[ⓓInterview] Heo Sung Tae, "A Transition in my Career with Squid Game"

(※ The article you are about to read contains spoilers. ※)

“I think of it as something that’ll pass. I’m reflecting on myself.”

The actor has played various roles ranging from supporting roles to main leads. Heo Sung Tae has been in well-known films such as the “Masquerade”, “The Fortress”, “The Outlaws”, “The Swindlers”, “Rampant”, “Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission”, “The Age of Shadows”, and “Black Money.” As the years accumulated, the actor found himself to have amassed ten years’ worth of experience.

Heo Sung Tae then found fate through one specific Netflix series. The actor played the role of Jang Deok Su, a character who plays a significant role in the core concept of greed. Heo Sung Tae had acted the way he normally did, except this time, he had starred in a blockbuster series.

We questioned the actor on his perspective regarding his rise to prominence and his stance on acting.

Dispatch recently had the opportunity to interview the star via zoom. We ask the actor on his change of atmosphere since the success of Squid Game and behind-the-scenes stories on set.

◆ Jang Deok Su | "A gain of 19kg (41 pounds) for the role.. and a love scene.”

The hit Netflix series follows a crowd through the grueling life of poverty and riches. Through greed, people fight to obtain a large sum of money worth approximately 45.6 billion won in an attempt to abandon the life of poverty. The series takes the viewers on an emotional roller coaster through the fate of life or death in the hands of the contestants.

The actor took the viewers on a whirlwind of emotions. Heo Sung Tae played the role of Jang Deok Su. The character is bound to the series as the form of betrayal and greed.

▶ How was the chemistry between your character and the character of Han Mi-nyeo, aka Player 212?

Kim Joo Ryeong (actress of player 212) is someone who is very passionate about her field, even more than I am. We had a lot of scenes together so we spent a lot of time going over anything that may put our safety at risk.

She and I talked over our scenes to go over anything that may put our safety at risk. There was a lot of communication. We would consider each other’s state at the time.

▶Your character was the only one with a love interest.

I was slightly concerned because it was my first experience with a love scene. The director was a big help. There wasn’t much for me to prepare on my own.

▶ Was there anything you remember from the time on set?

Everyone excluding me is loud. The dressing room was almost always filled with noise. However, everyone would go quiet during filming because we were all immersed into acting. There isn’t really one scene on set that I recall, but I do remember being on video call with actress Kim Joo Ryeong’s husband.

▶ We heard you gained a lot of weight for the role. How did you feel?

I was on a break for 5 months since Covid-19 was on a spike last year. While I was off work, I had lost about 73 kg (160 pounds) because I had wanted to.

However, I soon got a call from director Hwang Dong Hyuk, in which he told me “Deok Su is a character who’s on the bigger side.” So I had to gain 92 kilograms (202.825 pounds) in a span of a month. It was hard for me because it was gained within such a short period. My health was at a low.

▶ How did you prepare for your character?

I’m best at playing tough characters. Director Hwang had told me “You can just act in the way you always did, messy and tough.” I was able to act more comfortably because of what he said.

▶ Is there a line you remember from your character?

Yes, during the marble game there was a line in which I said “It was nice knowing you while it lasted, ya jerk” to my colleague, Kwok Ja Hyeong. It was improvised and I was very satisfied.

◆ Behind-the-scenes stories | "Everything was perfect"

“Squid Game” has a lot to boast about. The series was made through a small budget of 20 billion won (16,299,260 USD). The show also has a star-studded cast, an interesting plot, and the experience from the actors.

The set was also extremely detailed. The series had made it possible for 456 people to act on set. Despite the show being a brutally aggressive survival genre, the set was oddly colorful and optimistic.

▶ Was there one scene that you genuinely liked filming?

I’ve known my marble game partner, actor Kwak Ja Hyeong for around four to five years now. We met and befriended each other on the set of “The Fortress.” Therefore, filming the marble game was a lot of fun. At one point, he was genuinely happy for my win.

▶ Was there one that was difficult to film?

<Red light green light>. When I had arrived on set for the filming of the game, I was taken by surprise. The doll’s voice is even more scary in person, it gave me goosebumps. We were also to act just like how it showed, we had to remain still. A lot of things played into part. It was very hot, so filming was hard. And it was very scary to watch people act to their deaths from the gun shots.

▶ How long do you honestly think you’ll last if you were really in the game?

I was really good at red light green light as a kid. I think I’d fail in the marbles game. However, I do not want to play the game with my life on the line.

