In between two worlds
South Korean stars Song Seung-heon and Go Ara take a stab at the horror genre for the first time, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
Song Seungheon (left), seen here in a scene with Go.
BEING two of South Korea’s most notable actors, Song Seung-heon and Go Ara have had a lengthy acting career but they had yet to attempt the horror genre. That was until their roles in the K-drama series airing Sundays and Mondays at 9.45pm on tvN, came along.
It follows compassionate rookie detective Han Moo-gang (Song) who is possessed by the cold-hearted grim reaper Black, and Kang Ha-ram, a girl who has premonitions and the ability to see death.
Together, they work on saving people’s lives and solving cases, but in doing so, they break the rule of heaven.
Traversing the normal and fantasy world, the romance between the two characters is also something out of the ordinary.
“I became so engrossed in the script that I read it in one sitting,” says Song.
“The storykept me guessing.Watching each episode was like solving a quiz,” he adds.
Go, meanwhile, says: “The script seemed complicated when I first read it, but if made well, then the series will become one-of-a-kind.”
Go, 27, was also attracted to star in the series thanks to Ha-ram, a person with many scars yet has an uncommon ability.
“There is a dark feeling about her that I’ve not portrayed before on screen,” she says.
Song has more work cut out for him, as he plays both blur investigator Moo-gang and the grim reaper Black, who is not yet familiar with the human world.
“Black collects dead souls. He can travel to wherever he wants to go. And he is much stronger physically compared to humans.”
Black also stars Lee El, Kim Dong-jun, Kim Won-hae, Park Doo-shik, Kim Jaeyoung and Jo Jae-yoon.
Song, 41, began acting in 1997, and some of his popular works include the K-dramas
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Meanwhile, Go is known for her roles in the series and as well as the film DID YOU FACE ANY CHALLENGES WHILE FILMING?
The most difficult part of filming Black was nailing the underwater scenes. I have been an actor for quite a while now but this was my first time filming such scenes.
Having watched other actors do it, I didn’t think it’d be that difficult but it was more challenging than I imagined. Emoting isn’t easy when you can hardly breathe or open your eyes.
I’m not a fan of the thriller or horror genre but I took on the challenge to star in Black anyway. To understand it better, I had watched films of a similar genre.
I had nightmares for a month while reading the script. Since filming started, I have become used to the genre and I am Song and Go co-star in the supernatural horror Black.
getting the hang of it now, although it is still a bit scary sometimes when I watch the show on TV (laughs).
DID ANYTHING FUNNY OR MEMORABLE HAPPEN ON SET?
I shot an explosion scene and it was thrilling! Though I can’t watch scary things, I really enjoy watching action sequences and filming them. The crew was worried for my safety so the members explained the scene to me carefully. However, I was just really excited that I went about it without fear. I remember seeing their stunned faces (laughs).
Since Black is ruthless and cannot feel human emotions, there were scenes where I had to speak and behave inappropriately, with no manners. It was my first WHAT’S THE BIGGEST THING YOU’VE LEARNT FROM THE EXPERIENCE?
While playing the Angel of Death, I realised how precious each day of our lives is. Sometimes we say hurtful things and act carelessly, but interpersonal relationship is key to spreading joy, happiness and love.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ACHIEVE IN YOUR CAREER?
I’ll continue being an actor who can always give good energy and strength to many people through his craft. After 10, 20 or even 30 years, I hope I’ll be an actor who ages smart and stylishly.
I would like to be part of a deep romance production, like (South Korean film) A Moment To Remember and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind and Before Sunrise. I’d also like a brutally evil role and act in more historical dramas.