The latest hero of SBS Friday-Saturday drama relays his thoughts about Flex X Cop, working hard and career goals.
For Ahn Bo Hyun, Flex X Cop is a work of gratitude and burden. Not only did he follow in the footsteps of Lee Je Hoon (Taxi Driver) and Kim Nam Gil (The Fiery Priest) by taking charge of the SBS refreshing action genre, but it was also an opportunity to spread his wings with in a leading role.
Ahn Bo Hyun played the role of Jin Yi-soo, a third-generation chaebol detective in Flex X Cop, and succeeded in imprinting a wider acting spectrum on viewers by sometimes giving them vicarious satisfaction and sometimes giving them laughter and sympathy.
In a recent interview commemorating the end of Flex X Cop, the actor shared interesting thoughts.
“It was a happy moment and I was also happy to see the results come to fruition. The staff’s efforts were reflected on every screen. Because it was a popular SBS weekend drama, I had a lot of concerns and pressure about whether I could do it, but I’m happy that people liked it,” Ahn remarked on the series ending.
When asked about the tendency of SBS Fridy-Saturday action series to become seasonal, he conveys his genuine intention to do well in the series.
“I never thought about Season 2, nor have I heard of it. If I had known that it was a season-based drama, it would have been difficult, like homework that I had to ‘do well’. However, it was broadcast after pre-production, and I think it was extended because the broadcast was good. Although there are some regrets, I think there is an opportunity to make up for the weaknesses.”
Regarding his creative process for Jin Yi-soo, Ahn shares how he decorated his Flex X Cop character.
“Jin Yi-soo’s character is so unique. I tried to show a person who crosses the line between a chaebol and a detective, and is unlucky but not obnoxious. So, even when there were funny scenes, I was worried about not being seen as too much or overdoing it. Even when I was asked to ad-lib, I did it with a curious mind. And while watching the broadcast, I thought, ‘I can go a little overboard’ and ‘I can be more sly and free-spirited.’ Jin Yi-soo’s behavior was also hateful, but in some ways, I was able to feel strong satisfaction and also pity.”
Writer Kim Bada said even before the first broadcast that Ahn’s portrayal is something to look forward to. The writer said that he had seen the rough editing in the middle of filming, and was very satisfied with Ahn Bo Hyun as Jin Yi-soo. At the filming site, Writer Kim hit me on the shoulder and said, “You’re crazy. I didn’t know you were that kind of person.” Hearing that he gained great confidence.
To prepare for his character, Ahn Bo Hyun revealed he has no preparation process other than seeking advice from conglomerates and criminals.
“He was a fictional character, so I worried about putting his hair on and off for three days. When I did the ‘all-back style’, I heard it was similar to ‘Itaewon Class’, so I took out two strands and stuck them on my eyebrows. My body type was unique, so my stylist who has been with me for 12 years suggested we get it tailored. So, I custom-made a Hawaiian shirt and made the suit fit like bell-bottom pants with the waist wide and flared out at the bottom. Anyone who sees it will say it looks weird but I challenged myself with styling that I could do.”
Viewers relate to Jin Yi-soo’s character and describe him as unlucky. Agreeing with that, Ahn said, “While watching the first episode, I thought it was too familiar, but I thought that only with this build-up would we be able to see Yi-soo’s growth. Watching the scene where they rent a car at a department store and have the elderly clean it, I thought, ‘Is it okay to waste money like this? I thought, ‘I’m out of luck.’ Still, it was nice to see that he didn’t look too hateful even though he was unlucky.”
Continuing the legacy of SBS Friday-Saturday drama, Ahn Bo Hyun admitted feeling the pressure, but rising to the challenge inevitably.
“It really is too burdensome. I’ve seen all of my seniors’ works, and it always seems like I’m trying to feed their reputation. Absolutely not. Viewers chose SBS based on their expectations about the channel and their desire to spend a comfortable weekend. Someday, if there will be a season 2, I hope to be a part of it, but regardless of the viewership ratings, I am still very grateful and satisfied.“
For his second collaboration with Park Ji Hyun, the actor shared that they both rely on each other.
“We worked together on ‘Yumi’s Cells’ but we didn’t have much interaction, so I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be awkward?’ However, Park Ji-hyun still relied on me a lot, and thanks to that, I also relied on her. She had a lot to think about as it was her first time as the main character in a drama and she needed to project a “girl crush character” for the first time. I was like that too, so we both relied on each other. But after watching the drama, I saw that all my concerns were resolved. It was especially nice to feel that we had become really dependent on each other and become closer while filming the action scenes underwater. I came to respect Park Ji-hyun, who went to action school and worked hard.”
The subtle love line with Park Ji Hyun is also loved by the viewers. Ahn Bo Hyun disclosed how he wanted it to progress in the next season.
“When I read the season 1 script, I thought, ‘If there is a love line here, there are so many problems that need to be solved.’ Jin Yi-soo has a family history and there are incidents here, but I thought that if the love line was also revealed, it would become complicated and crude, and if I made a mistake, I could lose direction. However, I thought I liked the point where I was curious about whether or not it was a love line rather than a hateful one. Once the family issues are resolved, a love line can be established in season 2, but it might stretch to season 3? Right now, I think it’s good that there’s this level of push and pull from hatred and people longing for a love line.”
Going casual, Ahn was asked about the secret to working hard. He responds how he is the type of person who needs to whip himself because he seems to be unlucky so he needs to work hard.
“This is a style that creates a foundation. I’m just grateful to be able to work. I tried resting for a while, but it didn’t suit my nature. It’s good to always show sincerity. That’s why entertainment shows are also reality shows. It’s all so much fun and it’s amazing because it feels like a challenge every time.”
Recounting his humble beginning, Ahn Bo Hyun remarked how being grateful while working hard helps a lot.
“Seoul is a destination for me. I came to Sillim-dong without anything and thought about ‘which area would be the cheapest’ and lived without giving up. I was a person of nothing who had to learn standard language and attitude. There were many times when I thought about how great it would have been if the economic aspect had been supported as well. I have been acting strictly with the thought, ‘Wouldn’t it get better if I work hard?’ But when I think about it again, I think there are a lot of blessings. When I was acting while working part-time, I reunited with the cinematographer, who invited me to a staff dinner and helped me eat. We met again at the script reading of Flex X Cop and cried together. The director of photography has become someone who has worked on all the major works on existing terrestrial broadcasting channels. I was proud to see the director grow up, and I cried when I met the director’s wife, who had told me that I would do well.“
10 years since his debut, the actor looks back on the path he took and how he has grown since then.
“If you count the short roles, it’s been about 10 or 11 years. The reason I couldn’t give up acting is because I was growing little by little, even though it was very small. I felt the energy and excitement as I move from one minor role to the next, and then to a leading role. I am proud that I was able to get this far because I continued to live ‘hard’, and it seems that I continue to live ‘hard’ by pushing myself like that.”
Asked about how he picks roles, Ahn relays being thankful that he can work on anything. He says there are many roles he hasn’t played yet so he wants to grow as an actor rather than build a filmography.
Sources: joynews24
