This year, it'll have been 15 years since the Korean film “Welcome to Dongmakgol” came out. A cultural phenomenon, and more than eight million South Koreans flocked to the movie theatres to see the movie, making it the most successful movie of that year. We were lucky enough to talk with American actor Steven Taschler, who plays the American lead in the movie, Neil Smith. Taschler, who got the role by submitting his headshot and resume back in the United States and later auditioned in an empty warehouse, had no idea what he was getting into when he arrived in Korea.
What were your thoughts about going to South Korea to make this movie?
“I didn't know much about Korean cinema at the time and none of us really knew how big “Welcome to Dongmakgol” would become, especially me. It was a wonderful surprise when it was so well received all over the world. The cast and crew were amazing. They did a fantastic job and it shows.”
Filming went on for about six months, how did those months feel for you?
It was hard work but worth every minute. It was lonely, but very fulfilling as well. Everyone on set was absolutely amazing. There was definitely a language barrier, as I didn't speak any Korean at the time. I did my best while there, to learn everything I could to get by. In the end, we were always able to communicate no matter how many words or charades it would take to get the point across. We made a lot of amazing bonds. We were in some crazy conditions for the shoot, whether it was the rain, wind, heat, or freezing cold, so we got real close and took care of each other throughout.
You haven't done a feature film since “Welcome To Dongmakgol”, why is that?
The movie didn't get a huge response in the States so I didn't either. I came back to LA in the same position as when I left. It was disappointing.
Were, or are you, ever recognized?
People don't recognize me anymore. I look so much older now. There were a few times after the film was released that people recognized me in Korea Town in LA, but it hasn't happened since.
What are some of your more memorable moments from the movie?
Of course, the toilet scene where I fell through the dirty hole into the pig pen was a big laugh on set. It was the only nudity in the film and became a huge spectacle. The women on set were more embarrassed than I was. They cracked me up. We all had a great time with that shoot.
Have you kept any lasting relationships with the people of that shoot?
I still keep in contact with a handful of people. Social media makes it so easy. We message each other here and there. My brother, Joong Kim, who casted me and had his hands in every aspect of the film is still my brother. We chat a few times a year. I really hope to make it to Korea in the next couple years. It would be amazing to see everyone.
The movie had a huge response in South Korea, how did you personally feel about it?
I first saw the movie when I went back to Korea for the film release. Joong Kim brought me to the theater to see it. I was in awe! It was so amazing to see it for the first time on the big screen. It exceeded all of my expectations. I had to turn my head a couple times during my scenes but I got over it by the end. As the credits started rolling, people all around me started recognizing me. By the time I got out of the theater. I was surrounded by people taking pictures and asking for autographs. It was a very surreal moment and an amazing welcome back to Korea.
How did you feel about your own performance?
I've always been the hardest judge on myself, so I have a ton of horrible things to say about my performance. There are a ton of things I would change in hindsight, but I still love the movie in its entirety.
Since 2005, the Korean cinema industry has only grown further and further, how do you feel about this development?
Korean movies have come so far. It's amazing. I'm so happy to have ever been a part of it all. They are just so much more creative, lately, than American cinema. Korean film makers are risk takers and it's paying off. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
It's been 15 years since the movie came out, how do you look back at it?
Wow, it's been 15 years. That's crazy. If I could do it all over again of course I would. There are so many things I would do differently. Overall, it was a wonderful time. I learned so much about myself and about Korea. Korea is always in my heart. I always have a jar of Kimchi in my fridge now, so I'll probably live longer because of my Korean family.
