[Dispatch=Lee Myeong-ju] "Uncle, who are those people?" (O Jung-se) These were the first lines uttered by the 20-year-old O Jung-se. His role was "Customer 2." He played a young man kicked out of a pojangmacha tent stall. He appeared for about 10 seconds alongside other actors playing customers. Four years later, he appeared in a film by director Kim Ki-duk. This time he was "Police Officer 1." His role involved frisking the protagonist who shot an arrow, then forcing his mouth open. His dialogue was just one word: "Ah." Looking at O Jung-se today, it's hard to imagine this past. He remained unknown for decades after his debut. After over 1,000 auditions, he landed minor roles, and was even cut from films entirely. He appeared in numerous hit productions—'Introduce Me to Your Girlfriend,' 'Ghosts,' 'You Are My Destiny,' 'Our Happy Time'—but was overshadowed by the presence of stars. All an unknown actor can do is keep knocking on doors. O Jung-se auditioned relentlessly. This way he worked in over 120 productions. Literally, he worked without rest. In a single year, he appeared in nine films and dramas (based on release). He also met audiences through theater and short films. The modifier "an actor you can trust" was the result of persistence and integrity in quietly holding his ground. "I like O Jung-se. I like that you're good." (Lee Dong-jin) Film critic Lee Dong-jin filled a one-line review of 'Wild Things' with O Jung-se. He praised O Jung-se's momentum over the film's narrative. This "goodness" of O Jung-se was not born overnight. ◆ The Beginning of "The Actor You Can Trust" O Jung-se endured over 20 years of obscurity. He debuted in the 1997 film 'Father,' but it took 22 years for him to carve his name into the public consciousness. Yet he did not give up. While helping with the supermarket his parents ran and working various part-time jobs, he attended auditions. He went to over 1,000 auditions. He steadily circulated his profile. He did not even turn down one-second roles. From Customer 2 in 'Father' to Police Officer 1 in 'Return to Sender,' to Public Prosecutor Gu in 'You Are My Destiny,' to a vegetable vendor in 'An Elegant World'... Even when given no character name, he gave his all to every role he took. Appearing in at least three or four productions a year, he broadened his acting range. It was time spent quietly building his craft. He observed people around him and reflected this on screen. This became the nourishment that completed "The Actor You Can Trust" O Jung-se. ◆ The Birth of "The Versatile Actor" His first supporting role came in 'Radio Days' (2008), a comedy film set at Korea's first radio broadcast station in the 1930s. O Jung-se won the role of announcer Man-chul through audition. He worked alongside Ryu Seung-beom, Lee Jong-hyuk, Kim Sa-rang, and Hwang Bo-ra. Seeking to recreate the speech patterns of the era, he found and listened to old radio recordings to build the character. The box office was disappointing, ending with 210,000 cumulative viewers. But he did not lose heart. Instead, he focused on widening his acting spectrum. A trashy journalist in 'Unjust Deal,' a friend-zoned loser in 'Couples,' a male table tennis national team representative in 'Korea'—he took on any genre and character. Comic acting presence was particularly powerful. 'Man's Manual' (2013) is a prime example. Playing top star Lee Seung-jae, he was annoying yet strangely captivating. This was the moment O Jung-se's brand of comedy proved its worth. ◆ Different Villains Not just comedy. O Jung-se showed his true ability in villain roles, constructing different antagonists rather than repeating similar faces. In 'Beautiful Sunday' (2007), he transformed into Yoo Chang-won, the number-two man in a drug organization. To capture a vulgar impression, he even suggested a mole under his eye himself. In 'Secret' (2009), he played Kyung-ho, the murder witness who held the key to a twist. With eyes that changed 180 degrees and a chilling expression, he maximized the suspense. In 'Tazza: The High Rollers' (2014), he appeared as Mr. Seo, the architect of the card game table. He depicted someone hiding his true nature while using and betraying those around him in a sinister way. Through 'Fabricated City' (2017), he achieved rediscovery. His role as public defender Min Cheon-sang erased his comic image. Using external details like a hunched back and facial marks, he completed a horrifying villain. ◆ Reward Finally Arrives Opportunity came to the prepared. O Jung-se left a short but intense impression as Ted Chang in the 10-million-viewer film 'Extreme Job' (2019). His chemistry with Shin Ha-gyun (playing role Imubae) drew laughs from audiences. That same year, in the drama 'When Camellia Blooms,' he captivated home viewers as Noh Gyu-tae. He created "pathetic cuteness"—vain and somehow lacking, yet impossible to hate. 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' (2020) also deserves mention. He played Moon Sang-tae, a man with developmental disability. Through sincere acting, he showed Sang-tae's pure worldview and moved viewers' hearts. After a long time, the fruits of his labor finally arrived. O Jung-se won the Baeksang Arts Awards for TV Supporting Actor two years in a row for 'When Camellia Blooms' and 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay.' His acceptance speech also circulated widely. He said, "If you continue doing whatever you do, comfort and reward that you have not received will eventually come." These words resonated deeply, coming from an actor who held his ground for 20 years. ◆ Writing a Second Prime Again In his 30th year of acting, O Jung-se's prime is ongoing. In 'Totally Fooled You,' he drew a stepfather who was dislikable yet not dislikable. In 'Good Boy,' he revealed hidden cruelty behind an expressionless face, showing another unfamiliar side. Through 'Everyone Is Fighting with Their Own Worthlessness,' he fully showcased an insecure film director. His realistic life acting and subtle emotional expression resonated with viewers. And now, 'The Ear Boyfriend.' O Jung-se has recently transformed into the tragic balladeer Choi Sung-gon in the film 'Wild Things.' His entrance is powerful. He drew laughter with lip-sync photo time, and in the music video, with long hair covering one eye and sentimental gaze, he stirred hearts. Countless fans—the fandom name 'Gon Joo'—were born. He added another iconic character following Lee Seung-jae, Ted Chang, Moon Sang-tae, and Noh Gyu-tae. For 30 years, as he always has, O Jung-se is preparing another face. There is only one reason to anticipate what comes after Sung-gon: O Jung-se himself. LOVE U.