Park Seo Joon recently shared his candid perspective on the detrimental effects of fake news and reflected on his 15-year career during a round interview inGangnam, Seoul. The discussion followed the conclusion of the JTBC weekend drama 'Waiting for Gyeong-do', which aired its finale on January 11, 2026. The series explores the reunion of Lee Gyeong Do, played by Park Seo Joon, and Seo Ji Woo, played by Won Ji An, who find themselves entangled in a publicized affair scandal. Park Seo Joon earned praise for his nuanced emotional performance as Lee Gyeong Do, a compassionate deputy editor at Dongun Ilbo. Reflecting on his role, he noted that the director’s previous experience as a journalist provided an authentic foundation for the production. He specifically mentioned how the realistic newsroom set and professional insights—such as the industry culture of avoiding honorific titles among colleagues—helped him immerse himself naturally into the character.
As 'Waiting for Gyeong-do' is set within an entertainment newsroom, several scenes depict the emotional toll of fake news surrounding a high-profile divorce. When asked if these portrayals resonated with his own life, Park Seo Joon remarked that most actors likely face similar challenges in the current social media-driven landscape. He looked back on his rookie years with a sense of nostalgia, recalling a time when reporters and actors met face-to-face. He described those early days as having a certain 'romance' and 'humanity' because stories were rooted in direct dialogue and verified facts. In contrast, he expressed regret that modern information is often heavily processed and consumed as disposable content. While he admitted that his experience has granted him a broader understanding of why the industry has shifted, he acknowledged that it remains difficult to fully embrace the lack of sincerity in some digital reporting.
Marking 15 years since his debut in 2011, Park Seo Joon discussed his relentless work ethic and his struggle with burnout. He opened up about a period where he felt internally depleted, leading him to take a restorative one-year break two years ago. This hiatus proved to be a crucial turning point, and he revealed that 'Waiting for Gyeong-do' holds special significance as the first project he chose after regaining his passion for the craft. Laughing at the speed of time, he jokingly lamented, 'Why does time flow on without ever waiting for us?' and predicted his 20th anniversary would arrive just as quickly. He concluded the interview by defining 'Waiting for Gyeong-do' as a work with deep lingering resonance, suggesting that its thoughtful dialogue might offer viewers new layers of meaning upon a second viewing.
SEE ALSO: Heeseung announces departure from ENHYPEN, shares handwritten letter with fans
SHARE
