AO EXCLUSIVE: Star-studded cast members of “Uncle Samsik” share what made them say yes to star in this series

Get ready to be immersed in a new Korean political series that promises to captivate audiences around the world with its unique premises.

Set in the early 1960s, Uncle Samsik depicts the story of Uncle Sam Sik and Kim San who will join hands to transform a struggling post-war Korea into a prosperous country.

Ahead of the premiere of the series, an exclusive press conference was held on May 8 with the presence of the star-studded cast members namely, Song Kang Ho, Byun Yohan, Yoo Jae Myung, Tiffany Young, Joo Jin Mo, Oh Seung Hoon, Jin Ki Joo, and Seo Hyun Woo alongside Director Shin Yeon Shick.

Behind the title “Uncle Samsik”

Director Shin Yeon Shick shared what’s behind the title, “Uncle Samsik” and said that it talks more about trivial things like eating and having meals.

When asked about the particular reason why he chose the period of the ’60s, Director Shin explained that he wanted to explore the origin of the people that make up the society that we live in today. “Depending on who is watching it, you might think it’s a period piece. You might think it’s a noir. But for me, it’s romance.” He said that when you come across the new world, you’ll get to understand your true identity. He feels like this particular era in Korean history was that transition point when many people realized who they were in those times.

“In the beginning, you’ll see a lot of uniquely Korean characters with very unique Korean sentiments and a lot that is based in Korean history so to those who are watching outside Korea. It might be very foreign or unfamiliar but the more episodes you watch, you’ll understand why I called it a romance genre series,” Director Shin shared.

What made the cast members say yes to being part of this series?

Song Kang Ho as Uncle Samsik

After 35 years, Song Kang Ho finally debuts in a series with his role as Uncle Samsik. When asked about the reason why he chose this series, “What’s important is to communicate with fans and audiences through projects.” He said and mentioned that they wanted to share the value of this project with the audience and the fans. As an actor, Kang Ho said that the important thing for him is how to blend into the story.

Byun Yohan as Kim San

Byun Yohan plays the role of Kim San an elite scholar. He said that he loves the writing of Director Shin and is also a big fan of Song Kang Ho. He said that when he was first reading the script he felt like he was pulled into that era. It was written in a sophisticated and grounded way. “And we have this wonderful cast so there was no reason to say no.” Yohan also mentioned that the character he plays in the series is very much like himself.

Jin Ki Joo as Joo Yeo Jin

Jin Ki Joo who plays the role of Joo Yeo Jin said that the narrative was so intriguing, and the script was so fun to read and loved the dialogues of her role. She also expressed her adoration for her role as Joo Yeo Jin and said that she wanted to be like her, so she accepted the offer to play it.

Ki Joo described her character as bright, who was at the top of her class when she was a Korean literature major in college, an elite student who thinks of being capable of doing a lot of things, and someone who is dream-driven.

Seo Hyun Woo as Jung Han Min

Seo Hyun Woo who plays the role of Jung Han Min said, “I always admire period dramas because you get to live that era and act like a person living that era.” He said he was also very intrigued by this series and also, it’s Song Kang Ho’s debut series so he has to be in it because it’s a historical moment for him. He also mentioned that his role here is different from the role that he portrayed so far, so he wanted to try it out.

As stated by Hyun Woo, his character, Han Min harbors so much fire inside him and he knows what he wants, and becomes very powerful, unwavering, and steadfastly goal-oriented. He is someone who is filled with doubt but also resolute as well.

Oh Seung Hoon as An Ki Cheol

An Ki Cheol is the character that actor Oh Seung Hoon portrays. He said that he enjoyed how Director Shin looks at things, and that his perspective on things is so fresh and grounded. The lines that Uncle Samsik would spit out were striking for him. “It was a page-turner for me, and it was an honor for me to be part of this wonderful writing and I am really happy to be part of this show.”

An Ki Cheol is the youngest son of a very rich household. He watches how the elite men work and develops his thoughts and plans and he sort of harbors them inside. Through his plans and strategies, he is a character who has a lot of mysteries. Seung Hoon said he enjoyed playing a very rich man.

Joo Jin Moo as An Yo Seop

Joo Jin Moo who plays the role of An Yo Seop in the series shared that he enjoyed reading the script and also it’s Kang Ho’s debut show so he thought that he had to be in this show no matter what. According to Jin Moo, his character has his desires and doesn’t stop until he gets whatever he wants.

Tiffany Young as Rachel Jang

Tiffany Young also said that she loves the script and the narrative of the series. “When I was reading the script, I felt like it was a musical note. I could feel the tempo, I could feel the rhythm,” she expressed. She pointed out that all the characters have their individualities and it’s going to be fun to see what their desires are and what they want. She also mentioned that it’s an honor for her to be part of Kang Ho’s debut series.

Tiffany said that her role is like a supporter to the characters who have desires and aspirations in the series. “If you watch the entire show, you will know how charming she is,” she added.

Yoo Jae Myung as Jang Doo Sik

Yoo Jae Myung portrays the role of Jang Doo Sik. He said that he wanted to give Kang Ho a lot of help in this series since it was his first series. He thought when he first read the script that the story was very tranquil and very vibrant at the same time.

Jang Doo Sik is someone who has a fieriness inside him, but he has to hide that fire because when he becomes very expressive about his desires he could be wiped out. Jae Myung said that to portray his character well, he talked a lot with his co-stars and the director.

Uncle Samsik and Kim San

Uncle Samsik and Kim San come together and embark on a journey to achieve one goal. Kim San is someone who romanticizes Uncle Samsik because of his abilities and passion that Uncle Samsik lacks.

According to Kang Ho, along the way, they do disappoint each other, doubt one another and there might be a little twist here and there.

Moreover, Byun Yohan also shared that they had great synergy and chemistry, and they had a lot of long takes with long lines. They were nervous but at the same time, they enjoyed filming the series with other cast members.

Message from the cast members

The press conference wrapped up with the messages from the cast and director.

Director Shin was the first one to speak and said that he hoped that the viewers would enjoy the show.

Jae Myung said that the weather is nice and perfect to watch the show and hopes that the viewers will enjoy it.

Tifanny, Jin Moo, Seung Hoon, Hyun Woo, and Ki Joo hope that the viewers will stay tuned and enjoy the show.

“This is set in the 60s, the turbulent era, and as you keep on watching you will feel that even in that turbulent era, there are sparkling ideas, sparkling stories, so I hope you stay tuned for those.” Byun Yohan’s last message.

Song Kang Ho said that Uncle Samsik is a fresh, charming, and enchanting series so he hopes that the viewers will feel it as the viewers watch the series.

Uncle Samsik is coming exclusively on Disney+ on May 15 with five episodes.

Photos courtesy of Disney+