[On the Record] "You Are a Late Blooming Flower" Ryu Seung-ryong Has Fully Blossomed

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea

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These were the words that lifted actor Ryu Seung-ryong (52). Thanks to his mentors, he came to understand the influence of a single person and the power of a single phrase. In his late twenties, Professor Kim Hyo-kyung likened his anxious gaze to a 'flower.' Director Lee Joon-ik compared it to 'water.' It was warm advice recognizing that he would become a 'good actor.' Receiving praise from the public as 'a life work' for each of his projects, he recalled it as "a phrase that held me."

Ryu Seung-ryong recently played Joo-won, who has infinite replay ability, in the Disney+ series "Moving" (directed by Park In-je, written by Kang Full) released on an online video service (OTT). He drew acclaim by navigating a wide spectrum from intense action to rough yet poignant romance and heartfelt family love.

When we met Ryu Seung-ryong recently at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, he said, "I approach each work without setting limits and with the mindset to see it through to the end." He added, "Let's dig all the way; that wall might be thin. Let's not set limits. I approached 'Moving' in that way as well."

Ryu Seung-ryong described his role as "someone who regenerates but feels pain, heals but gets hurt, like a child." He continued, "He lives a rough life without purpose, but after meeting someone and learning, he gradually understands how useful he is. I wanted to say that anyone can gain such strength. Through Joo-won, who delivers kind consolation, I once again felt how great the influence of one person can be and how it changes others."

'Moving' stills [Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

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Ryu Seung-ryong said he enjoyed Kang Full's original work of the same name. He explained, "There are many characters, each with their own narrative and emotions. While it could be shown briefly in a short time, the charm was in showing various aspects over a long period."

"I was surprised and grateful that people healthily accepted the offhand remarks like 'I feel like I'll die if I don't see you.' Kang Full is turning fifty soon. I thought the classic codes might not be understood by the younger generation, but they empathized, understood, and even liked it more. I feel rewarded that it served as a bridge connecting the older and younger generations."

Ryu Seung-ryong recalled his concerns about the viewing preferences of the younger generation, saying, "I was nervous until the end." OTT series content is usually produced in 6 to 8 episodes. In contrast, "Moving" has 20 episodes, two to three times longer, and was released biweekly like a drama. Moreover, the Disney+ platform does not offer a fast-forward feature. He said, "You can't binge-watch the entire series, and without fast-forward, complaints arose like withdrawal symptoms." He then added, "Fortunately, as the story progressed, I think viewers came to understand the characters' narratives and choices."

"In today's world of short content and a preference for 'quick, quick,' I worried whether a serious story over 20 episodes would resonate or bore people. It's like the old 'Toji' (1981). I think 'Moving' is the 'Toji' of series."

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong [Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

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"Moving" was also a challenge for Ryu Seung-ryong. It was his first time acting in a long-breath work like "Toji," and he was very satisfied. "It's also the first time I've worked on a piece spanning eras and generations. It's the first time I've poured all human emotional changes into one work. Physically it was tough, but I was excited and happy to go to the set. The chemistry among the actors was great. It's not easy to meet such a project, so I have a special affection for it."

Ryu Seung-ryong performed high-level action scenes to the extent that people say he "did all the action he will ever do in his life." Because intense action scenes followed one after another, his family's hearts ached. His two sons, in their third year of high school and middle school, cried heavily after watching "Moving." Seeing this, Ryu Seung-ryong said, "It was the first time in my life." Then he added with a smile, "It was a look they had never shown before," and "The kids became kinder."

"Like 'dojo breaking,' after clearing one quest, another appeared and then another. (laughs) The action concepts were different for land, sea, and air, and the targets varied, so it was fun. Physically it was tough, but acting was enjoyable. I was excited thinking that it would bring happiness to those who watch later."

He debuted in the film industry in 2004 with "A Woman I Know," and next year will mark 20 years since he appeared on the screen. He started acting quite a long time ago. After countless encounters with audiences on the theater stage, he became known as a member of "Nanta" in 1997. When asked about his reflections, he joked, "Looking at my face, doesn't it seem like it’s been about 40 years?"

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong [Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

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"I started screen acting relatively late, but I am grateful to director Jang Jin. Through my theater connections, the film itself became an audition without even taking a profile photo. I feel thankful to be an actor in Korea. But acting is still difficult. Some say it’s about crafting emotions. Who knows which emotion is right, how, or who? Finding the right point and balance is important. It’s a hot topic these days, both in acting and life. A life without excess or deficiency. Isn’t life about going through trial and error to find the right point?"

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