"I enjoy working on projects that can bring laughter in such a cheerful way, even if they are genre films. Regardless of the final numbers, the filming process was fun, and I became very close to Gong Myung, who I now consider like a younger brother. We got so close that I felt like I was putting my toes in my mouth. Since this isn't a project that requires expressing serious emotions or drawing blood, there wasn't that kind of stress. Instead, with comedy, we had to think about where and how to make people laugh. It was great to brainstorm ideas with the other actors and put effort into creating the scenes together."
Jin Seon-kyu expressed excitement upon hearing that Gong Myung, with whom he previously collaborated on 'Extreme Job,' was offered the role of Min-seok. He was so eager about their chemistry that he even called Gong Myung to discuss the casting offer.
"When I read the script and found it entertaining, I could easily imagine the scenes. I tend to read the lines aloud, and 'Husbands' was just like that. The dialogue flowed well, and it was so enjoyable that I really wanted to be a part of it. I loved the director's previous work, but even without my fan bias, the script was fun. When I asked who was cast as the current husband, I was told it was Gong Myung. I immediately called him to ask if he had read it and what he thought. He said it was fun, so I told him, 'If you're in, I want to join too.' Gong Myung agreed that he would be happy if I participated, and I thought it would be great for us to reunite in a comedy."
Previously, Jin Seon-kyu and Gong Myung showcased their comedic chemistry in the hit film 'Extreme Job,' which attracted over 10 million viewers. Given their past success, there were high expectations and pressure for their reunion. However, Jin Seon-kyu focused on faithfully portraying the story of 'Husbands' and the scenes envisioned by director Park Kyu-tae, rather than trying to replicate their previous success.
"Of course, there were concerns and pressure. It's inevitable to compare. There is a benchmark for successful comedies in our country, so I was aware that some might find 'Husbands' lacking compared to 'Extreme Job.' However, I didn't let that affect my performance or feel pressured to create something more. I thought it was important to share the style that fits this story and the visuals the director imagined. I believe we worked hard to create this story in our own way."
Jin Seon-kyu described Chung-sik as a character who embodies 'strong on the outside, soft on the inside.' As an ace detective, he demonstrates investigative skills and arrest capabilities while being a father who is afraid of blood and heights and will do anything his daughter asks.
"Chung-sik has to catch criminals as a detective and show his professionalism. But outside of work, he has a clumsy side. Even very professional and intelligent people can have their weaknesses. For Chung-sik, that weakness is his relationship with his daughter, Yeon-joo. He is the typical doting father who will do anything she asks. I think that aspect makes him relatable."
To prepare for the handcuff arrest technique, Jin Seon-kyu underwent extensive practice. The film adds a cinematic sense of speed to the arrest process, allowing Chung-sik's abilities to shine even in brief moments.
"I practiced the handcuff arrest technique very diligently. In reality, you would put the handcuffs on after subduing the suspect, but we added a sense of speed for the film. If we did it slowly, it wouldn't convey the excitement we envisioned, so we expressed it a bit faster."
One of the reasons Jin Seon-kyu decided to participate was due to director Park Kyu-tae's previous work, 'Yuksa-o.' He was drawn to the way a small incident brings together characters from both North and South Korea, leading to humorous and touching moments as they collide and eventually unite.
"I didn't see 'Yuksa-o' in theaters but later watched it on OTT. It was very moving how a trivial incident connected people from North and South, and how their characters clashed and eventually came together. It wasn't just funny because it was a comedy; the story was rich. I thought 'Husbands' had a similar feeling when I received the script, which made me want to participate. I wanted to experience the comedic vibe the director has firsthand."
Jin Seon-kyu also shared his thoughts on his co-stars. During challenging filming days, Yoon Kyung-ho kept the atmosphere lively with his humor and surprised Jin Seon-kyu with his unexpected agility in action scenes.
"Kyung-ho is really funny. During the last warehouse scene, we filmed in the same space for about a week, and having Kyung-ho there made it enjoyable. Even in tough scenes, I drew energy from him. Contrary to his outward image, he is very skilled and agile in action. He also has a sense of consideration for his co-stars when performing. I was surprised to see how precisely he would break at the right moment when we were in sync."
Kim Ji-seok played a role in organizing the flow of scenes and gathering input from his colleagues. Whenever spontaneous ideas were exchanged, Jin Seon-kyu found himself naturally relying on Kim Ji-seok.
"I like intelligent people. They fill in my gaps. When Gong Myung and I are joking around like kids, Ji-seok would watch the rehearsal and suggest, 'Hyung, how about this?' He would help organize the scenes. I found myself looking to Ji-seok for guidance whenever I was unsure. He has a leadership quality that made it comfortable to work with him."
Jin Seon-kyu noticed a significant change in Gong Myung, who was the youngest during 'Extreme Job.' He recognized Gong Myung's solidification as an actor while also appreciating that he is one of the few colleagues with whom he can joke freely and express himself.
"I realized Gong Myung is no longer just the youngest. Working together, I felt he has established himself as a solid actor in both dramas and films. I admired his success in dramas and felt a bit envious. There are very few people I can be completely comfortable with, and Gong Myung is one of them. It's fun to be around him, and he accepts my silliness. He feels like a younger brother, but also dependable like an older brother."
Since the film's release, reactions have been mixed. Jin Seon-kyu acknowledged that comedy can be polarizing based on audience preferences, but he admitted that facing disappointing feedback on a project they worked hard on is still disheartening.
"It would be a lie to say I’m not disappointed. I’m proud that we created a comedy that made many people laugh through 'Extreme Job,' and it made me realize we made an incredible film. I think it's challenging to create a comedy that makes everyone laugh according to their tastes. I knew there would be varied reactions, but seeing them firsthand makes me wonder, 'Did it really come across that way?' or 'Was it just me who found it funny?' Still, I enjoyed the time spent working with everyone. I was happy to collaborate with good people and talented actors without forcing anything that didn’t work. Filming isn't done in a linear order, so the process of creating each scene with those people was truly enjoyable."
YoonA's special appearance was made possible through their connection from 'Confidential Assignment' and 'King the Land.' In the past, Jin Seon-kyu had made a special appearance at YoonA's request in 'King the Land,' and this time he honored that promise.
"I met YoonA through 'Confidential Assignment,' and when we were working on 'King the Land,' she called me and asked, 'Oppa, can you do a special appearance?' I naturally agreed. At that time, YoonA said I should use my special appearance card someday. I used that big card this time, and I’m very grateful that she came and played her role. While filming, we joked that it would be great if 'Husbands 2' could be made, but from the wives' perspective. Since the wives appeared, I thought it would be wonderful to continue their story. If the opportunity arises, I would love to do it."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.