Yoo Ji-tae Gains 100kg for His Role as Han Myung-hoe in the Movie 'The King's Warden'... "A Different Han Myung-hoe, It Was an Opportunity for Challenge"

⬦ "Forget the Seven-Headed Baby"... Jang Hang-jun's Contrarian Thinking X Yoo Ji-tae Gains 100kg to Create 'Monster Han Myung-hoe'

Han Myung-hoe is recorded in history as a representative strategist who wielded absolute power while assisting King Sejo during the early Joseon period. Based on records of being born a seven-headed baby and later being executed due to various schemes, he has been portrayed in previous films and dramas as a character with an unremarkable appearance but quick-witted intelligence.

However, in Jang Hang-jun's film 〈The King's Warden〉, a new Han Myung-hoe appears that has never been seen before. He is a 'prime minister among prime ministers' with a good physique and imposing presence.

To play this role, actor Yoo Ji-tae gained weight to the 100kg range and stated in an interview held at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 29th, "Director Jang Hang-jun said he wanted to portray a new Han Myung-hoe different from the existing one, so I thought it was an opportunity for challenge and reinvention."

He explained, "Meeting a new character as an actor is a very difficult task," and added, "I tried to express a villain whose energy for survival is so fierce that it is admirable."

Set to be released on the 4th of next month, 〈The King's Warden〉 tells the story of King Danjong (played by Park Ji-hoon) who, after being deposed, goes into exile in Yeongwol, Gangwon-do, and spends his final days building a friendship with the village chief Um Heung-do (played by Yoo Hae-jin).

Since the friendship between Danjong and Um Heung-do is the core of the story, Han Myung-hoe does not appear frequently, but his presence is significant as he is responsible for the axis of conflict. Yoo Ji-tae remarked, "While there aren’t many scenes, Han Myung-hoe should be seen as being woven throughout the film," and added, "Han Myung-hoe plays a central role like a spine in the intense battle of wits."

Han Myung-hoe's overwhelming power and ambition amplify the helpless and miserable situation of Danjong as he heads into exile. Park Ji-hoon, who plays Danjong, has previously mentioned that Yoo Ji-tae's presence as Han Myung-hoe was so overwhelming that it was difficult to make eye contact.

Yoo Ji-tae recalled, "I had a sense of mission to portray Han Myung-hoe as well as possible so that the bond between Danjong and Um Heung-do could appear more affectionate."

⬦ "When I See Park Ji-hoon, I Feel Like I'm in 〈Ditto〉... Yoo Hae-jin Is Possessed"

He described this film as a 'youthful bloom' (the most beautiful and brilliant period) for his co-stars Park Ji-hoon and Yoo Hae-jin. "After watching the preview, my first words were, 'Hae-jin hyung is possessed, he’s possessed,'" he shared, "I really felt that it was filled with sincerity."

He also noted that the character of Danjong, played by Park Ji-hoon, has elements that remind him of his own representative work, the movie 〈Ditto〉 (2000). He explained, "It is very difficult and fortunate for an actor to meet a work that can shine during their brightest period," and added, "The timing of Park Ji-hoon meeting this work feels like when I met 〈Ditto〉."

He continued, "I am so grateful to share this youthful bloom with them (Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon)," and expressed his anticipation, saying, "The humanity of the actors and the director is so good that I think this movie will do well."

Finally, Yoo Ji-tae said, "I hope this becomes the most successful movie among the ones I have made. I have never been in a movie that reached 10 million. I wish for 〈The King's Warden〉 to become a 10 million movie," and smiled.