Jung Kyung Ho On Crash Course In Romance & Playing Chi Yeol

A super popular yet haughty Math tutor who can ace any formula is a complete rookie when it comes to the algorithm of love. Studio Dragon’s latest “Crash Course In Romance” has emerged a top favourite amongst viewers for its heart-warming storyline. The drama set against the backdrop of S Korea’s hyper competitive education system, goes beyond being just another peppy rom-com.

Jung Kyung Ho’s Choi Chi Yeol is the most sought after tutor at the Pride Academy, and he is well aware of his star status. As ambitious mothers take recourse to every possible means to get their children enrolled in his classes, he also has a cadre of besotted fans vying for his attention. But his imperfectly perfect workaholic existence is shaken by the arrival of a cheery and down to earth side dish store owner Haeng Seon (Jeon Do Yeon).

If you think romance and being cute is for the young and restless, well think again our so called older couple Chi Yeol and Haeng Seon give us some toe curling awww moments.

Actor Jung Kyung Ho best remembered for his portrayal of the curt cardio surgeon Kim Jun Wan in “Hospital Playlist” has had to his credits popular dramas such as “ Missing Nine”, “Prison Playbook” and “When The Devil Calls Your Name” to name a few.

In an exclusive with GOODTiMES, the actor gets candid about Crash Course In Romance, teaching Math and more.

GT: Firstly many congratulations for such a heartwarming show. How good were you in math in school? Did you enjoy the subject or did numbers scare you? Seeing your character Chi Yeol for whom no formula or problem is difficult to crack, was it fun?

Jung Kyung Ho :During school, my math grades were not that bad. But now, I am scared to say so. (laughs) Being “Chi Yeol” was a very fun and happy experience, but math was always difficult.

GT. What drew you to this drama and your character? How did you delve into the mind space of a workaholic math whiz like him? What was most challenging about playing him?

Jung Kyung Ho :First of all, the fact that I would work with writer Yang Hee-seung, director Yu Je-won, and co-star Jeon Do Yeon made it an easy decision. To learn more about “Chi Yeol,” I listened to lectures of actual A-list instructors, searched for online videos about them, and spoke with the director many times. More importantly, it was my first time writing on chalkboards, so I put extra care into my handwriting.

GT: Korean Dramas are popular all over the world. Is it exciting and a challenging time for actors as new stories, content are being created?

Jung Kyung Ho :As an actor, it is very exciting. Every time there are new productions, different types of characters are created, and new opportunities follow up. Meeting new directors and writers for the first time is always exciting. But honestly, nothing is easy and there are always challenges, but happiness comes with.

GT: Kim Jun Wan of Hospital Playlist or Choi Chi Yeol of Crash Course in Romance? Which one is the character closest to you and was the easiest or toughest to play?

Jung Kyung Ho :Since I have spent more time playing ‘Kim Jun Wan,’ Kim Jun Wan was Jung Kyung Ho and Jung Kyung Ho was Kim Jun Wan. But of course, I tried to be myself when playing Choi Chi Yeol, too. Acting is always difficult so it makes me continuously think about what I am best at.

GT: As an actor what’s your process and method in choosing characters and stories? Has it changed over the years?

Jung Kyung Ho: There is not much of a change. More than just looking at the story, I consider the co-stars, directors, and writers as well. Making good projects with good people is what I think most important.

Crash Course In Romance is currently streaming on Netflix.

Picture credits: Studio Dragon