SEOUL, December 19, 2025 — Ji Chang-wook, the prolific actor known for his action roles, is ready for a change of pace—and he’s deeply grateful to the stunt teams who make those roles possible. The star revealed his desire to step back from the action genre following the physically demanding production of the Disney+ series ‘Sculpture City.’
A Grueling Shoot and a Debt of Gratitude
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The actor discussed the challenges of filming action sequences and his appreciation for the often-unseen work of stunt performers.
During a recent interview at a café in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Ji Chang-wook emphasized his gratitude toward the action team. “Stunt doubles, who perform many dangerous scenes on behalf of the actors, cannot be insured, so I was very grateful,” he said. He explained the emotional weight of witnessing the risks taken by his colleagues, adding, “After all, stunt doubles are human, so wouldn’t it be painful? Seeing things like that makes me sad and I’m always grateful to the action team.” The action choreography in ‘Sculpture City,’ he noted, wasn’t aiming for realism, requiring extensive collaboration to ensure clarity for viewers.
Prison Scenes and Physical Toll
The actor pinpointed the prison scenes as particularly challenging. “It was emotionally taxing, and there were a lot of scenes where I got hit and rolled, so it was very difficult (physically),” he shared, noting that the action sequences involving Yang Dong-geun and his gang, as well as those in the prison infirmary, took five days to film. He even lost weight during the shoot, with crew members commenting on his increasingly gaunt appearance. “I didn’t check my weight, but the staff also told me a lot that it seemed like I lost weight,” he laughed.
Filming at the control tower set also presented unique hurdles. “We built a set and filmed only that part,” Ji Chang-wook explained, “We deliberately created and directed the wind.”
What makes a compelling action scene? According to Ji Chang-wook, it’s about more than just physicality. He described a complex car chase sequence where he and another actor collaborated in an unusual way. “I filmed it in breaks to make it look like a long take,” he said. “I acted thinking that the other actor was not holding the camera and that the camera itself was the other actor.”
Character Distinctions and Co-Star Chemistry
‘Sculpture City’ expands on the world established in the 2017 film ‘Fabricated City,’ but Ji Chang-wook was quick to emphasize the distinct nature of his character. “While Kwon Yoo was an unemployed former athlete, Park Tae-joong is a person who represents ordinary people who live sincerely, so it is different from the beginning,” he explained. “Park Tae-joong is a person who saves lives by touching the dirt.” He added that Kwon Yu had a youthful freshness, while Park Tae-joong possessed a more seasoned skill set.
The actor praised his co-stars, particularly Yang Dong-geun, with whom he worked for the first time. “The character of Yeo Deok-soo was very impressive. When I looked at senior Yang Dong-geun behind the monitor, I wondered if those were human eyes,” he said. He also highlighted the enjoyable dynamic with Lee Gwang-soo, whose character Baek Do-kyung felt like a “reliable ally.” He found Do Kyung-soo’s portrayal of a villain particularly unsettling. “Sometimes Kyungsoo’s eyes would roll back. I was so scared that I thought what would happen if he hit me with that thing. (Laughs)” he recalled, referring to a tense confrontation in episode 12.
Looking Ahead: ‘Merry Berry Love’ and Season Two?
Ji Chang-wook’s next project is the Disney+ series ‘Merry Berry Love,’ a romantic comedy that he previewed alongside Mio Imada at ‘Disney+ Original Preview 2025’ in Hong Kong last November. The series follows a Korean designer who finds himself on a remote Japanese island and encounters a strawberry farmer. It marks his first foray into Japanese television.
He acknowledged the cultural differences in production styles. “Japanese and Korean productions have very different tendencies and cultures,” he said, “So, I am working with a new mindset while being more careful.” He expressed curiosity about audience reception to the romantic comedy, adding, “It’s a romantic comedy about two people who don’t communicate well, and I’m curious how people will view it. I’m working with the thought that I don’t want to be embarrassed about the work I participated in.”
‘Sculpture City’ achieved notable viewership, briefly ranking second in the Disney+ Worldwide Top 10 TV Shows category on FlixPatrol, a site tracking online video service rankings.
- Ji Chang-wook is seeking a break from action roles after the demanding shoot for ‘Sculpture City.’
- He expressed deep gratitude for the work and risks taken by stunt performers.
- The actor praised the chemistry with his co-stars, particularly Yang Dong-geun and Do Kyung-soo.
- His next project, ‘Merry Berry Love,’ is a romantic comedy set in Japan.
