Actor Reminisces About How He Was Cast in Martin Scorsese's Latest Film

The Korean actor Nam Jeong-woo appeared in American filmmaker Martin Scorsese's latest film "Silence", which is set for release here late this month.

"Silence", an adaptation of the 1966 novel by Japanese writer Shūsaku Endō, deals with a story of a Jesuit missionary sent to 17th century Japan. Scorsese reportedly had been wanting to make the film since the late 80s, when he first read the novel.

"It's like my dreams came true when I was cast in the film", Nam said.

Nam debuted as a stage actor in 2006 and played minor parts in a couple of plays and dramas. When he heard that "Silence" was being made into a film, he sent dozens of emails to Scorsese and the casting director. He then went to New York in 2013 and visited Scorsese's office everyday for one month, but was unsuccessful in getting a role.

Two years later he went to the filming set in Taiwan and waited almost all day long with a sign saying, "I am looking for Scorsese. I will be happy with any role, be it a beggar, a passerby, or a dead man". About two weeks later he got an audition at last and was given a role as a villager.

"I was so in love with the novel that even when I went on a tour of Japan for work I always took it with me", Nam said.

Through Japanese friends, he obtained a copy of the novel in Japanese and historical records of the 17th century. He even studied Japanese dialects. "Although I had only a minor role, I am confident that I know this work better than anyone", Nam said.

"Silence" will be released here on Feb. 28.