▶ How was it like when you were acting and seeing it for the first time?

Everything was beyond expectations. It was to the extent where I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The real sand, dirt, and everything was amazing. We’ve even applauded the team for it before.

▶How did it feel to watch your seniors act?

It was incredible, especially when senior Oh Yeong Soo acted. I watched with my mouth wide open. It made me think, “Would I be able to act just as well when I’m his age?”

When senior Lee Jung Jae acted, he was just a complete professional. I had thought to myself “That’s a real professional.” His acting is a result of time, experience, and skill. No matter how long the man has acted, he seems to express something different all the time.

▶ How does it feel to continue on another project with your coworker Lee Jung Jae in “Hunt?”

I met him on set of “Hunt.” He came towards me and said “Our global star, Heo Sung Tae. I very much enjoyed you on Squid Game” I responded with “What’s up with you, Ssangmoondong.” It was a little moment where we basked in each other’s success.

◆ Global Syndrome | "Squid Game is the project of my life"

Squid Game is currently the biggest show. It’s running at #1 for 15 days so far. It’s also top in a total of eighty-three countries.

The show is seeing immense success globally as well. People all over the world are showing off their Dalgona success. People have even showed themselves in the costume.

▶ there anything you’d like to say to fans of the show?

“Squid Game” is a show that I hold very close to my heart. I’m so glad to walk this journey with you all. Also, thank you to everyone who’s taken a liking to Korean culture.

▶ Squid Game is an international phenomenon. Did you expect for it to become this huge?

I hadn’t expected for it to become this huge sensation when I first read the script. I did expect for it to gain some recognition abroad, however. It was through our traditional games and culture that I thought would be refreshing and new to others. I also foresaw the rise of Dalgona. I’m very proud of the outcome and our culture.

▶ What are your peers saying about the success of Squid Game?

Seniors Sol Kyung Gu and Yoo Hae Jin have both wished me well through the phone. My family went crazy, I have a lot of autograph requests that I have yet to sign.

But my life has stayed relatively the same. I’m actually more worried than excited. It’s a mix of feelings. I’m surprised and happy, grateful and worried.

▶ How did you feel when Squid Game was garnering mass interest?

I think I watched the show over eight times. I see different aspects to the series every time I watch. At first, I saw my acting skills, then I saw my coworkers’ skills, from the eyes of the viewers.

I’ve watched it with my family, and I’ve also watched it with my costars. It’s probably around thirty times honestly. I always find something new about it when I watch.

▶ Aren’t you a little disappointed that you might not appear for the second season?

I see a lot of fans claiming that my character isn’t actually dead. Some people are even suggesting a twin. If there is a chance, I’d be glad to take up on the offer. However, I won’t be disappointed if I don’t. I wish the season 2, all the best.

▶ will become of Squid Game to Heo Sung Tae?

It’s become a miracle that won’t happen twice for me. It’s a one-in-a lifetime thing that’s seeing immense success.

It’s incredible to see how well it’s doing. However, my life hasn’t changed drastically. I am the same as I was before. I’m telling myself that it’s a wind that’ll pass.

◆ Actor Heo Sung Tae’s goals | To have real human attributes

The actor has accumulated experience of roughly ten years. Heo Sung Tae has always been one to be genuine in his occupation. Now, years later, viewers are finally recognizing the actor’s craft.

Heo Sung Tae has clearly seen the benefits from the success of “Squid Game.” However, one’s life doesn’t drastically change through one breakout role. In fact, it’s caused the actor to ponder on his career even more. The actor is slowly thinking of his next moves in the industry.

▶ Is there a genre or a role you’d like to try your hands on?

I think thankfully, I am showing a wide range of acting in terms or genres and roles. One of them also includes a character with a good moral compass. I plan on becoming a completely different character to what most of the viewers are familiar with, around next year.

▶ It’s been ten years since your debut.

Actors Jung Woo Sung and Lee Jung Jae have helped me on the set of “Hunt” as seniors in the industry. I think I’m currently experiencing a transition in my career.

I think I’m slowly switching over from small, supporting roles, to bigger and even main lead roles. I’m learning as I go and often thinking of ways to show my skills in a variety of ways.

▶ What’s a word you want to be associated with?

I want to be an actor who’s down to earth and has realistic characteristics.

▶ Lastly, what’s a goal you have in mind for your acting career?

I want to continue acting well, for a long time. My goal is to be like senior Oh Yeong Soo (Oh Il Nam character). I plan to continue acting like Oh Yeong Soo.

by. Sumin Song