'Superstar K' Singer Shines in Mediocre Sports Movie

Seo In-guk, who won the inaugural season of the popular audition show "Superstar K", recently made his film debut in "No Breathing". The movie focuses on the rivalry between two teenage swimmers as they attempt to set a record in the sport.

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Although it clearly targets young female moviegoers, critics have blasted the 118-minute film as being hackneyed and dull, more like a soap from the early 90s than a gripping melodrama. However, if the film has one saving grace, it would be Seo's standout performance, suggesting that the budding actor may have a bright future ahead in acting.

"It was definitely a challenge, because the character I played is very different from me and I had to work hard to get in shape for the swimming scenes", said Seo.

He added that his on-screen rivalry with rising star Lee Jong-suk added some pressure as Lee has a well-toned body.

"I worked hard on my physique. When guys go the gym together, there's always some rivalry in terms of who's got the best body", Seo said, adding that the hardest thing while shooting was sticking to the strict diet.

Breakfast consisted of a slice of apple and a shake. Lunch meant a chicken breast salad, and for dinner he was allowed either tofu and cucumbers, sweet potatoes, or just a few bananas. This went on for a grueling six months.

"I enjoy eating, so enduring such a strict dieting regime was really hard", he said.

Seo got his acting career off to a start by taking minor roles in several TV dramas.

Asked how he felt about the switch to acting after striving so hard to become a singer amid intense pressure and competition, he said, "I've always dreamed of being a singer, but when I started acting I found it was just as rewarding, and a lot of fun. Now both are important to me".

He said there were transferable skills between the two as singing before a live audience requires a certain degree of acting skill to win them over.