Kim Jung Hyun on His Controversial Past and Return to Acting

Actor Kim Jung Hyun recently returned to the big screen in the mystery thriller Unforgivable. He reflected on everything he’s been through lately during a roundtable interview with the press. 

In January, he marked his return to acting after a significant hiatus with the MBC drama Kokdu: Season of Deity. In this fantasy romance series, he impressively portrays dual roles—a grim reaper and a doctor—demonstrating his wide range as an actor. He prepared meticulously for both roles, focusing on the specific goals of each character and distinctly expressing their emotions and gestures.

Kim Jung Hyun described the challenge of playing two contrasting characters: “Do Jin Woo is rather static compared to Kokdu, and Kokdu is very dynamic. So I tried to restrain myself as much as possible when portraying Do Jin Woo, whereas I tried to portray Kokdu’s expressions bigger than what I imagined. However, as always, I tried to focus on the particular goal of each scene for each character rather than focusing on playing dual roles,” he explained.

[ENG] Kokdu Poster Photo Shoot & Press Conference Behind the Scene (2023)

Kim Jung Hyun on his 2021 controversies

Earlier in his career, Kim Jung Hyun made notable appearances in Dinner Mate and played the lead role in Mr. Queen, one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history. He also contributed to the drama’s soundtrack. Unforgivable marks his first starring role in about 8 years, premiering on December 13.

In 2021, Kim Jung Hyun faced controversies over his private life, including suspicions of being gaslighted by his ex-girlfriend, Seo Ye Ji. Reflecting on the media attention this issue received, he shared, “The pain that I suffered was momentary, compared to what my family went through. I just felt so apologetic toward them. There was nothing I could do to take responsibility for my actions, and I felt like I was powerless and insignificant.” During the interview, the actor was visibly emotional.

Despite the challenges, he found strength in the support of his family, friends, and fans. “When my guilt was at its highest point, I even doubted their support. But I eventually decided that I would try my best again, so that those people who are on my side can live proudly and happily. Thinking that I wanted to repay those people became motivation for my return,” he added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4ouczT7zz4

[ENG] Unforgivable Press Conference (2023)

His current outlook

On his current outlook, Kim Jung Hyun expressed, “There is no way for me to change how the public perceives me. I think all I can do is to not run away but face what’s in front of me, getting back up if I trip and remembering to not make the same mistakes again. I just have to prove myself through acting until the day comes when the public sees me for my work, and not for my controversies.”

Concluding his reflections, Kim Jung Hyun stated, “Some phrases that have helped me overcome my difficulties are ‘All things pass with time’ and ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. But maybe it’s about time I start looking up some more positive phrases.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: He kept his head up and made a very successful comeback. Source: X/@deeliciouskjh.