Park Si Hoo reflects on 10 year hiatus and screen comeback in ‘Choir of God’ interview

Actor Park Si Hoo delivers both chilling charisma and heartfelt humanity in his first big screen project in a decade, ‘Choir of God,’ set to be released on December 31.

‘Choir of God’ follows a North Korean State Security Department officer who forms a so called fake praise choir in order to earn foreign currency. Park Si Hoo plays Park Gyo Soon, an officer placed in an ironic situation where a man who was interrogating underground believers just days earlier must now assemble and lead a praise performance. 

As the central figure of the film, he portrays the character’s complex inner conflict and gradual transformation from a cold, success driven figure to someone rediscovering his humanity while leading an unpolished group of performers.

Describing the role, Park Si Hoo shared that the film’s warm message deeply resonated with him, saying the story itself softened his own heart. While ‘Choir of God’ is classified as a human drama, he revealed that the filming process was just as physically demanding as an intense genre film.

Recalling the month long location shoot in Mongolia, Park Si Hoo said temperatures dropped as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. Even standing still caused tears and nasal discharge to freeze instantly, and filming was sometimes halted just minutes after starting because cameras froze. Outdoor shooting only resumed weeks later when temperatures slightly rose, though conditions were still around minus 20 degrees, and some actors suffered from frostbite.

Known for maintaining his physique through a one meal a day routine and consistent exercise, Park Si Hoo also drew attention for his sharp uniform fit in the film. Impressed by his physical condition, the director reportedly added an unscripted shirtless scene. With no fitness facilities near the filming location, Park Si Hoo relied on bodyweight exercises at his accommodation. He shared that his key to self care is completely avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, noting that he has never smoked and rarely drinks.

The film features strong Christian elements, including CCM and hymns woven throughout the story. Although Park Si Hoo was raised in a Christian family, he emphasized that his faith did not influence his decision to take on the project. Instead, he explained that he was drawn to the warmth and emotional depth of the narrative, comparing it to films like ‘Sister Act,’ which resonate with audiences regardless of religious background.

Ahead of the film’s release, Park Si Hoo was also caught up in a recent personal controversy involving allegations that he strongly denied. He reiterated that the claims are entirely false and stated that he chose legal action to prevent any harm to those involved in the film, expressing confidence that the truth will be clarified through legal judgment.

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