[Official Interview] Park Jae-chan, star of ”Check-in Hanyang”, shares similarities with the character he played, ”I have a hard time getting along with people I meet for the first time”

NTT Docomo Inc.'s video stream service "Lemino" will begin streaming the Korean TV series "Check-In Hanyang," which is streamed exclusively in Japan from Saturday, December 21, 2024.
". We received an interview with Park Jae-chan (DKZ), who played Ko Soo-ra, a young man who dreams of success at "Ryung Tenro" more than anyone else in order to revive his fallen clan.
Q. What kind of TV series is Check In Hanyang? Could you please briefly introduce your character, Ko Soo-ra?
The TV series "Check-in Hanyang" is about four young people who experience various events at a hotel called "Yongcheonlou," deepening their bonds and friendships.
The TV series depicts how the couple gradually become closer as they confirm their feelings for each other. The character I played, Ko Soo-ra, is always passionate and has to rebuild her family as the breadwinner.
He is a character full of determination. Q. Why did you decide to appear in this film? I was interested in the period drama because it was my first attempt at a genre, and I was looking forward to the good chemistry with my older brothers and sisters.
I decided to participate. Q. What is the highlight of "Check-in Hanyang"? At first, the "Haona (but) foursome" were wary of each other, but after various incidents
As they overcome these obstacles together, their bond deepens and they begin to trust each other. Q. What is the appeal of Ko Soora? Soora is a very straightforward character.
However, after meeting the "Haona (but Desu ga) Four," and gradually learning the meaning of the word "friendship," she begins to open up and develop a friendship.
Q. Ko Soora begins working as an intern at the "Ryūtenro" in order to rebuild her fallen family. If you were in the same situation, what would you do?
Do you think I would have acted like that? I think I would have worked hard to complete the tasks I was given in order to join Ryutenro, just like Sura. I have a strong desire to protect my family.
Q. What are the similarities and differences between you and JAECHAN and Ko Soora? As for similarities, I think Soora also has a hard time getting along with people she meets for the first time, but I'm also extremely shy.
I think we are similar in that respect. The difference is that Sula likes to behave in a conventional way and always tries to do the right thing, but I can't behave in such a conventional way.
I don't think so. Q.While acting as Ko Soora, what did you pay special attention to or put effort into? I felt that the emotional line of the character Soora was very complicated.
At times, he acts as if the "Haona Four" are his everything, but at the same time, he worries about his family and passes the Ryutenro entrance exam.
Sla has complex emotions, such as the feeling that he has to do something but trying to remain rational, and I tried my best to express those emotions well.
Q. Was the character of Ko Soo Ra a new challenge for you, Ja Chan?
Rather than a new challenge, it was a role that I took on, so I thought about how I could portray the character of Sura in a Sura-like way.
Q. What do you think are the charms of Lee Eun and Hong Deok Soo? I think the character of Lee Eun is a very profound person.
He helps out behind the scenes without us knowing, and at critical moments he becomes the biggest force in leading the four of them.
However, he helps the four of them as they struggle to get through life in Ryutenrou, which was appealing. Deok-soo is a very smart and reliable character.
Whatever he wants to do, he is a charming character who will do it perfectly. Q. What was your impression of acting with Bae In Hyuk? Do you have any memorable episodes?
Please tell me. Inhyuk hyung did a lot of historical dramas, so I learned a lot by watching him. From the way he speaks to how he behaves, I learned a lot from him.
I think he was the best source of information on the scene. So if there was something I didn't understand, I would rush over to Inhyuk hyung and ask him. Q. What was your impression of acting with Kim Jieun?
Please tell us about any memorable episodes. I think Jieun unnie was the mood maker on set.
He always brought lots of snacks and food to share with us.
And before we started filming on set, he would say things like, "Let's do our best," and motivate me, so I think that helped create a good atmosphere.
Q. How did you feel acting with Jung Gun Joo? Please tell us if you have any memorable episodes. When I was filming with Gong Joo, it was hard to hold back my laughter.
He always comes up with really funny ad-libs and scenes, and then shares those scenes with us, so I think we're able to create some really entertaining scenes.
Q. Ko Soo-ra has a strong sense of justice and always says the right thing no matter who the other person is. In “Ryung Tenro”, she decided to be careful, but she was confronted by Deok-soo, who was considered a problem child, and Lee So-young, who was called a problem child.
・At first, it was hopeless to form a group with Eun and Junhwan, but gradually the bond between them deepens. What do you think about this change in Surah's mindset?
At first, I thought my friends Deok-soo, Jun-hwa, and Lee Eun were troublemakers and unreliable, but as time went on, I started to like Deok-soo, Lee Eun, and Jun-hwa.
There were also scenes where Sula was saved by his friend and survived a critical moment thanks to his friend, so I think Sula gradually opened up to him and started to trust and rely on his friend.
I think so. Q. What did you do during the waiting time? We spent time together as actors! If there is anything like that, please tell us.
When we had time during local shoots, we would eat meals together, drink coffee, and enjoy delicious snacks.
It may be a small thing, but those moments were a great source of strength for us. Q. The filming is almost over, but how satisfied are you with the film? (Out of 100)
I think I'm about 70%. I'm shy, so it was unfortunate that I couldn't get along with the older guys at the beginning of filming.
Maybe it was because we had such good synergy that I felt a little disappointed at the beginning of filming. Q. Is there any character other than your own that you would like to play in "Check-in Hanyang"?
I don't know if I can do it, but I would like to play the role of Jeong Bang-ju, played by Kim Ui-sung senior. Because he is the most powerful person and has everything.
I would like to play a role like that someday. Q. Is there an experience or a work that changed your life or was a turning point?
Every work I have encountered has been a great learning experience for me, so I will choose just one.
It's difficult. I learned a lot from "Check-in Hanyang," which I participated in this time. I have worked with works that I think are really valuable, so I treasure every work.
I think it's a meaningful experience. Q. What are you into these days (food, music, movies... anything) or hobbies? I've been working hard on exercise lately. I met up with Gongju hyung on my days off and we did exercise.
I go there sometimes. I used to like sports, but now I like it even more. Q. Is there anything you want to do or any place you want to go to when you come to Japan?
Even though I've been to Japan a lot, I've never been successful, but I'd love to try a really good tempura bowl restaurant.
Q. What is your favorite Japanese word, or what is the most recent Japanese word you learned? I learned the word "kuyashii," which apparently means "irritated."
When I went to Japan before, I learned this word while playing around with the members.
Fans really liked the video I shot with Jong Hyun, a member of "Z"! Q. What is your favorite Japanese food? What would you like to eat when you come to Japan?
I like almost all Japanese food. I especially love yakiniku, so if I have the chance to go to Japan again, I would like to go and eat yakiniku.
Q. Finally, please say a few words to the Japanese viewers. The Japanese viewers of "Check-in Hanyang" worked really hard on the shoot.
We are having fun filming, so I hope the energy on set can be conveyed to the viewers. Please give "Check-in Hanyang" lots of love! Also, JAECHAN
We ask for your continued interest and love in the future.