Park Jung-yeon Reflects on 'Try' Character, Finds Value in 'Losing'

Actor Park Jung-yeon recently shared his deep connection to Seo Woo-jin, the character he portrayed in the SBS drama ‘Try: We Become a Miracle.’ During the interview, Park Jung-yeon often found his gaze drifting as he recalled Woo-jin, particularly remembering a scene where a rugby player told another, 'It’s okay to lose.' He confessed to feeling a mix of bewilderment and envy at those words.

Though filming concluded months ago, Park Jung-yeon remains immersed in Woo-jin’s emotional world, stating that Woo-jin didn’t even realize his loneliness. Watching the rugby team, Woo-jin experienced a cascade of emotions, which Park Jung-yeon felt was crucial for the character’s growth. While the rugby team led the narrative, it was Woo-jin who truly grasped the significance of losing.

Park Jung-yeon emphasized his strong desire for the role since the audition, expressing immense joy upon hearing he was cast. He recounted feeling the intense passion of the rugby team during a shooting scene, questioning their fervent dedication. This earnestness created a sense of confusion for Woo-jin, who was accustomed to the pressure of only aiming for gold medals.

For Woo-jin, losing was forbidden territory, yet Park Jung-yeon believes that passing through it leads to resilience, self-forgiveness, and humility—qualities that foster maturity. He reflected that ‘Try’ made him ponder what it means to be a ‘good adult,’ aspiring to become one himself. He hoped Woo-jin wouldn’t appear merely tragic but strong. The backstory provided by the writer helped him understand Woo-jin’s loneliness, allowing him to empathize and accept the character’s experiences as his own.

Park Jung-yeon found his calling as an actor through a spark ignited in acting class, discovering the thrill of embodying someone else’s life. His approach to characters is unique; he spoke of Woo-jin not as a past role, but as if reminiscing about his own school days, looking through Woo-jin’s eyes. He realized he possessed more facets within himself than he knew, transforming perceived flaws into strengths through acting. His sensitive perception of others' emotions, coupled with a cautious reserve about his own, allows him to find the character within himself rather than merely adopting an external persona.

Looking ahead, Park Jung-yeon expressed excitement for his next role as Park Young-ra in the KBS2 drama ‘The Glamorous Days.’ He described Young-ra as someone unaware of her oppression under her mother’s gaslighting, anticipating her potential fear or transformation upon gaining freedom. The anticipation in his eyes mirrored both Park Jung-yeon and Park Young-ra.

Park Jung-yeon discovered his passion for acting during a class, finding immense joy in portraying lives different from his own. He views acting as a way to uncover new aspects of his inner self, transforming perceived weaknesses into strengths. His empathetic nature allows him to deeply connect with characters, often finding a piece of himself within each role.