‘Playboy’ Ji Chang-wook talks working with Son Ye-jin, Nana

Ji Chang-wook has showcased his versatility across a wide range of projects over the years, but K-drama audiences perhaps know him best for two distinct sides of his screen persona: the vulnerable romantic lead of dramas such as “Lovestruck in the City” and “Welcome to Samdal-ri,” and the intense action hero of titles like “The Worst of Evil” and, more recently, “The Manipulated.”

But in his latest project, Netflix period drama “The Scandal,” the South Korean actor takes on a rather different role: a “playboy” who wields his charm to seduce the women of Joseon-era Korea.

“I was just totally compelled by the story because it was so intriguing,” Chang-wook said, explaining why he joined “The Scandal” in a recent virtual roundtable interview with select Philippine press.

“I really knew that I wanted to take on this role because Cho Won is a very three dimensional, complex, interesting character, and I wanted to play him,” he added.

Premiering September 18 on Netflix, “The Scandal” follows noblewoman Lady Cho, played by “Crash Landing on You” star Son Ye-jin, and her longtime acquaintance Cho Won, portrayed by Ji Chang-wook.

Against the rigid social conventions of the Joseon era, the two make a provocative bet involving young widow Hui-yeon, played by Nana, setting in motion a dangerous game of seduction, desire and deception.

The 39-year-old actor shared that he “truly enjoyed the experience of working with two amazing actresses.”

“It was such a fresh and great experience. And Son Ye-jin and Nana have very distinct colors so it was lovely to work with them both,” he said.

Working with the two actresses, however, required Chang-wook to take distinct approaches, reflecting the different dynamics their characters share with Cho Won.

“For example, with scenes that I share with Ye-jin, we might be both smiling but underneath there’s like a psychological war going on,” Chang-wook told ABS-CBN News during the roundtable.

“For Hui-yeon, I shared some romantic scenes and there were also some scenes where I tried to seduce her,” he explained. “I guess because the vibes of the scenes were very different, I guess my approach to working together with them was different as well.”

Speaking of his character, Chang-wook said: “He is maybe not the most famous playboy in Joseon, but maybe in his neighborhood.”

“So I thought that it would be fun to play this role and I just thought that fans would enjoy watching me play this role,” he said.

For Chang-wook, the project as a whole proved to be a “refreshing new challenge.”

“I really love the narrative and the Joseon-era setting which makes it all the more special. So yeah, everything about this show is refreshing to me and it was like taking on a new challenge,” he said.