Actor Kim Seon-ho returns to screen, making film debut in 'The Childe'

Movies

Published: 12 Jun. 2023, 16:38 Updated: 12 Jun. 2023, 16:41

Actor Kim Seon-ho returns to screen, making film debut in 'The Childe'

Actor Kim Seon-ho [STUDIO AND NEW]

Actor Kim Seon-ho is back in the new action noir film “The Childe," after taking a two-year break from the industry following controversy that surrounded his personal life.

“I am very sorry to have caused controversy and am grateful for this chance to return to acting,” said Kim during a group interview with local reporters in Jung District, central Seoul, on Monday. “During the time I took a break from acting, I have had a lot of time to reflect on myself. I am very thankful for everyone who has stood by me and my fans, and to director Park Hoon-jung for giving me this chance with ‘The Childe.’”

Kim, who made his onscreen debut in 2017 after a long career in theater, rose to prominence with roles in dramas such as “Start-Up” (2020) and “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” (2021). In 2021, his ex-girlfriend accused him of coercing her into getting an abortion. Kim was quickly pulled from advertisements and upcoming projects, but it was later revealed that the abortion had been mutually agreed upon between Kim and the ex-girlfriend. Although public opinion regarding Kim swayed after this revelation and Kim resumed some of his advertising contracts, the actor found it hard to make a real comeback, until now.

Actor Kim Seon-ho plays the titular Childe in director Park Hoon-jung's action noir film ″The Childe.″ [STUDIO AND NEW]

“The Childe” is about underground boxer Marco, played by Kang Tae-joo, who gets chased by Kim’s character, an unidentified pursuer referred to as Childe. Kim’s character is ruthless, taunting and mysterious in his agenda as to why he chases Marco. Kim took on the role because of his interest in the script and director Park’s unwavering faith in him, according to the actor.

“It was a well-paced and entertaining story, which I cannot really go into detail about because it would be all spoilers — but I was drawn to the characterization of Childe,” said Kim. “And director Park really believed in me and even immediately after the unfortunate controversy he told me that he would go forward with me as the titular Childe. I was grateful for that faith and wanted to embody the character as best as I could.”

Main poster for ″The Childe″ [STUDIO AND NEW]

Park directed a number of critically and commercially successful films including “New World” (2013), “V.I.P.” (2017) and “The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion” (2018).

“A film is a universe built by the director, and actors are like pawns that are moved around in that universe, I think,” said Kim. “I always admired director Park’s universes in his previous films and was happy to be able to take part in this new universe.”

Kim and Park consider each other personal friends now, exchanging advice and ideas for another upcoming project that the pair is set to film.

Actor Kim Seon-ho [STUDIO AND NEW]

“I took walks with director Park during the filming of ‘The Childe’ and we had a lot of meaningful conversations,” said Kim. “The upcoming project we are working on is titled ‘Tyrant’ and is set for release probably in the next year. I came to participate in ‘Tyrant’ while talking to Park on one of our walks. He offered me a role in the film after I expressed how interesting it sounded.”

Although Kim does not have a role model for what kind of actor he wants to become, he is constantly on a journey to find the best version of himself.

A scene from ″The Childe″ [STUDIO AND NEW]

“I am always looking into myself to find what my strengths and flaws are, and I hope to draw the strengths and positive parts of all of the great actors who have come before me and build on that,” said Kim. “In my next project, for instance, I want to broaden the spectrum for the kind of acting I can accomplish.”

“The Childe” opens in local theaters on June 21.

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]