[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] “I had to learn the Tongyeong dialect and prepare for my motorcycle license in just two weeks. I was so focused on proving myself right away that I didn’t even have time to think about how hard it was.”

Actor Yoo Hyun-soo made these remarks while recalling how he joined the Disney+ series *Killers’ Shopping Mall 2* (*Kill Show 2*). In an interview with Edaily ahead of the series’ finale, he expressed his affection for the project, saying, “It was an honor to be part of the sequel to *Killers’ Shopping Mall*, which received so much love,” and added, “It was a set where I could act happily and without any regrets.”
“Kill Show 2” is a stylish action series in which “Ji-an,” the new CEO of the shopping mall, teams up with the resurrected “Jin-man” to launch a full-scale counterattack against the global power “Babylon.” Yoo Hyun-soo left a strong impression in the series as Kim Woo-jin, a reliable ally to Jeong Ji-an (played by Kim Hye-jun) who harbors a secret.

◇No pain, no gain… “I even experienced sleep paralysis before my first shoot”
Yoo Hyun-soo showed exceptional passion right from the audition stage. Initially, he communicated with the director remotely and submitted monologue videos. “I sent the monologue from senior Kim Seon-ho’s performance in *Gatmaeul Cha Cha Cha*, and I prepared all versions of Woo-jin’s lines, divided into standard Seoul dialect and Gyeongsang Province dialect,” he recalled, adding, “I think I sent about 20 videos.”
The moment he received the acceptance notice, he felt pressure rather than joy. This was because there were only two weeks left until the first day of filming. “In those two weeks, I had to rush to learn the Tongyeong dialect and get my motorcycle license,” he said. “I devoted myself entirely to practicing the dialect except when I was sleeping, and even after moving to Tongyeong, I continued practicing it for about three months.”
He even sustained an injury after falling during the motorcycle license test. Yoo Hyun-soo said, “I failed once but passed on my second attempt. The day before the first shoot, I even learned how to operate a boat from a local captain.” He recalled, “The night before the first shoot, I experienced sleep paralysis for the first time in my life at my lodging. I was alone, and it felt like someone was choking me.”
What helped ease this tension and pressure was the warm atmosphere on set. Yoo Hyun-soo expressed his gratitude, saying, “Once filming began, the director and Senior (Kim) Hye-jun welcomed me so warmly and gave me courage. After the first day of filming, Senior Hye-jun organized a meal to help me adapt quickly, and she treated me to many meals after that as well.”

◇“Woo-jin’s Exit, a Wake-up Call for Ji-an… A Beautiful Conclusion”
Since the series was released via a global online video service (OTT), he said he has been able to feel the reactions from overseas fans firsthand. “My social media followers have increased from around 9,000 to nearly 20,000. I’m grateful when overseas fans message me saying they first saw me in ‘Kill Show 2,’ that my acting left a strong impression, and that they’d like to see me in other K-dramas,” he said.
Woo-jin’s exit from the drama also left a strong impression on viewers. Some even speculated that Woo-jin might still be alive or could reappear as the ultimate villain in the future. Yoo Hyun-soo commented, “Judging by the funeral scene in Episode 5 and the scene where Ji-an writes the police report, it seems he has passed away.”
He continued, “I thought Woo-jin had to make the ultimate sacrifice to serve as a wake-up call for Ji-an. It was a beautiful exit that left a deep, lingering impression.” When asked what he would be like if he returned alive in Season 3, he smiled and said, “Rather than a villain, I think the role of a lover who can provide emotional stability to Ji-an would be a better fit.”

He also cited Woo-jin’s final scene with Ji-an as the most memorable. He added that they spent about seven hours filming that scene alone. Yoo Hyun-soo said, “That was the scene where I felt the strongest connection with Senior Hye-jun,” adding, “Senior Hye-jun wept uncontrollably for nearly 10 takes, and I was able to perform well thanks to the energy I drew from her.”
He continued, “I wanted to create a contrast where, while Ji-an was revealing her emotions, Woo-jin calmly said his goodbyes,” and recalled, “I remember that after filming, we both went to eat hot pot, feeling a sense of relief, even though our eyes were all puffy.”
Working alongside his senior actors was also a meaningful experience. Regarding Lee Dong-wook, he said, “We go to the same gym, and when he saw how nervous I was during the script reading, he encouraged me by saying, ‘It’s supposed to be difficult, so hang in there.’” He also expressed his gratitude, saying, “I was deeply moved when, even during filming, he took the initiative to check the monitor footage of my bike action scene and reached out to tell me how hard I must have worked.”
He continued, “I became close with senior actors Hye-jun and Ha-na by working out together and taking walks by the sea in Tongyeong. Senior actor Hyun-ri was also very kind, bringing snacks for the crew, which made filming a joy.”

◇“I’m Eager to Take on School Dramas, Historical Dramas, and Villain Roles… I Want to Become an Actor with a Wide Range”
When asked about his compatibility with the character, Yoo Hyun-soo replied, “About 99%.” “He’s very affectionate, and once he sets a goal, he’s determined to achieve it no matter what,” he explained. “He’s almost reckless in his pursuit of his goals. This is similar to Woo-jin’s determination to protect Ji-an at all costs.”
To portray Woo-jin’s innocent, pure love—which mirrors his own personality—he drew inspiration from Yong-sik (played by Kang Ha-neul) in *When the Camellia Blooms*. Yoo Hyun-soo explained, “I was pondering the character’s personality—someone who didn’t have many opportunities to meet members of the opposite sex his age on the island—when my dialect coach said, ‘He’s almost like a puppy. He expresses his affection as much as a puppy wags its tail.’ I chose to portray him expressing his affection in a simple, innocent way rather than coming across as reserved,” he explained.
Yoo Hyun-soo, who has enjoyed performing in front of others since childhood, said, “I did magic shows in elementary school, and in middle and high school, I danced at every talent show.” He explained how he got started in acting, saying, “I had a vague dream of becoming an actor. When it came time to choose a club in high school, I wondered if there was anything besides dance, and that’s how I ended up joining the drama club.”
Yoo Hyun-soo expressed his desire to take on roles that showcase a side of himself he hasn’t shown yet. “I’d like to try a school-based drama where I wear a school uniform,” he said. “I like innocent, youthful roles, but I’m also drawn to darker narratives like *Weak Hero*.” He went on to reveal his passion for acting, adding, “I’d definitely like to take on a role that strongly conveys emotion in a grand historical drama or a villainous role that allows me to transform my image.”
His acting goals align closely with his role models. Citing actor Park Hae-il and Seo Hyun-woo—a senior at the Korea National University of Arts—as his role models, Yoo Hyun-soo said, “I believe the greatest appeal of being an actor is showcasing a diverse range of roles. My goal is to become an actor with a broad spectrum of roles as well.”
Finally, Yoo Hyun-soo said, “I want to be an actor who brings emotion and joy to viewers through good acting and exerts a positive influence,” adding, “It was an honor to be part of such a wonderful production as *Killers’ Shopping Mall*, and I sincerely thank the director and my senior actors.”