The third episode of the drama series "First Love DOGs" (TBS, Tuesdays at 10pm), starring actor Kiyohara Kaya, will air on July 15th. The role of Woo So-ha, a Korean heir to a wealthy family who appears before Hanamura Aiko (Kiyohara), a cool lawyer who doesn't believe in love, and Shirasaki Kai (Ryo Narita), a veterinarian who can only love animals, is played by Korean actor Na In-woo. The role has become a hot topic, with viewers saying things like "He's definitely a cut above the rest" and "He's too cool." In-woo, who gained attention in the popular Korean drama "Marry My Husband," is making his first appearance in a Japanese drama with this production. In-woo, who is also trying his hand at acting in Japanese, shared his thoughts on filming in Japan.
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--Please tell us how you felt when you received the offer to appear in the film.
I believe there is great meaning in trying new things, so the experience of acting in a different language was a big one for me. So I decided to give it a try.
-What were your impressions after reading the script?
The interactions with the dogs are so cute, and I like that there are so many scenes like that. The emotions of humans and dogs are mixed well, which I found very interesting.
-What do you keep in mind when playing the role of Soha?
While Soha appears cheerful, I think she is a character who is lonely at heart. She is cheerful when she is with Kai and the others, but when she is alone, she feels lonely. I am playing her in a way that mixes both sides well and makes her seem natural as the same person.
Soha is a person who touches the essence of love and friendship by meeting Aiko and Kai, so I am conscious of that as well. However, Soha is not the kind of person who shows off, but rather lives with the feeling that it is normal. So I am playing the role naturally.
--What is it like filming on location in Japan?
The director and I exchange ideas and discuss ways to improve the filming process. It's a friendly, fun set.
--What are the points to note about your relationship with Aiko?
Soha gives Aiko a lot of advice and sometimes comforts her, so it may seem like she is looking after Aiko, but in fact she is also learning a lot from Aiko. They have a relationship where they support each other's shortcomings, and I think their chemistry is very good.
--What is its relationship with pleasure?
At first there is a bit of hostility between them, and a psychological battle unfolds between the two men. However, since they are both kind people at heart, they gradually become closer. I think this process is the highlight of the show.
--How do you communicate with Kiyohara-san and Narita-san?
In Korea, it is customary to call close friends by their first names, so from the first day, I called him "Kaya" and "Aniki (Narita-san)" so that we could become close. In particular, I have learned a lot from Aniki, and we discuss scenes together during filming and talk about how we can take things in a fun direction.
--You're currently living in Japan for filming. Have you gotten used to it?
I've gotten used to it and am enjoying life here. I haven't had any inconveniences so far. I enjoy Japanese food.
--What is your favorite Japanese food?
It's tsukemen! There are many ramen shops in Korea, but I haven't seen many tsukemen specialty shops. When I actually tried it, I found that there were many types of soup, and I liked that I could control the strength of the flavor myself.
-Was there any Japanese that you learned on the set?
"Ryoukai" (understanding). However, there are many Japanese words that have the same meaning as "Ryoukai" and it's difficult to understand them. "Ryoukai" has appeared in anime and manga, and I think it's a fun and interesting word. Even on the set, I use "Ryoukai!" with a happy feeling.
--Did anything happen during filming?
Actually...I almost lost an expensive ring at the beach once. I thought I'd never find it and had almost given up, but then a staff member came and looked for it for me. Since then, I've called that person my "hero" (laughs).
-Finally, please give a message to our viewers.
This is my first work in Japan. I'm doing my best, so please support me! It's a very heartwarming work, so I hope it will heal you.
