CHARTING THE IN BETWEEN

If there is anything the last 15 years has taught Seo In Guk, it is that the actor, singer - and recently - director should not be afraid of taking charge about the narratives that surrounds his life. Speaking with Men's Folio, he shares how he has moved away from seeking perfection, and that the best kinds of gestures come from none other than yourself.

- Manfred Lu

There is a chance that anyone who is into K-dramas has some Seo In Guk-related memory. Perhaps you faintly recall knowing him as the love interest in Reply 1997 or as Prince Gwanghae in The King’s Face. Maybe his role as a timid rich heir in Shopaholic Louis stuck with you through the years. Even if you had only just been antiquated with K-dramas, it is still likely you might find him familiar as the main lead in Death’s Game, which stars Seo alongside Parasite’s Park So Dam. Maybe it was his music that you had listened to before.

Those who can recall a time that predated streaming services may also collectively remember him from his win in the first season of Superstar K, a talent competition that ultimately changed his life. Even if you are not a super fan or even a fan at all, there is no escaping Seo’s presence in South Korea’s entertainment scene. But having spent the last decade and a half playing all sorts of roles, Seo is only getting started on his most pivotal one yet — as himself.  There is no shortage of vlogs on YouTube from the 37-year-old actor, singer and, recently, director. One of them, a day in his life, is as real as real gets. While others would opt only to have the cameras rolling after some form of “getting ready”, Seo starts it in bed, still undressed, bed head visible, and eyes still red from last night’s rest.