Choi Soo-jong’s 39-Year Rule: Arriving on Set an Hour Before Filming

Actor Choi Soo-jong is drawing attention once again for his principle of arriving at filming sets and his preparedness, which he has maintained for 39 years since his debut. Having debuted in 1987 with the drama 'Tree of Love,' he has built public trust through various historical and serious dramas such as 'Emperor Wang Gun,' 'Emperor of the Sea,' 'Dae Jo-yeong,' and 'Korea-Khitan War.'

In particular, Choi Soo-jong, who has frequently played king roles, has been cited in the broadcasting industry as an example of a diligent actor, showing stable performances in every work. Rather than rapid buzz, his long-standing attitude and on-set habits are seen as important aspects that explain his career.

Arriving at the Set 1 Hour Before Filming

Choi Soo-jong's diligence is clearly evident in his arrival time at the filming set. He adheres to the principle of arriving at the site at least 1 hour before filming begins, and even in the case of natural disasters or traffic congestion, he maintains the mindset that he must arrive at least 20 minutes early.

He explained the reason for this habit, stating, "I hate making other people wait because of me." An anecdote well-known in the industry is that Bae Yong-joon, after seeing the senior Choi Soo-jong's behavior during the filming of the 1997 drama 'First Love,' moved up his own work arrival time.

Preparedness That Keeps the Script Close

Choi Soo-jong has focused on acting that delves into the depth of a character rather than simply increasing the number of works through prolific output. Although there were many temptations when he gained popularity early in his career, he considered acting his calling and placed importance on keeping his 'promises to himself.'

His preparedness on set is also cited as one of his strengths. Even in the KBS 'Korean Cuisine and Dining' program he is currently appearing in, where an environment allowing the use of a teleprompter is available, he memorizes the script to reduce the burden on the production team. It is also known that when watching a play starring his wife Ha Hee-ra, he shows such concentration that he even memorizes the lines of the other actors.

Self-Management Through Soccer and Weight Training

Choi Soo-jong's self-management continues in his daily life. As a soccer enthusiast, he shows such passion that he sleeps in his soccer clothes the night before a match so that he can head straight to the stadium immediately after waking up. On the field, he moves actively regardless of seniority, and he also consistently performs weight training to relieve stress and maintain focus.

Recently, discussions regarding the identity of the program 'Korean Cuisine and Dining,' which Choi Soo-jong hosts, have been ongoing. Compared to the calm image shown by the previous host Choi Bool-am, observers are watching how Choi Soo-jong's hosting will harmonize with the program's distinctive tone.

Some suggest that a change such as a Season 2 is necessary for the program's new leap forward. Using the image of Lee Young-ae, the lead of the drama 'Dae Jang Geum,' as an example, analysts have suggested that a host with a new color is needed to unfold the theme of the modern re-evaluation and globalization of traditional food.