Park Jae-chan, a member of the K-pop group DKZ and rising actor, recently shared his experiences filming the Netflix historical drama Check in Hanyang. Set in the bustling inn of Yongcheonru during the Joseon era (1392–1897), the series follows young men navigating life as apprentice servants.
Playing Go Soo-ra, a principled and upright character, Park admitted he initially struggled with adapting to historical speech and mannerisms. However, he was relieved to learn that, since his character wasn’t from the royal palace, he didn’t need to strictly adhere to traditional speech patterns. This adjustment made his transition into the historical genre much smoother.
Beyond the acting challenge, Park found the costumes, hairstyles, and scenic filming locations particularly fascinating, likening the experience to an exciting field trip. His enthusiasm extended to his family, with his grandmother becoming an avid fan of the show. “She knew every detail about the drama when I visited home for the Lunar New Year holiday,” he said, touched by her support.
The filming process was made even more enjoyable by the camaraderie among the cast. Despite being naturally shy, Park quickly bonded with his co-stars. He praised Kim Ji-eun for bringing snacks to the set, Bae In-hyuk for treating the staff to meals, and Jung Gun-joo for his playful antics that kept the atmosphere lighthearted.
One of the more physically demanding aspects of his role involved a shirtless scene, for which he diligently trained for six months. “I worked out consistently and was happy with how it looked on screen,” he said, revealing that actors would do push-ups before filming to enhance their physique. He even kept a five-kilogram (11-pound) dumbbell in his car, which Jung Gun-joo borrowed before his own shirtless scene.
Adding a special touch to the production, DKZ contributed to the drama’s soundtrack. Park noted that fellow group member Mingyu had always wanted to participate in a historical drama’s OST, making this opportunity particularly exciting.
Reflecting on his time filming Check in Hanyang, Park said he has learned to enjoy acting more. “When I have fun, better ideas and expressions come naturally,” he shared. As for his personal aspirations, he dreams of one day relaxing with a glass of wine while gazing at the Han River from his own home.
The drama concluded its run on February 9, leaving fans eager to see what’s next for the talented artist.
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