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Actor Cho Jung-seok relies on instinct when selecting projects, rather than overthinking his choices.

"I choose a role primarily based on my personal taste, and if I can naturally connect with the character and envision myself in that role," the actor said during an interview with a group of reporters in Seoul on Thursday.

His latest project, the comedy "Pilot," set for release on July 31, immediately caught his attention and sparked his interest, he said.

Actor Cho Jung-seok is seen in this photo provided by Jam Entertainment on July 18, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

In the upcoming film, Cho portrays Han Jung-woo, a former star pilot who resorts to disguising himself as a woman in a desperate bid to revive his declining career.

After losing his job due to sexist remarks, Jung-woo assumes his sister's identity to work as a pilot for an airline again. Once hired, he becomes an instant hero for a successful emergency landing. However, things spiral out of control following his -- or rather her -- newfound fame.

"Playing a woman wasn't hard for me as I've done it before," Cho said. The actor is familiar with gender-bending roles, having starred in the long-running local adaptation of the American rock musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."

"I didn't feel pressured. If I had, I probably wouldn't have taken the role."

The actor did, however, acknowledge his nervousness about starring in a comedy film and delivering a compelling performance.

"My job is all about dealing with pressure, finding new inspiration and overcoming challenges," he said.

A still from the comedy "Pilot" is shown in this file photo provided by Lotte Entertainment on June 26, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) 

Cho noticed a layer of sadness beneath the film's funny moments.

"Jung-woo lives his life too intensely. Even after losing his job and pretending to be Jung-mi, he's still overly serious. It's both funny and sad how hard he tries," he said. "The story isn't just about laughs; it makes you think about your own life."

And the 43-year-old actor found himself doing just that while working on the film.

"Looking back at my life since my 20s, I realize I've been incredibly driven. I sometimes wonder why I lived that way," he said. "But it's that dedication that has brought me to where I am now, speaking with you journalists today."

Since his 2004 debut in the musical "The Nutcracker," Cho has solidified his status as a musical actor and diversified his career across various media -- film, television and theater.

"Pilot" marks the actor's return to the big screen after five years. His last movie, the 2019 action-comedy "Exit," attracted more than 9.4 million moviegoers.

Addressing concerns about potential typecasting in comedic roles, Cho maintains a nonchalant attitude.

"I might do similar genres consecutively, or I might not. I always keep my options open like an unpredictable ball," he said, adding life isn't a binary of success and failure.

"Rather, it is either succeeding or learning."

A still from "Pilot" is shown in this image provided by Lotte Entertainment on July 18, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Written by Woo Jae-yeon