The Dark Depths of Ji Chang-Wook: Exploring his Complex Antihero Character

Article Overview

The Worst of Evil, available on Hulu in the US and on Disney+ internationally, is a Korean drama full of noir mystery and action.

Star Ji Chang-wook was captivated by the captivating relationships and narrative progression of The Worst of Evil, aligning well with the director's vision.

Following a hiatus from action dramas, Ji Chang-wook faced the exhilarating challenge of the fight scenes in The Worst of Evil, but received steadfast support from the talented stunt team and dedicated crew.

Korean dramas have gained immense popularity in today's global pop culture, leading to an increase in streaming services that are joining the trend. Disney has also ventured into producing its own K-dramas, with successful series like Moving gaining attention on Hulu in the US. One of their recent releases, The Worst of Evil, starring superstar Ji Chang-wook, has garnered widespread acclaim. Known for his action-packed roles in projects like Healer and The K2, Chang-wook has diversified his acting range in the past few years, exploring romantic comedies before returning to the thriller genre.

Set in the 1990s, The Worst of Evil revolves around Kang Jun-mo, a police officer who embarks on an undercover mission to infiltrate Gangnam's most dangerous underground organization. The Gangnam Alliance, led by mob boss Jung Gicheul (played by Wi Ha-jun from Squid Game), has a complicated history with Jun-mo's wife, Yoo Euijeong, also a police officer (portrayed by Lim Se-mi from True Beauty). As Jun-mo delves deeper into the investigation, intertwined with Gangnam's illegal drug trade, he becomes entangled in a web of deception that spans across Korea, Japan, and China.

Ji Chang-Wook Talks The Worst Of Evil

Our website had the opportunity to interview Ji Chang-wook regarding his attraction towards The Worst of Evil, his depiction of Junmo's gradual descent into darkness, as well as his experience working with co-stars Wi Ha-jun and Lim Se-mi. Please note that this interview was conducted via email and the responses have been translated from Korean to English.

What made you initially interested in The Worst of Evil and how do you typically determine which roles to pursue?

Ji Chang-wook: I tend to choose roles that captivate me or pique my interest at the time. It's difficult to pinpoint one specific factor because there are numerous elements at play. What intrigued me about The Worst of Evil was its undercover cop storyline and the intricate relationships between the characters. I was fascinated by how these relationships and characters developed as the narrative arc progressed. Additionally, the director and I shared very similar ideas during our discussions about the show.

You have been avoiding action dramas lately, but now you are fully engaged in intense fight scenes once again with Worst of Evil. How natural did it feel to return to that aspect of your acting abilities?

Ji Chang-wook: It has been quite a while since my previous action show, The K2. Although I didn't initially consider action as the main focus of The Worst of Evil, I have definitely aged and it felt more physically demanding to film the action sequences this time. However, the stunt team, director of photography, and special makeup team were all incredibly helpful, and thanks to their assistance, I was able to successfully execute the scenes.

Jun-mo initially hesitates to accept his undercover mission, but soon finds himself on the brink of no return. As an actor, I approach this transition by highlighting the change in his character. Instead of being fearful of losing his true identity, I believe Jun-mo had already transformed into someone else at a pivotal moment. As the narrative unfolds, the distinction between right and wrong becomes blurred, making it difficult to discern what is considered good or evil. Jun-mo's transformation is not only conveyed through my portrayal, but also reflected in his appearance - his wardrobe and style evolve to become richer in hue and more sophisticated.

How did Ji Chang-wook and Lim Semi collaborate to portray the complicated dynamic in Junmo and Euijeong's strained marriage, particularly due to his undercover job?

Ji Chang-wook: Off-camera, I treated Lim Semi like any other colleague, engaging in conversations and cracking jokes. However, once the camera started rolling, a palpable tension emerged between us. This could be attributed to our limited number of joint scenes and the unique atmosphere in which our characters interacted. Despite being a married couple, there was an underlying uneasiness between them due to the complex circumstances they faced. Credit goes to the production team for helping us effectively convey this vibe.

Despite their contrasting roles in the criminal justice system, Junmo has displayed unwavering loyalty towards Jung Gicheul. In the realm of collaboration, how would you describe Wi Ha-jun as a scene partner? Furthermore, what valuable insights have both actors gained from each other throughout the course of this captivating drama?

Ji Chang-wook: Ha-jun is even more adorable and lively than he appears! Despite being younger, I found him to be a great colleague and acting partner. Working together on a project allows you to witness your peers closely, and his incredible enthusiasm motivated me to strive harder. I truly cherished the experience we shared.

As an avid fan of romance, the love triangle involving Junmo, Euijeong, and Gicheul is one of my personal highlights. Will Junmo be able to trust his wife around Gicheul, and can he maintain his composure if Gicheul genuinely pursues her?

Ji Chang-wook: It's hard to maintain a poker face when you're in that situation, don't you think? Trusting Euijeong is one thing, but there are various emotions involved, along with the aspects of investigation and crimes. It's a highly intricate situation.

In the drama, you've endured brutal beatings on multiple occasions. Could you share the process of applying makeup for those scenes, and how are those intense fight scenes choreographed?

Ji Chang-wook: Ensuring the safety of everyone involved is our topmost concern when filming action scenes. We extensively practice the choreography and engage in thorough conversations among ourselves. Additionally, we collaborate closely with the DP and the crew, discussing ideas regarding wardrobe and makeup. It is crucial for us to not only focus on the action but also convey the desired emotions. That's why achieving the ideal combination of wardrobe, makeup, lighting, angles, and every detail is imperative in capturing the essence of the moment.

What aspects of the drama were you particularly enthusiastic for fans to experience?

Ji Chang-wook: As fans, I hope you watch out for the transformation of Junmo while he lives under the name of Seungho. My intention was to showcase the various aspects of Junmo's character, and you will notice that he often walks a precarious line between two contrasting identities. Personally, I was quite content with the way the finale turned out – I'm eagerly awaiting the fans' feedback!

About The Worst Of Evil

A husband and wife, both detectives, volunteer to participate in a dangerous mission to stop a drug trafficking organization.

All episodes of The Worst of Evil are now available to stream on Hulu.

Editor's P/S

1. Ji Chang-Wook's portrayal of a morally ambiguous antihero in "The Worst of Evil" is a captivating exploration of a complex character. The actor's ability to convey Jun-mo's gradual descent into darkness is nuanced and compelling. The fight scenes are intense and well-choreographed, showcasing Ji Chang-Wook's impressive physicality and commitment to the role. 2. The supporting cast, including Wi Ha-jun and Lim Se-mi, deliver strong performances, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Overall, "The Worst of Evil" is a thrilling and thought-provoking drama that delves into the dark side of human nature and the consequences of one's actions. Ji Chang-Wook's performance is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences and solidify his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation.