Why Siwan's performance in Run On is a lot more complex than it seems.
The series Run On begins with Ki Seon Gyeom (Siwan) and Oh Mi Joo (Shin Se-kyung) running. He is on his morning run - perfectly dressed, calm, and happy. She is all messed up, shabby, and in a rush. Nothing is going for her - even the tiny dog with the old lady snaps at her. The comparison is obvious - simple and clear. He has a perfect life, while she's struggling and barely managing. But we soon see that things aren't as they seem.
Ki Seon Gyeom's disinterest is apparent from the very first interactions. For the world, he is just the son of a famous actress, Yook Ji-woo & an Assembly-man. He happens to be a national athlete - without much of an identity of himself. But he is not eager to make an impression either.
His mother holds his hand as she walks on the red carpet with him, but leaves it (without any acknowledgement) to greet her fans. His hand is left hanging for a fraction of a second. It's obvious that it didn't affect him - he is used to being left unacknowledged.
He is "just existing" in the scheme of things.
We get all of this in less than 5 minutes of the show.
Oh Mi Joo's first interaction with Yook Ji-woo communicates a lot about her character within seconds. She's full of life and excitement.
Ki Seon Gyeom was right there with his mother and still was barely communicating while Oh Mi Joo had a glass wall between them - and yet communicated her message and feelings.
Such genius in the script and direction can be seen throughout the series in the smallest of things. For example, in the introduction of Ki Seon Gyeom's friends - all the different characters are clearly established within a few - casual & normal - dialogues. You see Woo Sik (innocent and endearing) is getting bullied by the other two. You also see that Seon Gyeom is actually quite intelligent - he's sensitive to Woo Sik's nervousness in front of the bullies. He also confronts his friend for calling him an attention seeker - but with an air of indifference/disinterest.
It is brilliant writing that defines a character and its relationships just by a few dialogues.
There are subtle repetition cues in the story. Similar actions, but Ki Seon Gyeom is at different stages of his character. Such subtle parallels communicate on a subconscious level. They become apparent only after repeated viewing.
Siwan has rendered each scene beautifully well.
Mi Joo holds Ki Seon Gyeom's arm and drags him away from his father, later he does the same for his sister.
Ki Seon Gyeom sees Mi Joo walk away from him at multiple points, and each time he feels a different emotion.
When he finally stops her, you know that he is a changed person - he is ready to communicate what he wants. He is ready to assert his wishes.
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Ki Seon Gyeom demanded an extremely controlled performance and Siwan did not drop the ball even for a second in the entire series.
Siwan's performance reached the peak it did because of the script, the direction, and the brilliant performance of all the actors - especially Shin Se-kyung. Yes, everyone supported him, but he became the character. That's purely credit to his acting prowess.
In every episode, Siwan's character grows. You can feel his indifferent vibe shift to a casual vibe - not just with Oh Mi Joo, but with all the characters.
You can see slowly but surely - layer by layer - how Ki Seon Gyeom comes out of his shell.
The director has written a beautiful discription in his notes (link to more)
He is like water because it has neither a stubborn taste nor an oriented form. Everyone thought of the pensiveness as a calm and serene lake. That's because they hadn't thrown stones into the lake. Seon-gyeom was a person who could twist and turn this splendid life entirely.
There are many characters who help him grow. Some give him a purpose, some make him aware of his talents. The biggest impact on Ki Seon Gyeom is of Oh Mi Joo.
The scenes between Ki Seon Gyeom & Oh Mi Joo are brilliantly written. They are simple and complicated at the same time.
Simple, because there are no flowery dialogues or contrived situations. Like the hospital scene. You don't have to win a war to be someone's hero, just making sure that she is not disturbed in her much-needed sleep is enough.
It's also complicated because it is close to reality - and when is life ever simple? They both have their baggage of past experiences. In many scenes, they disagree more than agree.
Seon Gyeom tends to assume that anyone interacting with him, is doing so for a reason - even the cat is there only for the food. He gets surprise when Yeong Hwa says that people might like to take advantage of you, because they like you.
MiJoo is vary of people taking her for granted. "Why did you run slower? Did you assume that I will be waiting for you?" Or when she confronts SeonGyeom for the first kiss - and gets offended when he says that you just happened to be there.
Even, the breakup scene. Both Ki Seon Gyeom & Oh Mi Joo are correct in their stance. There's no melodrama - just pure discussion of point-of-views. They understand each other but still don't want to accept the situation.
Also, the way the scene progresses - she didn't want to speak to him right then, but he insisted. And when she did speak her mind he asks why she couldn't sleep over it. But if he had not pressed and she had not spoken her mind, she would have taken a stronger stance later. It's amazing the way this scene has captured contradictions that are very life-like.
Such simple-yet-complicated contrasts make this story real and endearing.
Another brilliant scene is when Ki Seon Gyeom finds out about WooSik's decision to quit. He is deeply hurt and feels lost. He is understanding the situation but is completely devastated by it. He had thought of every possibility, but the one thing he did not prepare himself for, happened. He is feeling everything but doesn't know how to express himself. The main reason for him to fight the system is taken away from him - making him more angry and frustrated.
He finds himself standing in front of Oh Mi Joo as a cry for help - only that he's not crying - he can't - he doesn't know how. Mi Joo understands him and comforts him. He acknowledges the "위로" (wiroh), the consolation.
Just as she hugs him, he briefly closes his eyes... Did we see a tear roll, or was it the drops of rain trickling from his hair? Either way, it breaks your heart.
I have heard many senior actors say that in order to make the audience cry, the actor should control his crying. I choke every time I see this scene.
Siwan's performance speaks volumes in this scene - even though he's not doing much actively. You can experience, not just see - you can actually feel - Seon Gyeom's turmoil.
(And to have shot this scene at an outdoor location on a freezing night!)
The genius of the script & the direction continues when Mi Joo remembers this scene in the next episode. The mismatched shoes tell so much!
Be it close up of hands or back shots of the couple as they walk/talk away - there are many subtle cues spread in the entire series. Here's a sweet behind the scenes video of episode 3, Siwan beautifully articulates the layers in a simple handshake.
My favorite scene is when, after initial multiple meetings and interactions, Ki Seon Gyeom & Oh Mi Joo become good friends. Ki Seon Gyeom volunteers additional information about his past life as an athlete - something that always fascinated him. It is the first time he talks more than required. He is voluntarily sharing trivial information with Oh Mi Joo. Their interaction is most adorable in that scene. She's fascinated by his expressiveness.
It's sharing of random trivial things that fill up moments in a relationship. It's incredible that they were able to capture this.
But again, Siwan makes this scene strikingly real. The way he looks at Oh Mi Joo is what takes this scene to a whole new level. Later on in the series, he confesses that he wants to hug her, but in this scene - you can see in his eyes his want to hold her close.
When Mi Joo says that she was right to have waited for Seon Gyeom - it's not just about waiting for him right then, but also to have waited for him to come out of his shell and share his thoughts with her. The simplest of conversations in this series have layers - and that's what makes them so relatable.
There is yet another subtle layer in this scene, Ki Seon Gyeom is beginning to love himself. The fact that he is sharing something has a subtle underline of 'I am not just existing' - I have something that's worth sharing. And I have someone to share it with. Siwan's body language in this scene is quite different from the preceding scenes. It is a very subtle difference - and he has captured it perfectly.
It is these subtleties that have added a lot of depth to Siwan's character.
The dialogues in the series tug your heartstrings. A part of the credit goes to the translators, for keeping the essence of the lines intact. But it's the initial thought and the structure of the script that calls for such lines that's genius. Siwan mentioned in an interview that he loved the lines in the script - one of the reasons for choosing this role.
Your affection for me gives me meaning and value.
Whoever wrote this. Genius.
