By: Malasha Parker
Photo By RAWJ – Ahn Jun Young
Q) How did you initially become a part of “The Season?”
A) I was strongly drawn to the fact that it is an English-language series filmed in Hong Kong and that Jon Kim is the only Korean character. Taking on this project felt like a new challenge for me.
Q) Jon Kim is a silently powerful character. How did you prepare to portray him?
A) I wanted to bring more depth to this role from the similar characters and professions I’ve played in the past. Since Jon Kim is a character in mystery, I focused heavily on building his backstory. My main goal was to deliver his exact intentions with fewer words.
Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them?
A) I didn’t know any of the cast personally prior to this, but I was familiar with their work.
Q) “The Season” was filmed in Hong Kong. What was it like filming there? Did it make the scenes seem more authentic?
A) I grew up watching Hong Kong cinema, so actually coming here and acting felt like a dream come true. Hong Kong has a way of projecting something deeply mystical on screen. I believe that unique atmosphere was beautifully captured in our series, showcasing the blend of East and the West.
Q) Jon has kept a lot of the Hext family secrets. He is Christpher Hext’s (Toby Stephens) right hand man. What makes their connection so strong?
A) Jon Kim is loyal. As you can tell by the choices he makes throughout the series, he isn’t driven by money. He is motivated by a deep sense of responsibility. I believe his background as a former Special Force shaped him this way.
He doesn’t let his emotions dictate his actions but in a way holds a certain level of affection for the Hext family.
Q) Jon Kim has an interesting dynamic with Cola (Jessie Mei Li). Outside of Christpher Hext, Jon interacts with her the most. Why is he immediately so suspicious of her?
A) Jon needs to be able to read and analyze everything around him. To Jon, a new person is like an unfamiliar mission zone. He needs to fully map out and understand that space before he can make a move. Cola represents the unknown. And she stepped into the inner boundary of the Hext family.
That brings discomfort to Jon Kim.
Q) The storylines of “The Season” are all complex and no character is just as they seem on the surface. Do you think Jon Kim can also be seen in this way?
A) Even in the script, not a lot of information was given about Jon Kim. Because of that, I had to completely fill in the blanks of his inner world during my preparation. I believe he carries a complex past that goes far beyond simply being the guardian of a wealthy family.
Q) How would you describe Jon’s true nature?
A) I don’t think he is just a cold and heartless person. He has a genuine affection for the Hext family and his friendship with Christpher Hext cannot be overlooked. It’s just that he constantly suppresses his feelings, like the soldier he is. While he handles the dirty work that others wouldn’t dare to touch, he definitely has a human side to him. I’m sure he would like to smile one day.
Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to shoot for the series?
A) I really like the scene with Cola at the church. It’s a psychological battle between the two characters. It showcases Jon Kim’s precision and composure. I really enjoyed both preparing for and shooting that scene.
Q) What do you think it is about “The Season” that has already made it a fast fan favorite series?
A) Aside from the storyline and great performances, I think the series makes the drama and unfamiliar culture of its Hong Kong setting highly accessible. Audiences get to experience the high society of Hong Kong world through Cola’s eyes.
Q) What are the upcoming projects that you have been busy working on?
A) I recently finished a project in Thailand. It’s a film titled Perfect Girl where I worked alongside Adeline Rudolph and Arden Cho from “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” It’s a project about the intense competition within the K-pop world and it will be released in the near future. So, please look forward to it!
Q) What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of you and your work?
A) Thank you so much to everyone who discovered me through K-dramas and to everyone supporting me now through “The Season.” I believe the best way to return the love and interest you give me is through my performance in the projects. With that said, please continue to show lots of love and support for “The Season!”