[Interview] "Now you will remember the voice of the youngest member of the investigation team, right?" Actor Park Wan-hyung from 'Mantis: The Murderer's Outing'

The phrase 'the underdog's rebellion' does not only apply to sports. Actor Park Wan-hyung, who placed last at the 2023 Seoul Independent Film Festival 60-Second Monologue Festival, nevertheless secured a major role in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 〈Mantis: The Murderer's Outing〉. Even in a tense and frozen competitive situation, his unique voice and the potential he possesses were enough to catch someone's eye. Perhaps it was because he had been watching various works and observing people whenever he had the time. In this work, Park Wan-hyung plays the role of Son Ji-an, the youngest member of the investigation team and in charge of cyber investigations. We met with the promising actor Park Wan-hyung to discuss the work, the character Son Ji-an, and his aspirations as a rookie actor.

I’m curious about your first impression when you read the script. Was there a specific reason you decided to take on this project after reading it?

I received the script after the audition. Before auditioning, I got to see some lines from the script, and the intensity of those lines was so strong that I really wanted to be a part of it. I was grateful to receive the script after getting cast, and I resolved to do my best.

Actor Park Wan-hyung, you mainly performed on stage in plays like 'The Left Behind' and 'Fact FACT'. This is your first work in video media; I’m curious about what led you to challenge yourself in a drama.

I have always watched a lot of movies and dramas. Since I was young, I worked part-time jobs, and after work, I would come home to watch movies, dramas, and read comic books. I would also catch movies either in the early morning or late night whenever I had the chance. That was a form of rest for me and a place where my desires were fully expressed, and at some point, it became a place I wanted to go. So, I started acting a bit late. I tried to audition whenever I could, and I got the opportunity to start with theater, but I also wanted to act in films and dramas.

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Son Ji-an, played by actor Park Wan-hyung, is in charge of cyber investigations in the investigation team. Was there anything special you prepared to portray this character?

​First of all, I have always liked detective stories and crime noir genres. I watched a lot of characters similar to Ji-an in foreign films. I referenced the movie 〈The Social Network〉, and in Korean films like 〈The Cop〉, there are several female detectives, including one in charge of cyber investigations. I used those as references. However, Ji-an is somewhat clueless, likes the actor Byun Yo-han (laugh), and is a 'nerd' who is lost in his own world. In fact, he is quite similar to me, so I drew out some aspects of myself to portray him.

I’m curious about what kind of direction director Byun Young-joo gave on set and what kind of conversations you had.

Director Byun Young-joo is the most heart-pounding and intense person in my life. Since this is my first time working on a TV drama, I didn’t know much about the camera at the beginning of the shoot, but she meticulously guided me on my gaze and posture, and if my performance deviated from her vision of Ji-an, she would tell me right away. She didn’t just watch from afar and give feedback; she came over and helped me with everything.

You also participated in the 60-Second Monologue Festival at the Seoul Independent Film Festival. However, according to director Byun Young-joo's interview, you placed last there. If you don’t mind, could you share this anecdote?

​After the film festival ended, she shared everything at the after-party. At that time, the director told me I placed last, and I was aware of it. When I submitted the preliminary video, I slightly exceeded one minute, and I also went over time in the finals. I don’t think I placed last solely because of the time. (laugh) Later, I received the final video and watched it. But I really couldn’t bear to watch it. It was obvious that I didn’t know how to use my body, and I was tense. As someone who hadn’t performed much and hadn’t majored in acting, I had a clumsy feeling of trying to act like I was in a play. So, I thought anyone could see that I placed last. Anyway, at that after-party, director Byun Young-joo and actress Ryu Hyun-kyung told me, “You placed last, but we chose you.” At that moment, I was really moved. If you watch that video from the festival, everyone did so well. Yet, even though I really didn’t do well, hearing that they chose me made me feel emotional. I thought, 'I can catch someone's eye,' and that made me want to do well.

Your voice is very unique; how do you think that affects your acting, and how would you like to utilize your distinctive voice to make it stand out in the future?

Honestly, I was very scared. I’ve been told since I was young that my voice is unique and strange, and I still get reactions about it. Some people find the uniqueness of my voice uncomfortable, but I think there are more people who respond positively to my voice, which gives me strength. So, rather than saying I have an influence, I think I’ve received a good influence thanks to the supportive words. I try to blend it well into my work so that viewers are not uncomfortable and can immerse themselves more deeply. However, since my voice is unique, it can be funny, scary, or sad. So, I think I can take on more genres and roles with my voice. It might be cliché, but it could also be utilized to give a strong impression in genre works. (laugh)

How do you usually spend your leisure time when you’re not acting? You can also share what you do to build the nutrients needed for acting.

​In my leisure time, I’m still in a situation where I’m working part-time, so I’m constantly working. When I have time, I tend to go to the gym or often visit the Mapo Lifelong Learning Center. They have books there. And if I have time left, I take a bus and go around. I observe how people live while riding the bus. I think that itself might help me, as you mentioned. Everything, from watching people to movies, dramas, and books.

What kind of works do you like?

I don’t discriminate by genre. I watch thrillers, romances, comedies, and documentaries. I also like diverse films. However, I tend to be drawn more to thrillers, crime, and horror.

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What kind of characters would you like to play in the future?

​I want to try all the difficult roles. I really want to try roles that are hard and that others don’t take on. I hope that those who watch me can cry, laugh, and feel a variety of emotions. I also hope that they can empathize and find healing. I want my acting and this work to allow people to fully immerse themselves and forget the hardships of reality, even if just for a moment. I want to be that kind of actor.