Here’s Why “The World of The Married” Actor Park Hae Joon Initially Turned Down The Role

And why eventually made him say yes!

In a recent interview with GQ KoreaThe World of The Married actor Park Hae Joon — for the role of the cheating husband Lee Tae Oh — revealed that when he was first suggested the role, he wasn’t sure he should take it.

When GQ asked if it is true that he initially turned the series down, Park Hae Joon shared, “I didn’t turn down the role per se, but I did hesitate a long time about it.

He explained that he didn’t feel confident enough to well portray the intensity of the character in such a short amount of time. He pointed out that he “questioned [himself] and asked if [he] would be able to fulfill the role as it is meant to be fulfilled.”

Park Hae Joon as Lee Tae Oh in “The World of The Married”

Yes, the fact that he is a cheating liar made me think twice too — but that’s not really the main reason that I didn’t accept the role immediately. I was more worried about if I would be able to really portray the complex… such extreme emotions from this guy… especially because K-Drama shoots are on a tighter schedule and I wouldn’t have a lot of time to really get connected with the role. Would I be able to fulfill the role as it is meant to be fulfilled?

— Park Hae Joon

In the end, Park Hae Joon took on the challenge. He shared that his good friend and film director Byun Young Joo played a crucial role in this decision.

I mentioned it to director Byun Young Joo while I was on the phone with her about an upcoming movie and the potential of me being in that movie. That’s when she said I would be foolish not to take the drama role — especially when the costar is actress Kim Hee Ae. She was like, ‘What are you even talking about? Of course you have to do it. Just do it and do it to the best of your ability.‘ After that conversation, I gathered up the guts to say yes. So… I have her to thank for all of this.

— Park Hae Joon

The World of The Married viewers would agree, Park Hae Joon is indeed “fulfilling the role” and doing it very well. The show has reached an impressive viewer rating of 26.7% — with potential to peak higher within the next three final episodes. It is now impossible to imagine anyone but Park Hae Joon to play the evil-but-vulnerable Lee Tae Oh!

You can watch the full interview here: