By Honorary Reporter Volga Serin Suleymanoglu from Turkiye (Turkey)
Photos = Alex Hafner

Actor Alex Hafner plays astronaut Santiago Santi Gonzalez Garcia in the K-drama "When the Stars Gossip."

Previously appearing in the Hollywood production "The Counselor" (2013) with Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz and Brad Pitt, the Spanish American discusses his international background and experience in filming a K-drama.

The following are excerpts from an email interview with him from Jan. 9-15.

Alex Hafner (center) poses for a photo with fellow cast members Gong Hyo-jin (right) and Lee Min-ho (left) on the set of “When the Stars Gossip.”

Briefly introduce yourself.
I'm a Spanish-American actor with an international background. My experiences living and working abroad have allowed me to speak English, Spanish, German and French. Most recently, my work on "When the Stars Gossip" has inspired me to learn Korean.

What about playing your character Santiago intrigued you the most?
I felt both excitement and gratitude when offered the role; you're not offered a role in a K-drama every day. What intrigued me most was the balance between Santiago's competence as an astronaut and his emotional vulnerability. Despite his professional exterior, he struggles with deep questions about connection, ambition and belonging. That complexity made him feel authentic and relatable, and I couldn't wait to explore his character.

This scene features Alex Hafner as Santiago and Heo Nam-joon as Lee Sung-jun.

How was working with the Korean cast?
Working with Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin and the rest of the talented cast was a privilege. From day one, they made me feel welcome and I was inspired by their professionalism and warmth. Despite the language barrier, we connected through storytelling, which transcended words.

The balance of consideration and practicality in Korean culture made every interaction harmonious. The experience made me not only a better actor but gave me a deeper understanding of Korean culture.

Alex Hafner poses for photos with his cast mates.

What was an unexpected challenge while filming?
The zero-gravity scenes. Spending hours suspended on wires or in harnesses was physically exhausting and required immense focus to maintain a fluid, weightless movement. Beyond the physicality, I had to ensure my performance remained natural and authentic, even as my body ached. Overcoming this challenge was incredibly rewarding.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Stay curious and resilient and embrace the process of self-discovery. For those in the industry dreaming of appearing in a K-drama, immerse yourself in the culture, learn the language, study the storytelling traditions, and approach every opportunity with humility and openness.

K-dramas demand authenticity, and the more you connect with the culture, the more you can bring to your performance.

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 Korean.