[Interview] Choi Minho (SHINee) becomes a ”Romance Master” in the TV series ”Houseful Love” (Question and Answer)

*Contains synopsis and spoilers. Choi Minho (SHINee) has emerged as a new "romantic hero" through the TV series "Houseful Love."
In the final episode of the JTBC TV series "Houseful Love" aired on the 15th, Tae Pyeong (Choi Minho) searches for a job as a taekwondo instructor, which he loves, and gets the support of his family.
However, he continued his romantic date with Mi-rae (Song Naeun), bringing excitement and laughter to the end. In this work, Choi Min-ho is the youngest son of the wealthy family Jay Plasmart.
He plays Tae Pyeong, a man who hides his true identity and leads a busy life working as a taekwondo instructor and a supermarket security guard.
Choi Min-ho, who expanded his acting range through "Houseful Love," is once again stepping into a new genre with the play "Waiting for Godot."
He will be performing at the 3 Yes 24 Stage venues in Daehangno until December, meeting audiences. Below is a Q&A with Choi Minho. Q.
"Houseful Love" ended with various scenes that caught the eye. How do you feel about the end of the show?
It may be a cliché, but time seems to fly by. The scenes I shot from the end of last fall through winter to the approach of spring flowed by so quickly.
I want to thank the director, staff, seniors, and actors who worked with me. Meeting Taepyeong and experiencing so many different emotions in Taepyeong's world is truly heartbreaking.
Q. What did you prepare for when acting as Nam Tae Pyung and what did you pay the most attention to? Did you express Tae Pyung as a pure and innocent guy, just like his Taekwondo uniform?
I tried to act with the feelings of Taepyung, who is bad at it but keeps moving forward, and doesn't really understand it but tries his best.
Also, they are extremely difficult with their family but are much kinder to people outside of their family.
I think I put the most effort into expressing the two sides of the character who is trying to do his best. I wanted to show the process of Taepyeong growing and changing through his relationships with various people, but I think I was able to express it well.
Q. The emotional scene in EP6 where Tae Pyeong's hidden family history is revealed is very memorable. How did you prepare for this scene?
How did you plan to portray Tae Pyeong's pain caused by his hidden family history? First of all, it was a scene in which he had to express to everyone the feelings he had been holding back for so long, so I thought it would take a lot of courage for Tae Pyeong.
I felt that I wanted to express the emotion of "courage" well. I also wanted viewers to know that Taepyeong may not look like it, but the wounds he has endured up until now are deep.
I acted with the hope that the audience would understand well. Senior Jeong Woong In took it well and helped me to express delicate emotions well, so we had a good synergy.
Q. The chemistry between you and your co-stars was also impressive. I heard that you made an effort on set to capture the romance between Taepyeong and Mire on camera. What kind of efforts did you make?
At the beginning of filming, we maintained a little awkwardness. Then, as the TV series progressed, we tried to capture the image of us getting closer to each other like in the drama.
Q. Taepyeong's growth in the drama was also a notable aspect. What message are you trying to convey through this?
What if there was a sage? Tae Pyeong sees Mi Rae and feels a growing empathy for her, thinking that there are other people who have the same heart as him. "I wasn't like this, but I can be like that.
I was really proud of Taepyeong, who tried to resolve the issues he had been avoiding and to heal his wounds through confrontation.
I also wanted to convey the message that although there must be past wounds and traumas that people want to hide, if they can muster up the courage to break through them once, good results can come. Q.
If there was one line or scene that was most memorable, which one was it? Or was there a scene that you prepared the most carefully?
The scene in EP7 where Tae Pyeong calmly confesses his family history to Mi Rae is the most memorable. It was the first time in his life that Tae Pyeong told his story to someone.
It was a while. I tried to speak calmly, but my feelings for her came out. I wanted to express those feelings well. How can I make the most of the line, "You don't understand, so you're asking?"
Q. Lastly, a word to the viewers. Thank you for loving "Houseful Love" and Taepyeong.
I am really thankful. I was a little nervous and excited to be making my first appearance in a TV series after such a long time, but I am so happy that so many people have loved me.
The other day, the president of the store I frequent said to me, "The TV series is very heartwarming and interesting. And it was really cool. I hope you continue acting.
I thought, "Oh, I'm really happy to have met the character Taepyeong and to have received such a compliment." I was truly happy, and I hope to spread this happiness from now on.
I want to come to you all with works that can be appreciated. I will continue to grow, so I would appreciate it if you would continue to support me and praise me.