Hong Seo-joon: 'I feel truly alive when I act'

With a long list of impactful performances behind him, actor Hong Seo-joon has earned the nickname “10-million (won) supporting actor” for his appearances in box office hits.

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But beyond the screen, Hong is a thoughtful and devoted artist who attributes his growth to both meaningful collaborations and quiet persistence.

In an interview, Hong spoke about his recent work in projects like the drama “When the Phone Rings” and films such as “12.12: The Day,” “Exhuma,” and “Yadang: The Snitch.” Moving fluidly between scene-stealing supporting roles and solid leads, he has proven his range and staying power.

One project he holds close is “When the Phone Rings,” saying, “It felt like a gift.” Hong first connected with director Park Sang-woo during the MBC drama, “Man in the Kitchen.”

“I once told him, ‘I really want to be in your next project — just let me audition.’ He burst into tears and said, ‘Why would you need to audition? I’d be honored to work with you.’ I was moved,” Hong recalled. In the series, he plays Min Do-ki, a butler-like character shrouded in secrets — a role that required nuance and careful interpretation.