Exclusive Interview with Kim Min-jae and Kim Hyang-gi - Catch Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist 2 FINALE

Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist, is an ongoing South Korean television series based on the novel of the same title, which won the Excellence Award in the 2016 Korea Story Contest. Now, check out the exclusive interview with the cast of Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist: Kim Min-jae and Kim Hyang-gi, and remember to catch its season 2 finale.

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Interview with Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist Cast

Kim Min-jae and Kim Hyang-gi in Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist — Kim Min-jae and Kim Hyang-gi in “Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist” | tvN

Kim Min-jae as Yoo Se-yeop / Yoo Se-poong

In Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist, Kim Min-jae plays Yoo Se-yeop, a genius physician for the royal family. However, he is expelled from the capital after falling victim to a conspiracy, and his father is murdered. After wandering around for a year, he meets an eccentric teacher, Gye Ji-han (Kim Sang-kyung), and a widow, Seo Eun-woo (Kim Hyang-gi), at Gyesu Village. Then, he earns his nickname, ‘Poong.’

Interview with Kim Min-jae

Given your track record of playing medical practitioners, what draws you to these types of roles, and for Poong the Joseon Psychiatrist, what is the most rewarding part of having to portray this title character?

I like to play characters who are committed to saving people, have strong moral values, and gives a positive impact. So, as I read the script for Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist, Poong’s journey struck a chord. I wondered, ‘Were there psychiatrists in the Joseon Dynasty?’ and I was drawn to his journey.

The chemistry between all of the characters is great. How did you build your rapport with one another?

Season 2 has a lot of outdoor shooting, so I always watched everyone at the filming set. Especially when filming at the Mungyeong open set, we would talk a lot while having a beer at a convenience store in front of the dorm after we finished filming.

Poong is a person who tries to fix the heart and mind of a patient. As there are many young people who are facing mental health these days, what advice would you give them?

It’s not your fault. Find a way to be happy at all costs.

Are you better at healing yourself now? What brings you the greatest joy besides acting?

I think I’ve become good at self-healing. I’ve had a lot of experience that helped. Besides acting, I also try to have many hobbies so that I can feel a lot of happiness. These days, I go for a lot of walks.

You have been in a lot of drama which has successfully managed to develop into many seasons. How do you choose the drama projects offered to you?

When participating in a drama, I always think the most important thing is whether the work is fun enough to make my heart race, whether I truly want to play that character, and if I agree with the message the drama is conveying.

What’s next for you?

In the new year, I want to travel to various countries. I want to spend a healthy year without getting sick. As for work, I am making plans so that I can meet new works, have fun working on them, and show my various sides to my fans.

Kim Hyang-gi as Seo Eun-woo

Kim Hyang-gi plays Seo Eun-woo, the daughter of the magistrate of Sorak. Her husband’s death on her wedding day leads her to a miserable life where her in-laws constantly bully her. She has attempted suicide multiple times but fortunately can be freed from her in-laws. she starts learning medicine at Gyesu Clinic to become a female physician, where finally she meets Yoo Se-poong.

Interview with Kim Hyang-gi

What was your first impression of your character and how will you describe her growth in the new season?

Eun-woo has a warm heart, is curious and likes to help others. In Season 2, Eun-woo’s confidence and skills as a female physician has improved further.

After two seasons together, who among the cast impresses you the most?

In Season 1, I was personally a fan of the Namhae Daek. The reason is that the character, who can be difficult to portray due to her strong personality, is very well brought to life with Yeon Bo-Ra’s unique delivery. In Season 2, the new characters, Kang-Il and Ahn Hak-soo. They’re villains, but they’re actually very cute.

Before Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist, international fans know you as a child actress. But you got a lot of attention after playing Seo Eun Woo. How did you see this journey and transformation, from child actress until this role? How did Seo Eun Woo influence your acting journey? And as an actress, how do you want to be known?

Actually, I’m not sure either. I’m still learning. I always bear the thought that I will learn something from each work, so when I think about it that way, I really feel like that’s what happens. I feel like I’ve gained the confidence to face reality head-on by taking on the role of Seo Eun-woo. I’m more determined now to leave the fans with an impression of me as a fully grown adult actor rather than a child actor.

The series is about mental health and your characters treat the ailing and heartbroken. Can you share some tips with fans and audiences on how you deal with negativity or comfort yourself when feeling down?

It’s so important to create a hobby that interests you and create your own achievements, but there may be moments when it’s hard to even do that. If so, you don’t really have to accomplish anything. Just get up and bask in the sun, take five deep breaths, look at adorable things and take nutritional supplements.

You have an impressive resume already. But are there any roles that you haven’t got to experience yet that you would love to explore?

There are so many I love to try … such as noir, black comedy, fantasy, villain, psycho, a character based on a true story etc. I want to challenge myself if given the opportunity.