'Money Heist Korea' Cast: Actor Playing Berlin Defends Himself From Villainous Portrayals

“Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area” star Park Hae-soo, who plays the vicious and daunting heist leader Berlin, has made it clear that he's nothing like the character in real life.

When asked by NextShark why he chose to pursue antagonist roles, the 40-year-old actor immediately gave a disclaimer, telling the outlet via a translator, “Just to let you know, I’m a very good-hearted person. I’m a very pure soul.”

Prior to playing Berlin, Park appeared in another Netflix series, “Squid Game,” which remains the streamer's most popular TV title ever with 1.65 billion hours viewed, according to Variety. He portrayed Cho Sang-woo, another villain, who became the most hated character in the series when he betrayed his comrade as they fought to win the grand prize.

Park explained that he is attracted to darker roles and characters with dual personalities because he feels “free” and finds a “sense of catharsis” while playing them.

He then defended Berlin, saying that the character had more depth than what viewers have seen.

“He wants approval and reverence from others,” Park told NextShark of his “Money Heist: Korea” character. “He tries to hide the tragedy and the hurt that he has inside of him and sometimes he gets very defensive, which I can empathize with.”

“I didn’t think of him as a very, very strong person, he just tries to look tough but he has other aspects inside of him and I think that duality is something I can relate to,” he added.

Park stole the hearts of fans despite his villainous roles, but they have yet to see another side of him on-screen, one that is more carefree, fun and romantic.

South Korea is known for the K-drama romance genre, which has started to dominate Netflix’s charts as well, so when asked if he has any intention of taking on rom-com roles, Park didn’t hesitate to say yes and shared that he was waiting for the opportunity.

“Of course,” he said. “I think the most difficult kind of acting is for realistic roles, someone you can find anywhere around you, or comedian acting. So, I’m slowly beginning to wonder whether I’ll get that chance to act in romantic comedies or melodramas. I’m thinking about it, hoping for it, and waiting for that opportunity.”

Fans can see more of Park in the South Korean drama “Prison Playbook” which was released in 2017. It has a 9.0 rating on My Drama List, an 8.5 rating on IMDb and a 61% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Prison Playbook” tells a story of how a former star baseball player, Kim Je-hyuk (Park), copes with living in prison after he was charged with assault when he saved his beloved younger sister from being raped.

“Money Heist: Korea,” “Squid Game” and “Prison Playbook” are currently streaming on Netflix.