Actor Um Tae-goo / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
Actor Um Tae-goo is widely recognized for his deep, husky voice and quiet personality.
Having built a reputation through intense, dark roles, the actor has rarely been associated with high-energy comedy. However, the 42-year-old is set to shock audiences by transforming into a rapper in the upcoming comedy film "Wild Sing."
Um portrays Sang-gu, who constantly talks in a high voice, loves hip-hop and even makes cute faces while dancing.
The actor said Thursday that taking on this unconventional character was a terrifying challenge that pushed him to his physical and mental limits.
"Everything about this role was a burden, including the comedy genre itself, the rapping and keeping the character's tension so incredibly high," Um told The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul.
"Intellectually, I always knew that comedy is the most difficult genre of acting, but experiencing it made me realize how truly challenging it is to make someone laugh. I now deeply respect actors who specialize in this field."
Um Tae-goo performs as rapper Sang-gu in a scene from “Wild Sing.” Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
Directed by Sohn Jae-kon, "Wild Sing" follows Triangle, a former idol group that attempts a comeback after 20 years out of the spotlight. Led by Hyun-woo (Gang Dong-won), the group attempts to reclaim their past glory.
For Um, who recently showed a softer romantic side in the 2024 JTBC drama "My Sweet Mobster," the sheer volume of dialogue required a lot of effort.
Source: Korea Times News
