DKZ's Park Jae-chan reveals behind-the-scenes story of shirtless scene in 'Check in Hanyang'

By KTimes

DKZ member and actor Park Jae-chan shared stories from the filming of “Check in Hanyang,” recalling the fun atmosphere on set with his fellow cast members.

In an interview in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong, Park talked about his experience shooting the Channel A drama. “Check in Hanyang” is a historical drama set in Joseon’s largest inn, Yongcheonru, where young men navigate life as apprentice servants.

Park played Go Soo-ra, an upright and principled young man. It was his first historical drama, and he admitted to worrying about mimicking the speech and mannerisms. However, he said, “I was told that since Soo-ra wasn’t from the royal palace, I didn’t need to be too strict with my speech, which was a relief.”

Park also found the costumes, hair and makeup fascinating. “Filming in scenic locations made it feel like a field trip,” he said. Even his grandmother became a fan. “She knew every detail about the drama when I visited home for the Lunar New Year holiday,” he said.

The camaraderie among the cast was another highlight. “I’m usually shy, but my co-stars were so friendly. Kim Ji-eun would bring snacks, Bae In-hyuk treated staff to meals, and Jung Gun-joo was the mischievous one,” he said.

The drama also featured a shirtless scene for Park. “I worked out for six months and was happy with the results on screen,” he said, adding that actors did pushups before filming.

“I even kept a 5-kilogram dumbbell in my car, which Gun-joo borrowed before his shirtless scene.”

DKZ contributed to the drama’s OST.

“Member Mingyu always wanted to do a historical drama (original soundtrack), so he was thrilled,” Park said.

Reflecting on the experience, Park said he learned to enjoy acting more. “When I have fun, better ideas and expressions come naturally,” he said. His personal goal? “To drink wine while looking at the Han River from a nice home.”

Meanwhile, “Check in Hanyang” aired its final episode on Sunday.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.