[Photos] Tom Cruise visits Korea for 13th time, makes startling transformation into a potbellied, bald old geezer — speaks candidly about Best Actor Oscar at press conference

Hollywood icon makes startling transformation and shows special affection for Korea

Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood's biggest stars, is in Korea for the 13th time to promote 'Digger,' which opens on Oct. 3. In the film, he makes a complete transformation into a potbellied, bald, overbearing 'old geezer' and oil tycoon, drawing widespread attention. Cruise also demonstrated his formidable acting skills by completing a nearly 10-minute 'long take' in a single day. He told Korean fans, "I want to come to Korea 30 more times" as he reaffirmed his deep affection for the country.

Rockwell becomes the embodiment of greed, erasing the muscular hero persona

Cruise plays 'Rockwell,' a greedy old man who puts his own wealth ahead of other people's lives. The appealing, muscular hero persona that defined him in the globally popular 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Top Gun' franchises has been completely stripped away. International media and critics have praised his dramatic physical transformation and psychological portrayal, already calling him a leading contender for next year's 'Academy Awards (Oscars)' for Best Actor.

"Making movies itself is a privilege": Oscar favorite displays gracious humility

Responding to the public's expectations, Cruise offered a firm but measured statement: "I don't concern myself with trophies like an Oscar or with other people's opinions. For me, 'filmmaking' itself is an unlimited privilege." Since making his debut in 1981 with 'Endless Love,' he has spent 46 years acting and producing. At a press conference held Oct. 1 at Conrad Seoul in Yeouido, Seoul, he added, "It's an honor to be able to make films across so many different genres."

Breaks record with 13th Korea visit as 'Uncle Tom' keeps showing his love for the country

Cruise's visit is part of the promotional tour for 'Digger,' a new black comedy directed by 'Alejandro González Iñárritu.' With his '13th visit to Korea,' a record among Hollywood actors, he has become the undisputed symbol of a Hollywood star who is especially fond of Korea. Fans welcomed him from the moment he arrived early in the morning. Smiling, he said, "Korea is a place where I feel its unique beauty every time I visit," adding, "It is overwhelming to be able to share the message of 'Digger' with Korean audiences."

Fateful meeting with master filmmaker Iñárritu launches nine-year project

'Digger' centers on how a glacial fissure caused by oil drilling grows into a global catastrophe. It is a major project that master filmmaker Iñárritu, who swept the Academy Awards with 'Birdman' and 'The Revenant,' spent nine years developing. Cruise accepted the offer to join the film in 2019. "I was captivated by its original story and extraordinary character, unlike anything I'd ever seen, and I stayed up all night discussing the project with the director," he said, expressing strong confidence in the film's artistic merit.

Sharp satire of modern society drives a story with multiple layers

The hypocrisy of the privileged elite trying to conceal the truth about the disaster sharply satirizes modern society's ills, including climate change and political greed. "Human nature was what caught my attention," Cruise said. "I wanted to reflect on life through the story beneath this extraordinary character." He stressed that the film also offers a multilayered perspective on humanity's shared responsibility for the disaster.

A showcase for his acting power, with truth captured in a 10-minute long take

Cruise reportedly immersed himself in the role by eating and sleeping in his trailer on set. That dedication comes together in a roughly 10-minute 'long take' speech scene, which highlights Rockwell's shameless refusal to accept responsibility as he hides behind the modern conveniences made possible by oil. The scene had initially been allotted four days, but Cruise completed it in a single day after just three or four takes. He credited Iñárritu, calling him "a historic artist who can be compared with 'Steven Spielberg' or 'Stanley Kubrick.'"

Iñárritu, who was unable to attend because of personal circumstances, expressed his deep gratitude for the passion of Korean audiences in a letter. Cruise is scheduled to continue meeting fans at a red-carpet event on Oct. 2.