Ji Chang Wook on “The Scandal” With Son Ye Jin: “There Isn’t a Single Scene That Isn’t Breathtaking”
Ji Chang Wook praises his intense chemistry with Son Ye Jin in Netflix’s The Scandal, saying every scene between their characters is packed with tension.
On September 21, fashion magazine Elle unveiled Ji Chang Wook’s pictorial for its October issue. Built around the concept of “Ji Chang Wook’s Night,” the shoot captures a wide range of his charms, shifting from a cool and sharply intense presence to a warm and gentle atmosphere.
In the interview following the photo shoot, Ji Chang Wook discussed the recently released Netflix original series The Scandal. The actor, who plays Cho Won, known as Joseon’s greatest womanizer, explained how he approached the character. “I tried not to deliberately exaggerate or add to his womanizing side. I wanted it to naturally come through in his attitude and behavior,” he said.
“Cho Won is a complicated man who isn’t easy to understand,” he continued. “He’s a character whose true thoughts remain difficult to read until the very end, so he was fun to portray, but there were also some very challenging aspects. I had a lot of conversations with director Jung Ji Woo as we developed the character.”
Asked whether he shares any similarities with Cho Won, Ji Chang Wook replied, “Since I’m the one portraying the character, there will inevitably be a little bit of Ji Chang Wook mixed into him in every moment.”
He also spoke about his chemistry with Son Ye Jin, who plays Lady Cho. Ji Chang Wook said, “There isn’t a single scene where Lady Cho and Cho Won meet that isn’t breathtaking. Every moment is completely packed with tension.” He added, “We always put a lot of effort into rehearsals, and I think viewers will be able to fully feel the carefully crafted tension between the two characters even through the screen.”
Having moved across a wide range of genres throughout his career—including noir, action, romance, and historical dramas—Ji Chang Wook also shared his thoughts on what acting means to him.
“It becomes more difficult as time goes on because it isn’t something that can easily be defined in a single sentence,” he said. “That’s why I always try to rely on the help of my colleagues. The director, cinematography, lighting, costumes, makeup, and even the appearance of the space I’m standing in are all important.”
He continued, “I always try to move between different genres as an actor, but that doesn’t mean I can become a completely different person. Ultimately, acting is a profession in which you receive help from other people, and perhaps an actor’s ability lies in how well they make use of that help.”
Ji Chang Wook said the most exhilarating moments of acting also come from working in harmony with those around him. “The most enjoyable part of my work is when I communicate well with my colleagues and team members, we create the best possible scene together, and then I get to see everyone sharing that happiness,” he said, expressing his affection for the collaborative atmosphere on set.
As for his life these days, Ji Chang Wook admitted, “Honestly, my daily life has been pretty boring and repetitive lately. Sometimes it even feels a little dull.” Still, he added, “Fortunately, the career I chose is still incredibly fun for me, even now. I want to keep moving forward, step by step, toward the standards I’ve set for myself.”
Sources: Daum