Bae Hyeon Seong has opened up about his first Toronto International Film Festival experience, his upcoming thriller Paradise Lost, and what being a “good actor” means to him. In a new Cosmopolitan Korea interview, the actor also reflected on his busy schedule and his desire to show audiences different sides of himself.
Paradise Lost marks Bae Hyeon Seong’s first leading film role and had its world premiere in TIFF’s Special Presentations section. Before travelling to Toronto, the actor admitted that the experience still did not feel completely real, particularly because he had not yet watched the finished movie on a big screen.
Bae Hyeon Seong Talks About His First TIFF Experience
Speaking about his upcoming trip to Toronto, Bae Hyeon Seong said he expected the reality of attending TIFF to sink in once he arrived. He was also excited to see Paradise Lost for the first time, making the festival screening a significant moment in his career.
The international premiere came as the actor prepared to introduce a very different side of himself to audiences outside Korea. Known for brighter and gentler roles in previous projects, he takes on a much darker character in the new psychological thriller.
Paradise Lost Shows A Darker Side Of The Actor
In Paradise Lost, Bae Hyeon Seong plays Sun Woo, a young man who returns home after disappearing for nine years. His mother, Ryu So Young, had spent that time finding comfort through an AI version of her son as a child, making his return increasingly unsettling.
Bae Hyeon Seong said he would find it interesting if overseas viewers initially thought Sun Woo was “scary and unsettling”, before watching his other dramas and discovering that he could perform very different roles. His comments reflect his interest in expanding the image audiences have of him.
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The Actor Reflects On His Busy Schedule
Bae Hyeon Seong has been maintaining a packed work schedule while moving between projects. During the Cosmopolitan Korea shoot, he had reportedly finished filming another project in the early morning and arrived with only around two hours of sleep.
Despite the demanding routine, the actor said he remains happy to stay busy. He explained that enjoyable experiences on set and positive reactions to his work can recharge him before he moves on to his next filming schedule. Following Paradise Lost, he is also set to appear in The Substitute, currently referred to by its literal title. He is expected to continue filming another project through the end of the year.
Bae Hyeon Seong Explains What A Good Actor Means
When asked whether he considers himself a “good actor”, Bae Hyeon Seong looked back at the actor he was eight years ago, around the time he was filming his debut project. He said that earlier version of himself would likely look at his present career and consider him a good actor.
However, he remains more cautious about describing himself that way today. He said he currently sees himself as an actor who works hard and tries to do well. He also pointed out that “good actor” can describe both acting ability and being a good person, adding that under the broader meaning, he considers himself one.
Final Take
Bae Hyeon Seong’s latest interview offers a glimpse into his growing ambitions, from taking Paradise Lost to TIFF to embracing a darker role and challenging the image audiences may have of him. His thoughts on being a good actor also show that he continues to view acting and personal growth as an ongoing journey.
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