Top actor Hwang Jung Min recently shocked many with a transformation. According to him, the new look took a long time to achieve.
Actor Hwang Jung Min | SEM Company
On November 9, Hwang Jung Min attended a press conference for the upcoming film 12.12: The Day, a film depicting the impromptu 9 hours to prevent the uprising of the new military government that occurred in Seoul on December 12, 1979.
Poster for “12.12: The Day” | Hive Media Corp.
Hwang Jung Min plays the role of Chun Doo Gwang, a commander of the Defense Security Command and founder of a secret military club that leads the “12.12 Military Insurrection” and orders the arrest of a general without authorization from the president.
Hwang Jung Min as Chun Doo Gwang | Hive Media Corp.
During the press conference, Hwang Jung explained how he created his character, Chun Doo Gwang.
Since all the answers are in the scenario, I thoroughly created the character Chun Doo Gwang based on that. That’s the result you see now.
— Hwang Jung Min
| Hive Media Corp.
Chun Doo Gwang was motivated by the South Korean army general and military dictator Chun Doo Hwan. He was criticized for corrupt acts and being a part of the killing of thousands of Korean citizens. He was especially criticized for his unapologetic stance and lack of remorse for his actions as a dictator. He passed away in November 2021 at the age of 90.
Chun Doo Hwan | Shindongah
Hwang Jung Min replicated Chun Doo Hwan in many ways, including his hairstyle.
Your browser does not support video.| Hive Media Corp.
People were shocked to see Hwang Jung Min with a bald hairstyle in the film. The actor explained the process of going through this bald transformation, revealing it wasn’t easy.
It took four hours to do the bald makeup. After we got used to it, it took about 3 and a half hours. If my call time was 7 a.m., I had to wake up at 3:30 a.m. That was a bit difficult.
— Hwang Jung Min
Your browser does not support video.| Hive Media Corp.
He also discussed a particular scene that was a challenge to him.
The scene where I was laughing in the bathroom was a challenge for me. It was a vague fingerprint. The director seemed to make decisions based on the actor’s performance. It was tough to shoot.
— Hwang Jung Min
Despite being challenging to film, Hwang Jung Min shared that the scene accurately captures Chun Doo Gwang’s character.
Regardless of emotions, I think this scene is a scene that captures Chun Doo Gwang’s greed.
— Hwang Jung Min
Your browser does not support video.| Hive Media Corp.
Earlier this year, Chun Doo Hwan’s grandson Chun Woo Won exposed the crimes of his family members and apologized on behalf of his grandfather by meeting with surviving victims’ family members.
12.12: The Day is set to be released on November 22.
