Park Ji-hwan Expands Acting Spectrum with 'Tide's End' Character Mu-deok

Actor Park Ji-hwan is receiving praise for successfully embodying a deeply complex character in the Disney+ drama 'Tide's End' (original title: 'Takryu'), moving beyond his typical comedic roles and demonstrating a broadened acting spectrum.

While known for leveraging his unique facial expressions primarily in comedy, Park Ji-hwan presented a completely different persona as Mu-deok in 'Tide's End.' Mu-deok is a character who, despite being beaten down and lacking pride, smiles innocently. Though sometimes portrayed as frustrating and unlikable, his destitution evokes a peculiar pity and compassion from the audience.

Park Ji-hwan left a strong impression by perfectly portraying the character's multifaceted nature. In a recent interview with Sports Seoul, he attributed this success to director Chu Chang-min. "My interpretation was too shallow. The director's insight and experience elevated Mu-deok. I realized he was an incredible master and immediately knelt and followed him," Park stated.

Describing the role of Mu-deok, who lives covered in dirt in Mapo Naru, is often disrespected by juniors, and even gets hit, as "a bizarre doll crudely assembled from the tails and heads of mythical creatures from all directions, a strange fellow," Park explained, "There's nothing to laugh about, yet he's happy. I tried to find ordinariness within Mu-deok's destitution."

Park expressed the joy of continuous growth while acting, thanks to director Chu Chang-min's meticulous direction and craftsmanship. He noted, "It was filmed like a movie, not a drama series," adding, "The ensemble is amazing under Director Chu's guidance, and the movements of the characters, breathing within the psychological warfare among the thugs, pull the viewers into the mid-Joseon era."

Despite being a veteran actor with over 20 years of experience, Park Ji-hwan is determined to never stop learning and cultivating his humanistic knowledge. He emphasized, "Acting is a skill that shines through energy with the other person," maintaining a humble attitude, "If I become arrogant, it will lead to ruin."

Netizens are showering praise on Park Ji-hwan's acting transformation, commenting, 'Mu-deok was so pathetic, who could have portrayed him like Park Ji-hwan did?', and 'A life-defining character has emerged! I'm excited to see what he does next.'