INTERVIEW: Cha Tae Hyun Recounts "Police University" Experience, Picks Important Career Turning Points

Cha Tae Hyun is happy to meet good friends while working in KBS2 series Police University!

In his recent drama, the well-loved actor played the role of Yoo Dong-man, a detective and a professor at the Police University. Not only did he run and roll his whole body, but he also portrayed the side of a veteran detective by revealing a pleasant charisma with his outspoken words.

Subsequently, the actor graced an interview following the conclusion of the series. Cha Tae Hyun said, “I met a lot of good friends, and the director and writer did well even though they were newcomers, so it was a good experience and it was a fun project.”

Relaying the challenge of physically working for his role, he beamed mentioning the lessons imparted in the series. He shared that the most memorable scene for him was when the drunk man caused a commotion at a hospital ER. The line, “It’s not the alcohol’s fault, it’s your fault,” was a short but impactful statement for him.

Notably, the bromance with Jung Jin Young drew attention in the series while it was airing. He also recounted the synergy with Krystal Jung.

“The bromance with Jinyoung was an important part of the drama, so I paid a lot of attention to immerse in it. Actually, I only answered Jinyoung’s questions, I don’t know how Jinyoung took it. I think Police University was loved because of Jinyoung, Krystal and the young actors who appeared in the story.”

Known for being a doting family man, Cha also shared how his family supported him a lot.

“The eldest son didn’t watch TV so he wasn’t very interested, but the second and third daughters, who are elementary school students, came to the set twice and took pictures with Sujeong and Jinyoung.”

On Setting His Career Compass

Cha Tae Hyun, who has now become an actor for 26 years, still aspires to better his craft. He remarked how if the script is fun, even if the director is a rookie, he would do it. He also advised the same to Jung Jinyoung.

“If I succeed in acting transformation, I also think that I will become an actor who goes up a few steps. It is always my career goal and I am always worried. I want to do it when I find good work that can change my image. It is not personal greed, but if there is work I can relate to, and I have a chance, I think I should challenge it. The important thing is whether the audience wants it. There are parts that I am good at now, and I will continue to do the parts that can give fun and emotion basically. ”

Picking three turning points in his acting career, the actor chose My Sassy Girl which gifted his breakout role; Into the Sunlight which was loved a lot and his ventures in entertainment shows. The actor confessed to valuing doing entertainment shows more as much as acting.

“I have to say that I get tired of only doing one field. I think that acting while doing other things will help a lot. Of course, I will mainly focus on what suits me, but it’s good to work together. Having a good experience while doing entertainment helps with acting.”

He is scheduled to make a comeback in November through JTBC’s new entertainment program Many Chat with Yoo He Yeol

“It’s the first time I’m doing a variety show with Yoo Hee-yeol. It was a program that I was curious about when I heard the plan. I still have a lot of questions and a lot of things I want to try. So I think I can take on the challenge.”