Not all lines have complex articulation. Most are actually very simple lines. But they just stay with you.
I have never been scared of anything, but I am about to be.
"What are you doing?" "Nothing. <beat> I am just next to you."
Siwan's execution of these lines makes them hit the right chord. It's the way he has delivered these makes you crave to come back to watch again.
Siwan is not acting to be Seon-gyeom, he is Seon-gyeom. He is never speaking a dialogue, he is thinking and speaking his thoughts. He is not responding to his co-actors, he is listening to the other person - processing the information and saying what comes to his mind.
You can notice even the way Siwan's eyes shift when he is looking at Oh Mi Joo. When you look into someone's eyes, your eyes keep shifting, but when you are acting to look at someone, your eyes lock on a mark so that the shifting of the eyes doesn't distract the audience. Notice his eyes in the close-up shots. The eye-shift looks natural, but it's a conscious effort.
There is a scene where Ki Seon Gyeom & Oh Mi Joo accidentally meet after they tearfully decide to take a break from the relationship. Ki Seon Gyeom notices that Oh Mi Joo's hand is hurt. He asks her about it.
Sounds like a simple scene, right?
Siwan makes it special.
Just as he notices the hand - he pauses, sighs, and speaks. The sigh and his voice have a mix of love, care, frustration, and anger. Anyone who has ever been in a fight with their loved one would identify with that voice. Siwan's natural rendition of this one line is what makes it real, brilliant, and genius!
(Here is the behind-the-scenes of this episode <link> It's fun to watch.)
The key scenes of the story - the not-running scene, the I-already-like-you scene, the proposal, the breakup, the don't-teach-me-to-break-up, the rameyon-vs-kiss, the it's-right-time-to-tell-you-I-love-you, and others are all genius too. These are easily noticeable scenes.
It's incredible to notice the small things that Siwan has done.
His reaction to Mi Joo's show-me-the-money; the way he teaches her to run; when he stretches after waking up (especially in the car); when he asks her if she wants to hold hands; when he misses her in his car in the middle of his workday; his reaction when Mi Joo challenges him to run and catch her; or when she tells him that she can read him like a book; when he realizes that he too is hurt by his father's actions; and so many more. Notice him in these scenes and remind yourself that he's acting.
Siwan is a master of micro-expressions. Very subtle, nothing over-the-top, simple real emotions.
Even when he is making funny faces, it's not slapstick-comic. He is still in character.
After watching the series multiple times, I think I have finally grasped SeonGyeom's entire character. I have come to love his sense of humour. He keeps teasing MiJoo whenever he has an opportunity - like when he refused to shake hands, but instead did bang! Or when he said that this is the road to after-life. Even when he finds MiJoo walking home, he runs to join her, matches steps with her and makes small talk.
When someone says I am glad - he replies with "I am glad, you are glad" (다행이라니, 다행이네요). It took time me to catch this, as the subtitles are different each time.
[Recently, I discovered this lovely translation of Siwan's interview with Herald POP & HobbyEn during the promotions of Run On. When asked which lines were most memorable to him, he mentioned... "I’m glad you’re glad”, it’s a line said in return to the other person who said they’re glad. The construction of the sentence is perfect, but it’s unsubstantial inside the conversation. I thought that this is similar with the way of speaking we use in real life today so it established a quite deep impression inside my head.]
I loved how SeonGyeom reacted to MiJoo's "Are you going to get disowned" - he says "That's too much". This is such a real response - not the usual, what we call in India "filmy" response. You can fight with family - make your point - but you don't need to renounce the relationship! MiJoo, who is clearly influenced by movies - asks him "How so?" I totally loved Siwan's response - He says "That's too much" again - only half of it and then explains his plan. These little nuances like repitition of half a dialogue make the conversation real. Makes you believe they are speaking their mind and not delivering a dialogue.
