Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, and Park Seo-ham Unveil Bold Aspirations for 'The Sweeping Current'

The lead actors of the upcoming Disney+ original series 'The Sweeping Current' (working title), Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, and Park Seo-ham, have revealed their strong commitment and aspirations for the project through a captivating fashion spread.

Published on the 23rd, the pictorial showcases the trio in a striking light, amplifying anticipation for the historical drama. 'The Sweeping Current,' a collaboration between acclaimed director Chu Chang-min and writer Chun Sung-il, is set in the Joseon Dynasty and tells the story of individuals who dared to challenge a tumultuous world and pursue lives of dignity.

When asked what drew him to the project, Rowoon expressed his immediate connection to the character Jang Shi-yul. "The character Jang Shi-yul strongly resonated with me. I felt I absolutely had to play this role," he shared. He further elaborated on his desire to transcend his idol image, stating, "The director told me during our meeting, 'I'm going to take away your greatest weapon.' I also had a wall I wanted to break down, and that was my 'good looks.' I hope everyone watching this project feels the charm of Jang Shi-yul himself, not just Rowoon."

Shin Ye-eun, who portrays Choi Eun, the ambitious youngest daughter of the Joseon era's largest merchant group, spoke about her character's drive. "It was an era when it was difficult for women to freely express their opinions. So, I wanted her proactive words and actions to stem from Choi Eun's conviction and confidence, rather than stubbornness," she explained. "Unlike my previous historical dramas, I wanted to be seen as a weighty character, so I paid close attention to my tone and speech patterns. She's a fantastic character who confidently confronts any situation."

Park Seo-ham, marking his return after military service and his first foray into historical dramas, shared his initial feelings about 'The Sweeping Current.' "My first thought was simply, 'I want to accomplish this.' The day I met the director, I told him, 'If there are 50 billion stairs in front of me, my goal is to grow by climbing even half a step.'" he revealed. Regarding his role as Jung Chun, a rookie official who cannot tolerate corruption, Park Seo-ham added, "His reserved nature is similar to mine, but Jung Chun is much more honest with his emotions. The challenge was to delicately portray his upright character and emotional shifts. I had to learn horse riding and action choreography, practically living at the action school."

The vibrant energy on set, filled with laughter, was attributed to the exceptional chemistry among the three actors, who had spent significant time together. Rowoon remarked, "Because everyone worked so hard. I can confidently say that. Near the end of filming, I told the director that I had no regrets, feeling I had given my best performance as a 28-year-old. I remember fiercely deliberating each scene with Ye-eun and Seo-ham."

Park Seo-ham also expressed his gratitude, saying, "We were always in historical costumes on set, so seeing each other looking so sharp in this photoshoot felt surreal (laughs). Seok-woo's character was given over 100 emotions on set. There was a time one early summer night when Ye-eun and I sat at a convenience store, ate fish cakes, and drank a can of beer each while talking about the project. Ye-eun is very considerate and often initiated conversations like, 'Want to practice lines?'"

When asked if they had experiences similar to the characters who face their destinies, Rowoon mentioned reading extensively on psychology and philosophy during difficult times, which instilled a strong will to achieve his desires. He aspires to act for a long time and even work in Hollywood. Shin Ye-eun believes in the power of consistency, never regretting decisions made during moments of change. Park Seo-ham trusts that all his past experiences have been valuable and approaches the future with positivity, believing that people continuously evolve.

Rowoon, a member of the K-pop group SF9, has been actively pursuing both music and acting, showcasing his versatility. He has previously starred in notable dramas such as 'Extraordinary You' and 'The King's Affection', expanding his acting repertoire. His role in 'The Sweeping Current' marks his first venture into historical dramas, signaling a significant transformation.