South Korean actor Kim Ji-hoon (김지훈), known for his sharp features and dubbed a "sculpted handsome man," has earned acclaim for his acting prowess, particularly his ability to convey complex inner emotions through subtle expressions and gestures. He recently returned with the new drama, It's Not an Affair Anymore, which featured intimate scenes from its premiere, garnering significant audience attention. Concurrently, a past interview where he openly discussed the behind-the-scenes details of filming a high-intensity bed scene for Netflix's Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area has resurfaced, with netizens expressing surprise at his frankness.
Kim Ji-hoon previously appeared on a YouTube web show, engaging in a relaxed conversation about his life and acting career with host Jang Sung-kyu (장성규). The episode was filmed at Kim's home in Seongsu-dong. During the discussion about his breakthrough performances, he shared detailed insights into a particularly explicit intimate scene from Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area for the first time.
Jang Sung-kyu directly asked, "I've seen your full-frontal nude scene. How did you feel at the time?" Kim Ji-hoon laughed and replied, "That was my first and last bed scene in my life." He explained that because the original series had a high level of intensity, the production team decided to recreate the source material as closely as possible. This involved extensive communication and detail confirmation with the crew beforehand. However, once filming began, the process was highly efficient and completed quickly.
When discussing how to avoid awkwardness during intimate scenes, Jang Sung-kyu also directly posed a question that audiences are often curious about: what happens if an actor experiences a physiological reaction during filming? Kim Ji-hoon chuckled and responded, "Even if a steel cable came, it wouldn't break through." He further explained that during such scenes, actors have numerous things to focus on, including blocking, camera angles, expressions, and movements, leaving no room to get lost in emotion.
He also uncharacteristically revealed the type of covering male actors use during intimate scenes, describing it as a large, sanitary pad-like barrier secured with tape, "like wearing a diaper." He added that in most cases, actors handle this themselves, without assistance from staff. Jang Sung-kyu exclaimed in surprise upon hearing this, "That's incredibly detailed!"
Additionally, Jang Sung-kyu mentioned that the two actors' expressions on screen appeared very immersed, making the scene feel incredibly real to viewers. Kim Ji-hoon emphasized that these expressions were entirely planned and rehearsed acting, not genuine immersion in pleasurable emotions.
He further explained that while action scenes typically have martial arts choreographers, intimate scenes lack a similar "intimacy director." Instead, actors primarily communicate and coordinate with each other, completing the scene after multiple rehearsals.
When the host jokingly asked if there was a specialized "sex director" for intimate scenes, Kim Ji-hoon laughed and denied it, stating, "There's no such thing. It's entirely coordinated between the actors."
He also admitted that while viewers might perceive the actors as deeply involved, for the actors themselves, their focus during filming is entirely on "what effect to present," rather than enjoying the moment.
After this interview regained attention, many netizens praised Kim Ji-hoon for his candid answers, commenting, "This is what everyone has always been curious about," "He even revealed details about the covering, that's incredible," "The calmer he spoke, the more shocking it was," and "Thanks to Jang Sung-kyu for asking the questions we wanted to know."
Furthermore, Kim Ji-hoon revealed in the program that his overseas fanbase significantly increased after Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area aired. He noted that judging by comments and direct messages, Brazilian fans accounted for approximately 80% of his new followers, which greatly surprised hosts Tak Jae-hoon (탁재훈) and Shin Kyu-jin (신규진).