SeonGyeom is a normal, intelligent, humorous boy. Only thing is that he was never ever asked what he wanted. Just this one thing shaped his personality. While growing up, the only one who asked him what he wanted was his nanny. And the only thing he could ask of her was Japache, the dish. You can see him being a totally different person when he meets her. SeonGyeom had a heartbreaking childhood. Not all trauma is from conventional abuse. He even says it to his father "Unwanted love is also violence." How we are brought up has a far reaching consequence in our life. And we need to heal ourselves of what is not right. That's what MiJoo meant when she told SeonGyeom to love himself a little more. And that's why this series heals me every time I watch it.
In the happy-ending scene towards the end, you see only Siwan's back for one long shot. While Mi Joo is lost in the conversation with their friends, Ki Seon Gyeom is attentive to her empty beer can and he also helps her open a fresh one - while actively participating in the conversation. It communicates so much without being in your face. He is an attentive boyfriend (It's adorable how he keeps ensuring that she's safe and warm). But more importantly, he is finally out of his shell. He is not just existing. He is not indifferent anymore. He's involved, relaxed, and happy. He has found his tribe.
Siwan's effort to bring realism to his performance - and making it seem effortless - is brilliant and commendable.
The fact that he did The Merciless before this and Emergency Declaration after - makes him a truly fantastic actor. Not to forget, Unlocked, The Attorney, Miseang, Boston 1947, Tracer, Strangers from Hell... - each with a very different character.
I hope you see that his performance in Run On is at par with other challenging roles.
Here is an interview of Siwan for the series promotion. It's sad that the English subtitles are missing. I hope to be able to add these - provided JTBC let's me share them!
The main message of Run On is that love is empowering. And the beauty is that it's not just the love of two lovers. Your friends, your seniors, your juniors, your family, your colleagues... Where there's love, there's strength. Maybe that's why I keep going back to this series.
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I found these lovely edits for the series. These underline the repetition cues that are spread across the series. Sheer genius of writing! I have seen the series so many times, that I don't need the subtitles anymore. It's lovely to pay attention to the repeated Korean words.
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Here's Siwan's beautiful song that he composed for this series. You & I, with lyrics with English translation.
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Over the past few months I have interacted with many Swans around the world and they all have loved this series. Here is a lovely post from @jeaniepakjp
"She is my strength, not my weakness."
While Run On has many ingenious lines, I find this declaration made by Ki Seongyeom most striking, when he confronts his father's threat to take away the most important things to him - sports, Kim Woosik, and Oh Mijoo - his "weaknesses", his father says.
When threatened by higher power, most people give in.
If the threat is against the person himself, some will still stand up.
But if the threat is against his loved ones, few remain unmoved, for they don't want their loved ones to be hurt.
But Ki Seongyeom is not moved.
Not because he doesn't care about Oh Mijoo, but his love for her has given him immense courage and determination to protect her and their relationship. He has no fear but only indignation and disgust to his father.
And this is still not the most valuable part.
What strikes me most is how quickly Ki Seongyeom realises the meaning of Oh Mijoo to him - she is his strength - and this understanding is so strong & deeply rooted that it takes no time for him to declare it to his father.
What strengths has she given him?
🧡She shows him how to say no when being forced against your will
🧡She shows him to go after what you want
🧡She defends his name, reminds him of his self-worth
🧡She tells him to create what he wants but didn't have
🧡She gives him comfort when he suffers
🧡She teaches him self-sacrifice is often unnecessary
🧡She teaches him to live for himself, not for others
🧡She helps him reconnect with his own feelings, so that he can open up and reach out, removing the invisible wall he has built
In short, she has cared for his mental and emotional well-being and empowered him, turning him from a victim to a whole, independent person. And he's clearly aware of this change. This is the most beautiful and powerful moment of the series.
Credit not only to Oh Mijoo but also to Ki Seongyeom, for he’s an intelligent, wise, sensitive and courageous man. He learns fast, is willing to improve himself and puts what he learned into practice.
I'm rarely so obsessed with a fictional couple. I love this couple forever.
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