Actor Wi Ha-joon dishes about his recent role as Jung Ki-chul and its whereabouts in the drama The Worst of Evil

Korean actor Wi Ha-joon opened up about his performance in The Worst of Evil in a recent interview. During the interview, he discussed various aspects of his career. Although he's widely recognized for his roles in crime-centric dramas like the global hit Squid Game and Little Women, in this interview with MBN Star, he spoke about his recent series and his character.

Wi Ha-joon portrayed a different kind of character, delving into the role of Jung Ki-chul, a mafia boss. He explained how he made lifestyle changes to embody this character. Moreover, he talked about his experience working alongside Ji Chang-wook and his struggles as a non-smoker. In addition to this, he hinted at his upcoming roles in highly anticipated and high-profile K-dramas, including Gyeongseong Creature and Squid Game 2.

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Wi Ha-joon opens up about his journey in The Worst of Evil and the compromises that followed

In his latest venture, The Worst of Evil, which premiered on September 27, 2023, Wi Ha-joon took on the character of Jung Ki-chul, a formidable mafia boss within the Gangnam Union. He teamed up with another renowned actor, Ji Chang-wook, who portrayed the undercover agent Park Joon-mo. While the duo's on-screen chemistry captivated audiences, it was Wi Ha-joon's portrayal of the story's antagonist that truly left a mark.

Wi Ha-joon's interview on October 28, 2023, started with a focus on his role in The Worst of Evil. When asked about his feelings regarding the character, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity but also highlighted the unique aspect of this role. He shared,

"I'm thankful for receiving the proposal and getting the script. However, when I read the script, I found that it wasn't just about gangsters, police, or action. It delved into emotions and the deteriorating lives of characters who headed towards the worst situations as the story progressed. This aspect felt new."

One intriguing aspect of his character in the series was Jung Ki-chul's avid smoking habit. This presented a challenge for Wi Ha-joon, who, in reality, is a non-smoker. He admitted to trying to increase and then reduce smoking for the role. His dedication to his craft is commendable, as he underwent physical changes too.

During the series, as the story grew more somber and emotionally demanding, he felt the need to lose weight. His weight journey was quite notable, as he started at approximately 75 kg, and by the end of it, he had shed several kilograms, reaching around 66–68 kg.

Another fascinating point raised during the interview was Wi Ha-joon's perception of being called "s*xy." Given his toned physique and athletic abilities, it's a label that naturally follows. However, he revealed that he wasn't comfortable with this term earlier in his career. "S*xy" was a concept that he initially found burdensome.

He was concerned about how it might affect his mental state and didn't want to be self-absorbed. However, he discussed how, over time, he changed his perspective. He learned to embrace and accept it, which boosted his confidence.

"It's great that the viewers received it positively... This shift in perspective and the positive reception from the audience have been incredibly rewarding. So, I'm very thankful for that."

Wi Ha-joon's journey, from embodying complex characters to embracing his own self-confidence, reflects an evolution in his career and personal life. His dedication to his craft, willingness to take on diverse roles, and ability to adapt to challenging situations, both on and off the screen, continue to make him a standout talent in the world of Korean entertainment.

The actor is set to headline a new Netflix series, Gyeongseong Creature, and a tvN drama, Graduation.