Evil in the past, I was so focused on my own role that I didn't see the burden on his shoulders. Only this time, struggling with the script every day, did I finally understand how hard it must have been for him."
Although Wi Ha Joon has so far left quite an impression in major genre works, his focus is now directed toward broader horizons. "Up until now, I have mainly played roles wearing suits, lowering my voice, and delivering unconventional lines [that aren't very natural in everyday life]. It is also true that I felt limitations in the range of acting I could display as an actor."
"As the responsibilities I have to bear as a lead grow, and as the industry becomes more challenging, I sometimes lose sleep worrying if I will be consistently chosen."
However, instead of collapsing under pressure, he chose to confront it head-on through self-development. He said that exercising clears his mind of distractions, and despite the risk of injury, he combines martial arts and weight training while also practicing English and taking vocal lessons.
As confident as he says he is in handling any genre, anticipation grows for the next chapter Wi Ha Joon will write.
