Known for a series of hit projects including The Outlaws 2 (2022), DP (20212023), My Liberation Notes (2022), The Comments Army, Big Bet, A Killer Paradox (2024) and 2 films released in 2025 Heavenly Ever After, Nine Puzzle, Son Suk Koo is one of the most productive and mentioned Korean actors in recent years.
In a recent interview, Son Suk Koo shared his intention to temporarily rest after a period of active filming.
He said: "I am still working right now, but once I have completed what I have committed to, I plan to rest for quite a while.
Previously, I focused on appearing in as many works as possible. I learned a lot through that experience, but now I feel like it's time to focus on more meaningful aspects."
The actor added: Producing a large number of works takes a lot of time and energy. I think this is the right time to explore different expressions and make changes.
In Disney+s Nine Puzzle (9 Mysterious Sketches), Son Suk Koo plays police officer Kim Han Saem, a character that may remind audiences of his previous role as Jang Nam Gam in Netflixs A Killer Paradox.
Although both roles are police officers, their styles are significantly different. One person actively pursues mass murderers, while the other supports a crime analyst with a deep and carefully calculated view.
Son Suk Koo explained: The key is not to make a difference, but to discover them. Han Saem exists somewhere between reality and imagination. I have tried my best to achieve the right balance without going too far in any direction.
According to Son Suk Koo, he devoted all his heart to Nine Puzzle, refusing other projects during filming.
People keep asking me what Im doing, and I always answer, Just like that. It's a tightly constructed mystery, so I don't want to stand out in a distracting way.
Director Yoon Jong Bin has a clear vision and extensive experience, so all I have to do is trust him and focus on the film.
Although he is often noticed as the male lead, Son Suk Koo said he is not eager to be "one of the top".
He shared: "In the early 2000s, it was normal to have many projects focusing on men. I have never been given the number one lead role in that sense.
The Comments Army is probably the closest film to that, but even so, I was still attracted to the cast of Kim Sung Cheol, Hong Kyung, Kim Dong Hwi. I believe that efficiency comes from cooperation together.
The actor also expressed his admiration for veteran actress Kim Hye Ja, who co-starred with him in Heavenly Ever After.
I try to visit her whenever I start a new project. Her sincerity in acting inspired me. She is a person with a close connection in life and acting, Son Suk Koo said of senior Kim Hye Ja.
While preparing for his vacation, Son Suk Koo is also taking time to write a film script: "Whether people like my projects or not, if they watch, they are my number one fan.
I have dreams and plans for this break, mainly to face new challenges that I have never explored before."
