The Tyrant will be Kim Seon Ho’s latest Korean drama after a three-year hiatus.
The new Disney+ show is an action-packed four-part series where the 38-year-old actor will play Director Choi, a serious and humorless elite agent who will defend the mysterious Tyrant Program, a government project that aims to develop a new virus.
Seon Ho talked to the press about Director Choi in a media conference held last Monday, July 15, in Seoul, South Korea.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) attended the media conference via Zoom. Live English translation was provided for international media attendees.
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Seon Ho's intense role marks a departure from his previous comedic performances in Start-Up and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
“He’s someone who wants to protect the Tyrant Program at all costs no matter what the situation.
"As he is the youngest director, he keeps his calm, is cold-headed and in the face of the crisis, he can even enjoy a nice brunch. That’s how poised he is,” the actor said.
MEET THE CAST OF THE TYRANT
Seon Ho’s co-stars in The Tyrant include Cha Seung Won, Kim Kang Woo, and newcomer Jo Yoon Su.
Cha Seung Won, known for his comedic turn in Our Blues, plays Lim Sang, a hitman who is tasked to eliminate the forces behind the Tyrant Program.
Seung Won did most of his stunts in the show.
“It’s not that I wasn’t satisfied with the stunt doubles. It’s that it’s a little different from when I on my own, so I didn’t want it to stand out too much.”
The 54-year-old actor added, “Of course we have the most talented stunt doubles, but you know, the hand gestures and what-not are a little different when you do it yourself.”
Kang Woo, meanwhile, plays Paul, a member of the United States intelligence who wants to claim the last samples of the Tyrant virus.
“Because this person is American, I had to really practice a lot of English dialogue as well, so that was quite a challenge,” said the 46-year-old actor about his character.
Lastly, there’s newcomer Yoon Su, who was hand-picked by the show’s director for the role of Chae Ja Kyung, a technician who has the task of stealing the last virus sample.
Director Park Hoon Jung praised the 25-year-old actress for embodying the role so well.
“I think you will be convinced when you watch the series that it was a perfect casting choice,” said Director Hoon Jung.
He also noted her expertise in the action scenes.
“Among the actors that I worked with, she is the best at fistfights. She didn’t even need a stunt double for fistfights. She is just amazing with punches.”
In response, Yoon Su said she achieved this with intensive training. “Before going into production, I had about a month and a half time. So I would go to strength training and personal training. I would alternate between the two.”
Some of The Tyrant’s cast also sang praises for Yoon Su.
“She and I had a lot of scenes together. She put in so much effort, and she did an amazing job,” said Seung Won.
To close the media conference, Director Hoon Jung invited the press to watch The Tyrant.
“This is a very entertaining show. It’s going to be a fun thrilling ride for all the audiences,” he said.
All four episodes of The Tyrant will premiere in Disney+ on August 14.