By Honorary Reporter Eftychia Dovletoglou from Greece
Photos = Josh Newton

Actor Josh Newton has appeared in Korean dramas, movies and commercials and works on documentaries and as a teacher of English.

Josh Newton, a Canadian actor based in Korea, has appeared in the series "When I Was the Most Beautiful," "Vincenzo," "Police University," "Curtain Call" and "The Good Bad Mother" and the movies "Samjin Company English Class" and "Hunt."

He impressed me with his small role in "The Good Bad Mother," so I requested an interview with him. While vacationing in Canada, he accepted on May 8. 

The following are excerpts from the email interview from May 8-13.

Briefly give your background.
I majored in neuroscience in Canada but curiosity and adventure led me to Korea in November 2016, where I thought I'd stay for a year. I'm going on 6 1/2 years in Korea and teaching English for around 2 1/2. Acting was never a consideration until several of my students suggested it. After exploring my prospects, I made the switch and this is my fourth year in entertainment.

What was your first acting job in Korea?
"Samjin Company English Class" was my first acting job in Korea and first time on a set. I felt like I was double acting because I tried to stay calm on set and then play my character when the cameras were on. I learned so much about behaving on set from actor Go Ah-sung and try to be as professional and well-mannered as she is.

How fluent are you in Korean?
My understanding of the language is far better than my spoken ability. Korean was designed to be accessible to everyone, and I found learning the basics not too difficult but it varies by person. 

Actor Josh Newton has worked with many celebrities in Korean dramas and movies.

How was working in your first K-drama "When I Was the Most Beautiful?"
Like most jobs, I got that gig through an agency and had a short scene with lead actor Ha Seok-jin in the fifth episode as part of the main character's pit crew. He was so kind to me and ensured that I understood the scene and our timing. The crew was also cooperative and friendly.

Have you had an especially difficult moment in your acting career in Korea?
For "Hunt" (2022), I shot a scene mainly in the upper air ducts and corridors on the top floor of an auditorium during a hot summer day. It was so hot sprinting everywhere that sweat was dripping from the brim of my hat. That movie was also my first on-screen death, which made me so nervous. 

What are your impressions of Korean actors?
All Korean celebrities I've worked with have been respectful, kind, and interested in learning what it's like being an expat in Korea. 

In "Hunt," I was so nervous about the scene in which my character is killed by that played by actor Jung Woo-sung. So I asked him for advice before the scene was shot. In a kind tone, he said, "Just relax. If you relax, it'll look more real." His advice was simple but effective. 

In the drama "The Good Bad Mother," Ra Mi-ran always made me feel welcome in our scenes, and her talent and professionalism made working together very easy. Lee Do-hyun made me cry on my last day by surprising me with flowers and a gift.

Actor Josh Newton shoots scenes for a forthcoming documentary with makgeolli master brewer Kim Yong-se. 

You filmed scenes at a makgeolli (milky rice wine) brewery for a forthcoming documentary. 
I love makgeolli, and spending a day at Sinpyeong Brewery learning about and making it with master brewer Kim Yong-se was a wonderful experience. The documentary is about Korea's four seasons and foods that correspond to each season. 

What concluding message do you have for Korea.net readers?

Growing up, I was always interested in people who had lived abroad because their views were so much broader than mine. I decided to pursue this quality and it has greatly changed me. I encourage everyone to travel, learn and expand their worldviews; you never know where this will land you.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things.