"I received too much for what I had contributed"- Reply 1994 actor Jung-woo opens up about his reason for 10-year hiatus after drama's success

On October 16, 2024, the South Korean media outlet Newsen reported Reply 1994 actor Jung-woo disclosed his reason for his 10-year-hiatus following the success of the slice-of-life series, during an interview with the outlet held in Jongno-gu, Seoul for his upcoming film Dirty Money.

The male actor told the outlet he felt that he was in a situation that did not suit him and added:

"I could not do any dramas for 10 years after Reply 1994. I felt like I was in a situation that didn't suit me. I received too much for what I had contributed."

The actor states he felt overwhelmed by the success and contribution he made and struggled to handle the fame and recognition.

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Jung-woo felt apologetic for declining the work he received from people following the success of Reply 1994

Jung-woo confessed that after he rose to stardom following the success of Reply 1994, people kept asking him where was his next project. Many also offered him roles and work on multiple projects.

However, as he reminisced, he apologized to those who offered him work and asked for his well-being. The actor confessed that he was stubborn in the past.

He further added that he took some projects after Reply 1994. However, they did not do well commercially, but he did not regret appearing in any of them because they aided his growth as an actor.

Meanwhile, he also revealed a two-year hiatus during the interview. He stated that he filed Hot Blooded and Dirty Money at the same time.

Subsequently, he was mentally and physically exhausted. He also told Newsen,

"After filming both works, I took a two-year break. I was so tired physically and mentally. I thought things might go wrong. The situation was really bad. I was like an untrained wild horse, struggling. I had good speed when I ran, but I had no control and didn't know where to run."

Jung-woo further confessed that he always felt the scrutiny of the industry people and stated,

"Starting from a minor role and working my way up until now, whenever I met people in the film industry, I felt like I was being examined. I felt like my gestures, my footsteps, and my every word were being examined. Because of that, I had a hard time meeting people, and I hated company dinners. I think those feelings exploded while acting in 'Hot Blood' and 'Don't Touch Dirty Money.' Of course, it wasn't because of those works, but because we met during a difficult time."

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In recent news, Jung-woo appeared in dramas, including Mad for Each Other, Miraculous Brother, and Mental Coach Jebal. His much-anticipated film Dirty Money is set to hit theatres on October 17, 2024.