Speaking at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, actor Choi Hyun Wook reflected on the release of Notes from the Last Row, which premiered on Netflix on June 26.
The psychological suspense series follows Heo Moon Oh (played by Choi Min Sik), a failed novelist and Korean literature professor who becomes obsessed with the extraordinary writing talent of Lee Kang (Choi Hyun Wook), a mysterious student sitting in the back row of his classroom. As their unconventional literary mentorship deepens, the story unfolds through unpredictable twists and psychological tension.
Directed by Kim Kyu Tae, known for The Trunk, Our Blues, and It’s Okay, That’s Love, the series generated significant anticipation thanks to the collaboration between Choi Min Sik and rising star Choi Hyun Wook.
According to streaming analytics platform FlixPatrol, Notes from the Last Row entered the Netflix Top 10 in 32 countries within just three days of its release. The series ranked among the most-watched titles in South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Greece, Morocco, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and several other territories.
Reflecting on the positive response, Choi Hyun Wook shared: “I was both nervous and excited before the release. Since we filmed it last summer, it feels refreshing to finally see it out. We gave it our all while filming, and now that audiences can watch it, I feel relieved.”
He added that he had been checking viewers’ reactions online. “I’ve seen many people enjoying it, and I’m truly grateful. It’s interesting that audiences are interpreting the story from so many different perspectives.”
One scene that has generated particular attention depicts an imagined intimate encounter between Lee Kang and Professor Heo Moon Oh’s wife, played by Jin Kyung.
Choi Hyun Wook emphasized that the sequence exists entirely within Moon Oh’s imagination and reflects the professor’s increasingly distorted psychological state. “Moon Oh’s fantasies become nightmares depending on how he sees Kang. Everything happens in his imagination, so I thought the kiss scene and the bed scene naturally fit the script.”
When asked whether he felt nervous filming an intimate scene with Jin Kyung because of their nearly 30-year age difference, Choi Hyun Wook said age was never a consideration on set. Instead, he explained that he, director Kim Kyu Tae, and Jin Kyung had extensive discussions beforehand about how to make the fantasy sequence convincing for viewers. “Even though there’s an age difference, I only thought about our acting chemistry. We focused on how to make viewers immerse themselves in Moon Oh’s imagination. I didn’t feel pressured at all. I think we worked really well together.”
Asked if Jin Kyung had given him any specific advice, Choi Hyun Wook smiled and praised his co-star’s professionalism. “We focused entirely on that scene. She made me feel comfortable, and I simply followed her lead. I’m very grateful to her.”
Notes from the Last Row debuted on Netflix on June 26 across more than 190 countries, bringing together an acclaimed cast led by Choi Min Sik, Choi Hyun Wook, and Jin Kyung. The suspense drama continues to gain traction internationally as viewers praise its layered storytelling, psychological themes, and standout performances.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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