"Grateful that so many people loved it"- Um Tae-goo on 1st rom-com drama My Sweet Mobster, reuniting with Kwon Yul, Han Sun-hwa, & more (EXCLUSIVE)

South Korean actor Um Tae-goo who has taken over the internet with an amazing performance in the rom-com drama My Sweet Mobster sat with Sportskeeda for a delightful conversation regarding his first role in a romance drama. Um Tae-goo previously captivated the audience with his acting prowess in noir action films like Night in Paradise, and The Age of Shadows with how seamlessly he brought the depth of authenticity of the characters on screen.

Fans who enjoyed watching him in noir action films and dramas were finally treated with a romance comedy series My Sweet Mobster aired on JTBC, the drama was adapted from the webtoon of the same name. He transformed into Seo Ji-hwan, a former convict who bid farewell to his dark part, and is now the successful CEO of a food company. Despite exuding a dark aura, Seo Ji-hwan won the hearts of the viewers with his kind-hearted personality.

Speaking of My Sweet Mobster, Um Tae-goo said,

"For me, it was a challenge to be in the romantic comedy genre, and I'm grateful that so many people loved it."

Um Tae-goo dishes on receiving love for his first rom-com role in My Sweet Mobster, second drama with Han Sun-hwa, & more

In a conversation with Sportskeeda’s Inaas Fatima Khan, Um Tae-goo opened up about his views and his plans to give more roles in the genre: romantic comedy. He reunited with Han Sun-hwa in My Sweet Mobster for the first time after their drama Save Me 2. Given his introverted personality, he revealed feeling comfortable working with the actress.

Besides being enchanted with Um Tae-goo's charms in the drama, viewers have showcased their love for his baritone voice. He opened up about how he takes care of his voice, which was damaged previously. The South Korean also fondly recalled a moment with actor Kwon Yul, who shared screens with him in the Um Tae-hwa-helmed film INGtoogi.

Q.) You've just wrapped up your first romantic comedy, and fans have fallen in love with your character. How different was it working on a rom-com than other genres?

For me, it was a challenge to be in the romantic comedy genre, and I'm grateful that so many people loved it. All genres are challenging, but romantic comedies require more effort because they have to be fun and sincere for viewers to watch. A lot of staff and actors worked hard for this drama, so I wanted to do better.

Q.) Fans are curious, will we get to see Um Tae-goo in more rom-com dramas in the future?

After finishing My Sweet Mobster, I'm encouraged to try more diverse challenges in the future because people loved it so much. I'd like to do a lot of melodramas or romantic comedies that I haven't done before, but someone may have to ask me to do them (laughs) Next time, I'd like to be more shamelessly good.

Q.) You played the role of 'Sweet Mobster' in this show. On a scale of 1-10, how similar is Seo Ji-hwan's personality to Um Tae-goo?

5 points. Not only Seo Ji-hwan, but all the characters in the movie were based on my acting, so I think half of it is me. I can relate to Seo Ji-hwan’s inability to drink, and the way he cares about his people despite his inability to express himself well.

Q.) You have previously worked with Han Sun-hwa in Save Me 2. Please share your experience working with her again.

Han Sun-hwa and I had worked together before in Save Me 2, so it was good that there wasn't much awkwardness during the first filming of My Sweet Mobster. I was excited about working together.

Q.) Seo Ji-hwan is a respected brother and leader in My Sweet Mobster. Do you find yourself taking on a hyung (older brother) role, or are you more of a dongsaeng (younger brother) among the cast on set?

I think I played the role of a middle person on set, neither a hyung nor a dongsaeng. There were many seniors in My Sweet Mobster and they taught me a lot just by being there. There were also many juniors, and I learned from them by watching them participate in working with passion. I thought that immersing myself in the role of Seo Ji-hwan was the best thing I could do at the time, so I didn't take the initiative to lead the scene.

Q.) You've mentioned before that your vocal cords were damaged, yet fans adore your husky voice. Is there a specific method you follow to take care of your voice now?

I don't have a specific way to take care of my vocals. After using a lot of voices, like on a shoot, I just try to come home and not say anything, save my throat, take propolis, and drink lots of water.

Q.) What is your favorite moment shared with Han Sun-hwa or the other cast members from My Sweet Mobster?

The first filming with each actor was the most memorable, especially with Kwon Yul hyung, who I've known for over 10 years since INGtoogi (잉투기). We exchanged lines, and there was a scene where we were face-to-face in a car on the street at night, and we talked a lot because we were happy to see each other.

Q.) Do you watch Bollywood films? If given the opportunity, would you like to appear in a Bollywood movie?

I've heard that there are many great Bollywood movies. One day, if I get the chance, I would love to be a part of an Indian movie or drama if I find a good script, and I would love to meet my fans in India.

Q.) Before we say goodbye, Is there anything you would look to say to your Indian fans?

To my fans in India, thank you for supporting me from such a far distance and for loving the drama My Sweet Mobster. I will repay your love with good work in the future, and if I get a chance, I would love to meet you in person someday. Be healthy, be happy. Yours sincerely.

This was Um Tae-goo for you! Meanwhile, fans may catch My Sweet Mobster on Rakuten Viki.

Edited by Tiasha