Chae Jong Hyeop shares thoughts regarding his new character in the upcoming K-drama "Love All Play" as he graced Harper's Bazaar Korea.
The 28-year-old heartthrob flaunted his boy-next-door charms donning stylish street-style outfits for the publication's latest issue.
From Baseball to Badminton in New Drama 'Love All Play'
During the interview with Harper's Bazaar team, Chae Jong Hyeop spills more secrets about his new role and compares it between his former drama "Hot Stove League."
The rising star explained that the two characters were completely opposite despite both roles playing professional athletes.
To recall, he portrayed a skilled baseball player named Yoo Min Ho in the 2019 K-drama alongside Namgoong Min, Park Eun Bin, Oh Jung Se and more.
Meanwhile, he took on the role of badminton player Park Tae Joon, who only sees the sport as work, but his passion ignites after he wants to impress a woman named Park Ju Hyun.
Chae Jong Hyeop
Cha Jong Hyeop Talks About Preparation for 'Love All Play'
Although this isn't the first time that Cha Jong Hyeop appeared in a sports-themed K-drama, he shared that the character was quite challenging, adding that "in terms of the preparation process," he "worked harder for the latter role" which is in "Love All Play."
The 28-year-old actor explained that he imitated how they move and play, but I wanted to act like them "as closely as possible."
To perfectly portray his character as a badminton player, Cha Jong Hyeop shared that he would "practice everything, starting with the correct way to hold the racket."
He also mentioned his previous K-drama and how his seniors prepared for "Stove League," adding that he "made up for my shortcomings back then while preparing for this drama."
IN CASE YOU MISSED: Chae Jong Hyeop Joins Park Ju Hyun in the Badminton Court in New Sports Romance Drama
Unfortunately, the actor revealed that he endured minor injuries while on the set.
Admitting that "badminton is really hard" since players use every bit of their muscles to move and repeat it over and over again, he mentioned that he got hurt while doing practice but called it "immensely satisfying," especially when he "felt the rush of endorphins" during the match scenes.
'Love All Play' Cast, Release Date and What We Know So far About Chae Jong Hyeop's New Drama
Helmed by "Justice" director Jo Woong and penned by "Tomorrow with You" screenwriter Heo Sung Hye, the upcoming K-drama follows the story of two individuals with different perspectives in badminton.
As mentioned, Park Tae Joon lacks drive and thinks of the sport as a job while aspiring Olympian Park Tae Yang, played by Park Joo Hyun, lives and breathes for badminton.
Apart from the two lead stars, the "Love All Play" cast includes Kwon So Hyun, Seo Ji Hye, Kim Moo Joon, Jo Soo Hyang and more.
According to a Korean media outlet, the production team hints at the synergy of the cast members, noting that they displayed an "amazing teamwork" and would "always discuss things with each other, debating and working hard in order to make a good drama."
Chae Jong Hyeop's new drama will air on April 20 via KBS2.
