Cover Woo Do-hwan as Hae-jo and Lee Yoo-mi as Jo Jae-mi in Netflix’s newest K-drama ‘Mr Plankton’
Woo Do-hwan as Hae-jo and Lee Yoo-mi as Jo Jae-mi in Netflix’s newest K-drama ‘Mr Plankton’
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K-drama star Woo Do-hwan takes us behind the scenes of ‘Mr Plankton’, his acting process and the legacy he wants to leave behind
As we continue to ride the Hallyu wave with exciting new K-dramas out seemingly every month, few actors have captured the audience’s attention quite like Woo Do-hwan. With a career marked by diverse roles and compelling performances, he is now set to enchant viewers once again in the just-released Netflix series Mr. Plankton. “I think Hae-jo is one of the most complex characters I’ve played so far,” Woo shares with Tatler Singapore. The series follows terminally ill Hae-jo on a transformative road trip interspersed with heartwarming romantic-comedy elements alongside Squid Game’s Lee Yoo-mi.
Ahead of Mr Plankton’s premiere on Netflix, Tatler Singapore had the chance to sit down with Woo to talk about his latest project, his versatility as an actor, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
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Above Woo Do-hwan
Woo Do-hwan
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What drew you to the role in Mr. Plankton, and what aspects of the character resonated with you the most?
I really wanted to portray Hae-jo’s free-spirited side and how he’s bound by nothing. I’ve always wanted to become someone who lives as if there’s no tomorrow, so I thought this was a great opportunity to try that out.
How does Hae-jo differ from your previous roles, and what challenges did you face during training?
I think Hae-jo is one of the most complex characters I’ve played so far. He has something missing inside him; he feels lost. The fact that he is terminally ill adds another layer of challenge for me. I had to bear that in mind throughout the filming process, and it was emotionally draining in a way.
Above Woo Do-hwan
Woo Do-hwan
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What was the most memorable moment during filming, and did anything unexpected happen on set?
There were so many unexpected things on set! Since we were filming a road movie that follows the characters on a road trip, the weather became a significant element for us. We have so many outdoor scenes, everything from oceans to mountains, and even the slightest change in weather could be quite challenging. For instance, in episode three, there’s a scene where Jae-mi pushes me into the water, and I remember it being freezing that day!
You’ve played a range of characters now, from intense dramas like Bloodhounds to romantic roles in Tempted. How do you prepare for such diverse roles?
I think I prepare differently each time. For Bloodhounds, I tried to imagine myself as a professional athlete and maintained a regular daily routine. When it comes to romance, I don’t think any physical preparation is necessary beforehand. The most important thing is having conversations with the director and exchanging our opinions about the character.
Above Woo Do-hwan as Hae-jo and Lee Yoo-mi as Jo Jae-mi in Netflix’s newest K-drama ‘Mr Plankton’
Woo Do-hwan as Hae-jo and Lee Yoo-mi as Jo Jae-mi in Netflix’s newest K-drama ‘Mr Plankton’
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Having gained wide recognition for your performances, how do you choose what projects to take on? What criteria do you consider most important?
For starters, the script has to be engaging. By “engaging,” I mean I consider various factors—whether this is something I can pull off well or not, and what message the show conveys overall. I also tend to switch genres; if my previous project was a romance, I usually look for something different for my next role.
Looking ahead, are there any specific genres or types of roles that you want to explore?
I don’t have anything specific in mind because I prefer to go with scripts that resonate with me at that moment. I don’t like to set anything in stone or have a fixed image in mind.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the entertainment industry, and how do you envision achieving that?
That’s actually a tricky question! What I want is to deliver solid performances over a long period. To achieve that, I need to stay healthy—both physically and mentally—so I’m going to work on that.
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Images: Netflix
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Sabrina Low was the former assistant digital editor for Tatler Singapore.
