Woo Do Hwan Opens Up About His Role

In a candid interview, actor Woo Do Hwan opened up about his experience portraying Hae Jo in Netflix's new romantic comedy "Mr. Plankton," calling him "the most romantic character" he's ever played.

The Journey of Hae Jo

Set against a backdrop of humor and heartache, "Mr. Plankton" follows the poignant journey of Hae Jo, a man grappling with his place in the world and his impending mortality after receiving a terminal diagnosis. The character's last quest is to find his biological father, accompanied by Jae Mi (played by Lee Yoo Mi), his former lover and dubbed "the unluckiest woman in the world." The show delves into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

Woo Do Hwan’s Transformation

Woo Do Hwan’s portrayal of Hae Jo highlights his unique qualities; he is a drifter, much like plankton, who navigates life with a sense of aimlessness born from being abandoned at birth. However, his path leads him to confront painful truths about his past and the relationships he has sacrificed.

Commitment to Authenticity

Speaking to iMBC Entertainment at a scenic cafe in Seoul's Samcheong-dong, Woo shared his commitment to embodying Hae Jo authentically. He divulged that to prepare for this role, he abandoned his rigorous fitness routine, which typically defines his lifestyle. "I’ve always been obsessed with exercise," he admitted. "But I asked myself, ‘If Hae Jo only has a short time to live, would he prioritize working out?’ I stopped exercising and lost around 7 kg, dropping from 78 kg to 71 kg. It was surprising to see the effect it had on my performance."

Complexity of Hae Jo

What captivated Woo Do Hwan about Hae Jo was his complex personality: “He’s free-spirited yet profoundly wounded, having faced betrayal from those he loved. This loneliness is palpable, and I felt called to bring that vulnerability to life.”

A Delicate Balance

For this role, Woo aimed to channel his signature strength as an actor—portraying melancholy and an almost childlike innocence. “This role requires a delicate balance of realism and relatability in love,” he noted, reflecting on the contrast of this character with his often action-oriented roles. “It’s been six years since I played someone who loves deeply and purely. I wanted audiences to feel the genuine connection between Hae Jo and Jae Mi.”

Exploring New Boundaries

Interestingly, Woo explored new personal boundaries during the production. Though he typically abstains from alcohol, he allowed himself to indulge while assuming the role. “For the first time, I understand the allure of drinking. While I usually relieve stress through exercise, I found myself turning to alcohol as a way to unwind during filming. This experience taught me a lot about relaxation, but once the filming concluded, I reverted back to my healthier habits.”

Conclusion and Streaming Info

“Mr. Plankton” consists of 10 heartfelt episodes that are now available for streaming on Netflix. With a narrative that promises both laughter and tears, Woo Do Hwan's heartfelt performance is sure to resonate with viewers, promising an emotional rollercoaster filled with romantic moments and life lessons. Prepare to be captivated by the story of love, loss, and the quest for belonging in this beautifully crafted series!