[Edaily Starin Gim Ga Yeong Reporter] Actor So Ji-sub opened up about the changes and sense of responsibility he has felt throughout his 30-year acting career—from “Manager Kim,” which recently wrapped up to great acclaim—to the new side of himself he hopes to showcase in the future.

Photo = Bold Page Photo = Bold PageIn an interview with Bold Page, So Ji-sub discussed the shift in public reaction following *Director Kim*. “There are so many people who didn’t get to watch *I’m Sorry, I Love You*, but this time, *Director Kim* was watched by people across many generations, so these days, I’m called ‘Director Kim’ more often than by my own name,” he said.
When asked why he chose *Manager Kim*, he cited the character’s backstory over the action. “More than the action, I really liked Manager Kim’s backstory—the environment he grew up in and things like that,” he explained.
The conversation also turned to *Sorry, I Love You*, which continues to enjoy steady popularity overseas. In South America, dramas that linger in viewers’ minds and bring tears to their eyes after watching are called “K-Trauma.” *I’m Sorry, I Love You* is one of the most representative examples. He remarked, “It’s truly amazing that such emotions resonate across cultures,” adding, “Even though the language is different, emotions might be conveyed slightly differently, but it’s fascinating that we feel them in the same way.”
To viewers who haven’t seen the series yet, he warned, “It’s such a classic with a sad ending. It’s a drama that can really mess you up if you’re not careful,” adding, “If you click on it by mistake, you’re in for trouble. You might be sad for a while.”
Although he has been acting for 30 years, the pressure he feels toward his projects has actually increased. So Ji-sub said, “In some ways, I don’t seem to be able to let go,” adding, “If even one project goes wrong, it can harm so many people, so I always have to be careful and pay close attention.”
In particular, he confided, “Back then, I didn’t know any better and just did it, but now I see so many things,” adding, “The market is tough these days, and if a project fails, it goes beyond just my own problems—it prevents other projects from being produced. In fact, it seems to be getting harder and harder.”
He also shared his thoughts on Season 2 of “Director Kim.” So Ji-sub said, “Personally, rather than an episodic format, I’d prefer a major storyline—like the disappearance of my daughter in this season—to serve as the central thread.”
He continued, “I’m not sure how we’ll prepare for it yet. Depending on that, Director Kim’s role will likely change a bit. Then, I think we’ll be able to show you a variety of things within that framework,” adding, “We’ll probably work as a team. After all, the universe is just too vast.”
He also spoke candidly about his life as a long-time star. When asked what it’s like to live his entire life in the public eye, So Ji-sub replied, “I’m grateful for it. Is 51% good? 49% isn’t.”
He continued, “It’s certainly not an easy life. The longer I go on, the heavier and harder it seems to get,” adding, “Now it’s not just limited to Korea—many people overseas also love my work and share their reactions. I believe the lead actor, in particular, definitely bears a sense of responsibility for that.”
Meanwhile, “Director Kim,” starring So Ji-sub, is a revenge action drama set in the “Dad Universe,” in which “the most ordinary dad in the world” becomes “the most dangerous man in the world” to fight and win back his only daughter. The series gained popularity, recording a peak viewership rating of 23.1% based on nationwide household ratings.