Jo In Sung is drawing attention after revealing that he performed physically demanding action scenes for the film “Hope” despite receiving a warning from his doctor.
A newly released behind the scenes video shows the actor preparing for his role as Seong Gi, a young man who takes on different jobs to earn money in the village of Hopo Port.
Jo In Sung described Seong Gi as “a character with a strong survival instinct who desperately struggles to stay alive.”
For the role, the actor filmed difficult chase scenes in Romania’s Retezat Mountains and on wide roads. He also completed challenging horseback sequences, including firing a long rifle while riding at high speed.
Jo In Sung said he knew the project would require serious commitment.
“I knew I had to enter a project like this with great determination,” he shared. “I used all the energy I had and treated every scene as something important.”
His action performance has received praise from both international media and Korean filmmakers. One international review said Jo In Sung brought “intense energy” to the role, while another described his horseback scene as “the best sequence in the movie.”
Director Lee Chang Dong also praised the actor during a special discussion with director Na Hong Jin on July 14.
“The scene where Seong Gi rides across on a horse cannot simply be described as entertaining. It was crazy,” Lee Chang Dong said.
He added, “Without Jo In Sung, it would have been difficult for the film to create such an important center of gravity. He was truly amazing.”
Jo In Sung later revealed that he had previously undergone surgery and had been advised to avoid intense running and jumping.
“My doctor told me not to run,” he explained. “Light jogging is fine, but he said running and jumping would not be good for the rest of my life.”
Because “Hope” required demanding action, Jo In Sung openly told Na Hong Jin about his condition and even suggested that the director consider another actor.
“I thought a healthier actor might be better,” he said. “I did not want the quality of the movie to become lower because of me.”
However, Na Hong Jin reportedly reassured him, saying, “That will not happen. Do not worry, and let us do it.”
Jo In Sung recalled with a laugh, “As I kept going, I ended up coming this far. Once I arrived on set, how could I not do it?”
The actor explained that he accepted “Hope” because he wanted to continue challenging himself instead of making only safe choices.
“I would rather fail while trying something new,” he said. “Even if a new challenge does not work, I think it is better than always choosing the safe option.”
Jo In Sung added that he read the script and quickly decided to join the project, knowing that working with Na Hong Jin would require him to push himself to the limit.
With his intense horseback scenes and strong commitment to the role, Jo In Sung’s performance is becoming one of the most discussed parts of “Hope.”
