The End of The Last Line Boy: Hidden Meanings Revealed

The Netflix series <The 8 Show> is a suspense drama that tells the story of Heo Mun-oh (Choi Min-sik), a failed writer and Korean literature professor, who discovers the genius of Lee Kang (Choi Hyun-wook), a student in the back row of his lecture hall, and becomes obsessed with writing. The work is based on the play 'The Boy in the Back Row' by Spanish writer Juan Mayorga and adapted from the film directed by François Ozon. While the original play and film focused on literary sentiment, ethics, and voyeuristic instincts, the Korean series emphasizes a thriller-like suspense that delves into the raw truth by focusing on the weight of words.

Choi Min-sik initially had reservations about the dark and serious atmosphere of the work, but expressed his thoughts upon its release, saying, "I think they responded to the intention of the work." He admitted that he didn't have high expectations for a literary-style work in an era accustomed to fast-paced narratives. However, he hoped that the story would spark much discussion through the portrayal of a person consumed by twisted desires, and expressed satisfaction with the heated debates and criticisms that followed.

Heo Mun-oh is a pathetic man consumed by a sense of failure, showing inferiority complex towards his successful friend Kim Su-hoon (Heo Joon-ho) and obsession with his first love Ahn Eun-ju (Kim Yun-jin). He also neglects his devoted wife Jo Hyeon-sook (Jin Kyung), leading to the ruin of their relationship. Choi Min-sik introduced Heo Mun-oh as a character trapped by complexes that are not easily understood, interpreting him as someone who has strayed from the ethics of an intellectual, professor, and creator. He explained that Heo Mun-oh's outward desire for success is mixed with his ambition as a writer, and that his fascination with Lee Kang's unique writing style stems from his desire for writing. He particularly described the situation that unfolds after discovering that Lee Kang is Kim Su-hoon's family as a "complete disaster party."

Choi Min-sik explained that for Heo Mun-oh, Kim Su-hoon was the person who belittled him and his writing, and the catalyst that led to his downfall. Regarding his husband Heo Mun-oh's qualities, he said, "How can others measure the weight of each person's pain?" and stated that only Heo Mun-oh himself could understand his pain. As an actor, he confessed that although Heo Mun-oh objectively appears to be a madman, he felt pity and wanted to embrace him.

Choi Min-sik revealed, "I am happiest when I am working." He has consistently pursued his acting career across theater, drama, film, and OTT platforms, and has continued to be driven by his passion for acting, even amidst changes in the media landscape. He shared that he remains happy regardless of whether he likes or dislikes acting, and that he acts for the meaning and happiness of his life. While he doesn't feel compelled to transform in his next project, he expressed his aspiration to break through his limits and move forward.