Kim Soo Hyun always aims to prepare himself thoroughly before filming dramas and movies. One way he achieves this is by studying and mastering the necessary skills to portray characters convincingly in different scenes.
Here are four skills that Kim Soo Hyun has honed for his acting projects. Despite being a renowned Korean drama star, as seen in Queen of Tears (2024), he understands the importance of mastering diverse talents to excel in his roles. Let’s delve into them!
1. Dancing and Singing
Kim Soo Hyun in Dream High (doc. KBS/Dream High)In 2011, during his time on the drama Dream High, Kim Soo Hyun underwent rigorous training in singing and dancing to embody his character effectively. Recognizing the need for these skills in several scenes, he dedicated hours every day to train at JYP Entertainment, a renowned agency known for grooming idol talents. Despite not reaching the proficiency level of seasoned trainees, his dedication was commendable and earned admiration from those at JYP Entertainment.
2. North Korean Accent
Kim Soo Hyun in Secretly, Greatly (doc. Showbox)When preparing for his role as a North Korean elite spy in the film Secretly Greatly, Kim Soo Hyun faced the challenge of mastering a North Korean accent. In 2013, he revealed in interviews that he sought guidance from a defector to authentically portray his character. Additionally, he learned to mimic behaviors, such as acting foolishly, by watching Teletubbies. He also underwent rigorous physical training for intense action sequences in the film.
3. Mastering Non-Dominant Hand
Kim Soo Hyun (instagram.com/soohyun_k216)Despite being left-handed, Kim Soo Hyun adapted to using his right hand for his roles. During the drama Father’s House in 2009, he trained himself to eat with his right hand to fit a specific scene where his character needed to use that hand. His attention to detail and commitment to perfecting his performances earned him praise from the production team. Even in subsequent projects like My Love From the Stars (2014), he seamlessly integrated the use of his non-dominant hand into his acting.
4. Self-Defense Skills
Kim Soo Hyun in the film Real (doc. Cj E&M)Kim Soo Hyun’s dedication to his craft extends to learning martial arts for action-packed roles. In films like Secretly Greatly (2013) and Real (2017), he underwent intensive training under martial arts trainers to execute action scenes convincingly. He opted not to use a stunt double, showcasing his commitment to authenticity. Prior to filming, he devoted significant time to building muscle mass through dietary adjustments and regular exercise. Despite initial nervousness, his dedication and enthusiasm translated into captivating performances on screen.
Kim Soo Hyun’s unwavering commitment to mastering diverse skills for his roles has cemented his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor. His dedication to authenticity and excellence ensures that his performances resonate with audiences, contributing to the success of his dramas and films.
