[Dispatch=Reporter Kim Ji-ho] 2026 is, by all accounts, Park Ji-hoon's era. He became a 10-million actor through the film "The Man Who Lives with the King," and won the Baeksang Rookie Award. His next project, tvN's "The Legend of the Cooking Soldier," was also a hit.

Yet Park Ji-hoon now remains unchanged. He keeps himself in check and strives to stay composed.

"The Baeksang Rookie Award, a 10-million actor…. Before and after, my mindset is the same. I simply do my given tasks well. Then naturally, results seem to follow. In fact, it's okay if I don't win awards."

He emphasized his motto as "Don't get carried away." "I really hate seeing myself get excited. I don't even want to think about having my shoulders up and acting arrogant now that I've become a 10-million actor," he said, drawing laughs.

Dispatch conducted a round interview with Park Ji-hoon at a café in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. As always, holding a notepad and pen, listening to questions, he remained a solid and principled actor.

◆ "A Funny Cooking Soldier Arrived"

Who would have known that a work released after the tragedy of Danjon would be this intensely absurd? Wrapped in seaweed all over his body, laughing pitifully, blowing a pipe with his spine. Wearing a comic wig, dancing and performing inspired comedy acting.

Park Ji-hoon said, "I've never thought of myself as funny. Rather, that's why I was drawn to this work," and "I was curious how I could exchange this rhythm and bring out the fun," explaining his reason for appearing.

Is it the privilege of a natural handsome man? Or acting passion? He has no fear of degrading himself. For example, the seaweed angel. "I actually wore seaweed clothing while filming. I only had the thought of how to reach out and touch in a funny way. It wasn't difficult," he laughed.

The part he most cared about was the chemistry with the soldiers. "Since there are many comic parts, it was fun to add flesh to the script. While filming, we added a lot of ad-libs with senior actors. The timing was inevitably important," he recalled.

For example, the scene where Seong-jae (played by Park Ji-hoon) hands a hamburger to the company commander. "Please just try it once" was ad-lib. "On set, I did an impromptu rehearsal with senior Yoon Kyung-ho, and we added a scene reminiscent of 'Misaeng' at the end," he revealed.

"Ah! I also remember the back rib scene. Only the props were prepared, and there was no action in the script. I asked on set, 'Could you play a song?' and they played a waltz. I danced to it, thinking 'let's try everything we can.'"

◆ "Park Ji-hoon Also Found It Difficult"

Of course, there were challenges. Acting in front of a green screen due to game CG effects. "I read scripts very slowly, but no matter how much I read it, it didn't read well and I couldn't imagine it," he recalled.

"It was difficult to know what gestures I should make on set, what actions I should take. I really had to memorize only the dialogue and create everything on set. But looking back, I think that actually helped me."

Park Ji-hoon said, "For looking at empty space or gestures, there was only a guide panel. When the shot was done, I had to remove the panel and act while looking at empty space," explaining, "I ran simulations hard in my head."

"I wanted to give the feeling of having a conversation with someone. Not doing it alone, but showing that Seong-jae is communicating or connecting with the guardian. I paid attention to sight lines so viewers wouldn't be bored."

Maintaining a center within comedy was also important. "As I did it, I kept getting greedy about the comedy too. When the reactions of other actors were comic, if I became too light as well, I thought it shouldn't be like that," he said, noting, "I kept thinking not to go too far."

That sentiment showed in episode 7, in the scene where he transformed into Gwan-chul's grandmother. "Since it was an important emotional scene for Gwan-chul, I really worried about it. Wouldn't the emotion break because of me?" he said, hinting, "While viewers laughed, I maintained composure on set."

◆ "How Park Ji-hoon Acts"

Looking back, Park Ji-hoon's acting history is free of controversy. With a genius talent in eye expression, he always shows more than that. Each character has no weak spots, which is also an advantage.

When asked the secret, he revealed his acting method. "It's like what you'd call rote learning. To be careful, training-style methods don't seem to suit me. Rather, I seem to be the type who absorbs from a blank slate," he said.

"Instead, I read scripts really slowly and often. I carefully read through each line, creating images in my head. First I study what kind of mood the character has, then I grasp their eye expression. I imagine 'what habits would this person have?' and build the character that way."

He said, "The set seems really important to me. I thoroughly memorize my lines before going on set. I see what the other actor does, absorb it, listen, and express it in return," and "this seems to be my acting style."

Regarding his greatest strength, eye expression, he said, "I immerse myself in the work and take what the other actor gives on set and return it. I don't specifically try to work on my eye expression. I think it's acting that comes from immersing myself in the role," giving a humble answer.

"Still, I think this time my eye expression will have more strength than 'The Man Who Lives with the King.' The decisiveness unique to Seong-jae, or the coolness that briefly shows when holding back anger…. Those who know will be able to tell, so I thought to add these things."

◆ "I Do My Best in Each Moment"

In the first half of this year, he worked beyond full capacity, in burning mode. First, he solidified his untouchable position as an actor. He also worked as a solo singer and reunited with Wanna One. He held fan meetings and started fan concert tours. Juggling idol and actor roles, he had a busier first half than anyone.

He said, "I have a wish to balance being an idol and an actor," and "but it doesn't seem to work as planned. Since there was a long gap as a singer, I feel I should cherish time meeting with fans more this year," expressing regret.

"For Wanna One, it's really difficult to align everyone's individual schedules. But when we get together, fans love it, so I think trying to do something more, even pushing ourselves, is better, isn't it? If there are future concerts or album activities, I want to do my best."

Park Ji-hoon faces an important turning point next year. Military service awaits. Yet he is neither anxious nor impatient. True to his reputation as a "military enthusiast," he plans to even enjoy the military.

"Enlistment? No worries or burden! Military service is an obligation I must fulfill, so I plan to go through it enjoyably and magnificently. I just hope I don't get hurt. I think the military and I will get along really well. (laughs)"

He said, "I want to do rappelling training, jumping out of a helicopter. I want to live in the mountains too. Training is my dream," expressing his determination, "I want to join the Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalion. I'm afraid of deep water, and I want to overcome that too."

What is his goal after discharge? Park Ji-hoon said, "I want to be an actor who does my best in each moment, in the given task. I hope to become an actor whom many people can trust and watch. I want to empathize with viewers' energy."

<Photos provided by TVING, YY Entertainment>