Choi Hyunwook vs. Choi Minsik Acting Showdown

The production presentation for the Netflix original series 'The Boy at the End of the Line' was held on the 24th at a hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Lead actors Choi Min-sik and Choi Hyun-wook, along with director Kim Gyu-tae, attended and discussed the project. 'The Boy at the End of the Line' is a suspense drama that tells the story of Heo Mun-oh (played by Choi Min-sik), a failed writer and Korean literature professor, who discovers the genius of Lee Kang (played by Choi Hyun-wook), a student sitting at the very back of the lecture hall, and becomes obsessed with his writing. The series is based on the play of the same name by Spanish writer Juan Mayorga, and directed by Kim Gyu-tae.

Director Kim Gyu-tae said that when he first read the script, he "read it in an instant at a very fast pace," adding, "The writer's writing style itself is easy and concise, and it's a work with the power to make viewers curious about the next episode and have unpredictable developments." He also added, "I felt ambitious as a director because it has both popular appeal and artistic merit."

Actor Choi Min-sik plays Heo Mun-oh, a failed writer and Korean literature professor, while Choi Hyun-wook plays Lee Kang, a university student in the engineering department with outstanding writing skills. Choi Min-sik cited his reason for choosing the project as, "I missed works with a literary scent," and said, "Heo Mun-oh's situation felt like my own story, so it could be a bit startling, and I liked that viewers could also relate to themselves." He added, "The dynamic between student and teacher is far from the current trend, which made it feel fresh."

Choi Hyun-wook cited director Kim Gyu-tae and senior actor Choi Min-sik as the biggest draws for choosing the project, stating, "I was instantly drawn in when I encountered the script." Regarding the character of Lee Kang, he said, "I tried to express reactions within restrained expressions," and added, "I hope viewers will follow along to the point where they can't tell what this character is thinking."

Director Kim Gyu-tae praised Choi Min-sik, saying, "He was someone I had always wanted to work with as a director, and on set, he created a cheerful atmosphere while showing both the innocence of a pure boy and the wisdom of a liberated adult." He added, "As a fan, it felt like watching an artist perform live." Regarding Choi Hyun-wook, he commented, "He was a peculiar character, but he was perfect for the role," and praised him by saying, "His eyes alone create suspense."