[Interview] Cast of 'CONFIDENCE QUEEN' Discusses Their Characters, Park Min Young Willing to Learn to Smoke

Kapanlagi.com - CONFIDENCE QUEEN is one of the Korean dramas worth waiting for its release this September. The story revolves around three con artists from different backgrounds who collaborate in a bold and adventurous plan to take revenge on the criminals of this era. Even more interesting, there is Park Min Young as one of the main cast members.

Recently, KapanLagi had the chance to participate in a roundtable interview with the three main cast members of CONFIDENCE QUEEN, namely Park Min Young, Park Hee Soon, and Joo Jong Hyuk. Let's check out the results of the interview with these charming 'three con artists'!

1. What is one characteristic of your role in this series that you would like to have?

Park Hee-soon: For me, I like the idea of being able to disguise myself as many different characters. Even though in real life I have no problem blending in, I think it would be really fun to take on another role, maybe imitating someone else. I believe it would be a thrilling yet enjoyable experience.

Park Min-young: As for me, Yun Yi-rang is a very smart, intelligent, and quick learner in everything. So I want to be a little bit smarter than my current self.

Joo Jong-hyuk: For me, perhaps empathy.

2. What have you realized about yourself while working on this series?

Park Hee-soon: For me, the character has to wear a lot of costumes that are somewhat old-fashioned and tacky, but it turns out that when I wear them, they actually look good on me. So I realized, oh, it turns out that style actually suits me.

Park Min-young: As for me, in this drama I started learning to smoke cigars for the character's needs. Strangely, I feel that it suits me quite well. So it was an interesting experience. Now I don’t smoke anymore, but it really became a memorable experience.

Joo Jong-hyuk: For me, I had to dress up as a woman. Honestly, at first I was doubtful that I could look convincing because I have an Adam's apple and quite masculine facial features. But it turns out the result was quite good too.

3. Can you tell me what the atmosphere was like on set? Did you enjoy pranking each other off-camera? If not, maybe you could share some funny bloopers or behind-the-scenes stories while filming?

Joo Jong-hyuk: It seems like none of us intentionally pranked each other while filming, but we did have a lot of fun together and joked around. I remember one day, the day before filming I ate a lot, so during the shoot my stomach was a bit bloated. My abs weren't visible, and they were making a big deal about it, constantly teasing me.

Park Min-young: I've played in various productions and drama titles, and usually, Korean male actors are very careful about their body shape, right? But there was one scene where I had to stick a plaster on his body, and all I can say is that his body shape that day felt very natural, not fabricated. It was funny, actually quite adorable.

Joo Jong-hyuk: That's normal.

Park Hee-soon: You'll understand this when you watch the series, but our three characters have different backgrounds and come from different age groups. But even so, they can become very close. And I think that happens to the three of us in real life as well. We really had a lot of fun, laughed together, chatted for a long time, and that chemistry just carried over to the screen every time the camera started rolling. So I think that's how we built our chemistry.

4. Just like Yi-rang, you are known to be intelligent. Do you have any secrets to staying sharp? Did you used to enjoy studying?

(credit: Prime Video)

Park Min-young: Among all my family members, I might have the lowest IQ. It seems that since I was little, whenever there are certain things that I am really interested in and focus on, like figuring out what happens in a mystery drama, anything I like I definitely pursue until the end. But to be honest, lately I prefer to live comfortably, so I am much more relaxed than before. And I feel like I'm not as smart as the character Yi-rang.

5. What are your impressions of each other after working together?

Park Hee-soon: For Min-young, I feel she is someone who knows exactly how to capture the important things in certain situations. She is very good at reading the flow of the drama and the character's journey. She knows what is important to portray her character and how to maintain it. I think she is very capable of seeing the key points and keeping them. As for Jong-hyuk, he has a very strong foundational ability, so whatever the situation, he never looks nervous or confused. I think, even though he is still young, he is very skilled in that regard.

Park Min-young: For me, at the beginning when we just started shooting, I thought Hee-soon and Jong-hyuk were very different from each other. But during the production process, I realized they are actually very similar. It feels like they are distant cousins. I feel that, both in their emotional expressions and the way they portray their characters through their gazes and gestures, it is very impressive, and I really like it. You know, it's often said that the quality of acting also depends on our co-stars. And I feel very lucky to be acting alongside both of them.

Joo Jong-hyuk: For me, whenever I encounter something that feels difficult or when I feel stuck, both of them provide a lot of ideas. And usually, those ideas are always beyond my expectations, things I didn't predict or that I overlooked. So I am very grateful for their input and support, and I am happy to know that my co-stars are people who can see the bigger picture, not just focused on their own characters. What I can say is that I rely a lot on them, and they are really very supportive.

6. Why did you decide to star in Confidence Queen?

(credit: Prime Video)

Park Min-young: As many people know, I am often seen as an actress who is synonymous with the rom-com genre. In fact, there are only about three titles in my career that are truly rom-com. I have always had a thirst to try other genres. When I read this script, I felt that the character offered was truly amazing, to the point that it seems there is no actress who wouldn't be interested in playing it. On the casting side as well, I have long said that I am a huge fan of Hee-soon, so being able to work with him is a huge plus. Besides that, I have also been following Jong-hyuk's career, and after working with him, all I can say is that he is truly adorable. With everyone involved in this project, we are really pouring our hearts and souls into it. So that’s the reason I was interested in starring in this drama.

Park Hee-soon: For me too, because I have played many tough and intense characters, I feel that at this point in my career I want to do something different. I also have a thirst for that. I want to try comedy and transform into a different character. And since this drama has both elements, I was happy to join this project. Plus, with Min-young as the lead, I think she is an actress who can truly be the center of the story as well as an amazing co-worker. So that’s my reason for accepting this drama.

Joo Jong-hyuk: For me, I see a lot of possibilities in my character. I feel that through this character I can showcase many different sides. Although I was a bit worried, this is a challenge that I really want to take on. But more importantly, when I heard that the two actors sitting next to me were also part of the project, I immediately wanted to join. I want to be part of this team and create something extraordinary together.

7. How do you want this series to be remembered, especially regarding revenge and doing good?

Park Hee-soon: It is true that themes like revenge or justice are present in this story, but I don't think that's the main theme. As I mentioned earlier, it's more about: is your life boring? Too monotonous? Don't you want to laugh? Well, that’s the essence we really want to offer. So when you watch, you laugh, and then share that excitement with your friends. And I think, as the story progresses, deeper themes will flow in naturally.

Park Min-young: I think this aligns with what Hee-soon just said, although our drama is a caper series, it’s not about violence, weapons, or showcasing violence just for the sake of violence. On the contrary, this drama presents it in a funny, enjoyable, and fresh way. The audience will feel satisfied seeing these villains defeated. Especially now that the weather is hot, humid, and so many things are happening in the world. I think this show will feel very refreshing.

Joo Jong-hyuk: As they both said, this series is a comedy. So I hope the audience looks forward to what disguises they will wear, what performances they will showcase, and how they will take down the villains. I hope people can enjoy it with a light heart.

8. What advice do you think your character would give to someone who lacks self-confidence?

(credit: Prime Video)

Park Hee-soon: I think if you're feeling a lack of self-confidence, one way to boost it is by doing a makeover, maybe trying a new look. Because as actors, when we step into characters with certain disguises or costumes, it gives us the confidence to be someone different. It also helps us in acting. So if you're lacking confidence and there's someone you want to emulate or admire, maybe try changing your appearance a bit, even to the point of looking somewhat like that person. I think that could help boost your self-confidence.

Park Min-young: In my opinion, when you're at a point where your self-esteem feels low, sometimes the best way is just to do something right away. I don't know if this translates well into other languages, but what I mean is, if you think too much; your mind, body, and heart feel full; sometimes, by not overthinking and just taking action, it can help clear your mind.

Joo Jong-hyuk: I think if his character, Gu-ho, meets someone who lacks self-confidence, he might not say much. He would approach that person, maybe invite them for a drink, and then start talking about great things about that person so they can see themselves from a different perspective. Do you agree with that advice?

9. You Can Watch Here!

CONFIDENCE QUEEN can be watched starting September 6, 2025, on Prime Video. Check out some of the interviews below:

(kpl/pit)